# Write Only vs Retrotype

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Retrotype at 86% against Write Only's 33%. Retrotype also leads on rating (4.3 vs 3.6). Write Only's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs paid) and iOS requirement (5.1.1 vs 15.1). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Write Only sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Retrotype sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Retrotype holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 14 and 6 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of Write Only's written reviews are positive against 86% of Retrotype's.

Write Only ships an update every 6 weeks, Retrotype every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Write Only | Retrotype |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/write-only/id590507955/reviews) | **[4.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retrotype/id6752917326/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **14** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **85.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 6 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | **5.1.1** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [潮激 李](https://appshunter.io/developer/342075158) | [Good Loop Software LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1852855355) |

## What reviewers say

### Write Only

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/write-only/id590507955)

This app offers a distraction-free writing experience, mimicking a typewriter to help users focus on generating ideas. All content is saved permanently as a PDF, preserving formatting and layout. It features a fixed cursor for reduced errors and an extended keybar for easier access to common symbols.

**Highlights:** Typewriter-like writing experience, Permanent PDF saving, Fixed cursor for accuracy, Extended keybar, Focus on idea generation, Customizable fonts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Fonts | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited New Pages | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Retro aesthetic
- ✍️ Focused writing experience
- 😌 Peaceful typing
- 💡 Simple and beautiful UI
- 💡 Accurate typewriter simulation

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❌ Cannot delete words
- ❌ Cannot delete pages
- ❌ No save/export option
- ❌ Limited free pages
- ❌ Ads are distracting

**Reported bugs**

- Cannot backspace to remove words
- Cannot delete pages or erase
- Cannot save or export
- App crashes and deletes work
- Crashes with each delete

**Requested features**

- Add copy/paste functionality
- Add export to text option
- Add PDF conversion
- Add Russian language support
- Add Korean keyboard


### Retrotype

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retrotype/id6752917326)

Experience the satisfying feel of a classic typewriter on your device. Choose from multiple vintage models, customize sounds and visuals, and enjoy distraction-free writing with authentic haptic and audio feedback.

**Highlights:** Authentic typewriter models, Customizable sound packs, Haptic feedback, Multiple color palettes and paper themes, External keyboard support, Distraction-free writing environment

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Everything | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Write Only free?

Write Only is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Retrotype free?

Retrotype is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Write Only or Retrotype?

Retrotype is rated higher. Write Only averages 3.6 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while Retrotype averages 4.3 from 6 ratings.

### Do Write Only or Retrotype have ads?

Neither Write Only nor Retrotype shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Write Only or Retrotype?

Write Only ships an update every 6 weeks, and Retrotype every 3 months. Most recently, Write Only was updated on September 29, 2026 and Retrotype on September 20, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*