# Penjo vs RetroSync

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: RetroSync at none against Penjo's 3. RetroSync also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Penjo sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. RetroSync asks for nothing beyond the download.

## The numbers

| Metric | Penjo | RetroSync |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (282 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/penjo-pencil-journal-planner/id6446053076/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **282** | — |
| Positive reviews | 73.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 11 days | — |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 30 MB | 214 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Zafer ARICAN](https://appshunter.io/developer/1118422608) | [Xander Bicycle Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/6773549750) |

## What reviewers say

### Penjo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/penjo-pencil-journal-planner/id6446053076)

This app allows you to handwrite notes, sketches, and plans digitally. Integrate your calendar events and reminders, then use your notes and photos to create a daily diary. Search your handwritten entries and synced across your Apple devices.

**Highlights:** Handwritten notes and sketches, Apple Calendar and Reminders integration, iCloud sync across devices, Handwriting search, Customizable journal appearance, Photo editing and manipulation, PDF export

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $2.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $19.99 | per year |
| Pro Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✍️ Excellent Apple Pencil integration and handwriting experience
- 📅 Seamless calendar and reminders integration
- 💰 One-time lifetime purchase option (no subscriptions)
- 🎨 Clean, minimalist, and intuitive user interface
- ⚡ Fast and responsive performance

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable cloud sync across multiple devices
- 💳 Confusing payment model and paywall messaging
- 🔐 Missing security features like screen lock
- 📱 Limited macOS support (Intel Macs incompatible)
- 🎨 Limited customization options for colors and themes

**Reported bugs**

- Cloud sync not working across devices despite paid subscription
- App crashes when using photo effects
- Calendar not syncing or displaying properly
- Notebooks disappearing or becoming unopenable
- Text boxes misaligning after app closure

**Requested features**

- Dark mode or black background option
- Screen lock/page lock to prevent accidental writing
- Apple Pencil advanced features (highlighter, squeeze, double-tap)
- Text formatting options (resize, color change for selected text)
- More page layout templates and line spacing options


### RetroSync

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retrosync/id6773549748)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Penjo free?

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

### Is RetroSync free?

RetroSync is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Penjo or RetroSync have ads?

Neither Penjo nor RetroSync shows ads.

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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.*