# RetroPod vs ArcadeMania

The clearest difference is rating: ArcadeMania at 4.4 against RetroPod's 3.7. ArcadeMania also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 12 months) and review sentiment (75% vs 59%). RetroPod's advantage is monetization model (free vs paid). On price, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ArcadeMania holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 33 and 130 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 59% of RetroPod's written reviews are positive against 75% of ArcadeMania's.

RetroPod ships an update every 12 months, ArcadeMania monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RetroPod | ArcadeMania |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (33 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retropod/id6450168785/reviews) | **[4.4 (130 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arcademania/id6496971234/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 33 | **130** |
| Positive reviews | 58.5% of reviews | **74.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 12 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 10 MB | 305 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Yash Tak](https://appshunter.io/developer/1685072692) | [Infinite Evolution Technologies](https://appshunter.io/developer/382641860) |

## What reviewers say

### RetroPod

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retropod/id6450168785)

Experience the nostalgic feel of the iPod Classic with a virtual click wheel and modern streaming service integration. Control playback with intuitive gestures and customize wheel sensitivity for a personalized music experience.

**Highlights:** Virtual click wheel interface, Wheel sensitivity adjustment, Volume control via click wheel, Spotify integration, Apple Music integration, Playlist and album access

**In-app purchases:** none


### ArcadeMania

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arcademania/id6496971234)

Relive classic arcade, computer, and electronic games from over three decades. This app utilizes the MAME emulation core to support thousands of titles, offering enhanced graphics and extensive controller support for an authentic retro gaming experience.

**Highlights:** Supports 5,000+ arcade games, MAME 0.278 emulation core, Native Metal Graphics Renderer, Custom Shaders and HDR Support, Full controller support (Xbox, PS, Switch), Save States and Cheats

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth emulation
- 👍 Great UI and options
- 🎮 Flawless ROM importing and controller support
- 💰 Free with no ads or IAPs

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes on older iPad models
- 🔊 No sound or music in some games

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on iPad with iOS 16.7.11
- Crashes on iPad with iPadOS 13.5

**Requested features**

- Support for 8Bitdo Bluetooth controllers
- Fix for game mode not working


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RetroPod free?

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

### Is ArcadeMania free?

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

### Which has better reviews, RetroPod or ArcadeMania?

ArcadeMania is rated higher. RetroPod averages 3.7 out of 5 from 33 ratings, while ArcadeMania averages 4.4 from 130 ratings.

### Do RetroPod or ArcadeMania have ads?

Neither RetroPod nor ArcadeMania shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, RetroPod or ArcadeMania?

RetroPod ships an update every 12 months, and ArcadeMania monthly. Most recently, RetroPod was updated on October 24, 2026 and ArcadeMania on October 30, 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.*