Typewrite vs Retrotype
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Typewrite
This app offers a distraction-free writing experience with a minimalist design and optional typewriter sound effects. Customize your writing environment with various fonts and easily export your work to other applications.
- Distraction-free writing interface
- Optional typewriter sound effects
- Font customization
- Plain text export
- Autosave functionality
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Typewrite is a distraction free writing machine that fits in your pocket. Its sleek and minimalist design will keep you focused, while still providing all the important features you need. With a wide range of customization options to chose from, you can craft the perfect environment to suit your writing style. Optional typewriting sound-effects are even included for some added old-fashioned ambiance! Whatever your project may be, Typewrite can help you get your ideas out of your head and onto the page. And once they're there, everything is easily exportable so you can continue revising on your computer in your favorite programs. Take a look at some of Typewrite's great features: - Typewriter sound effects: optional typing sounds help you find your flow - Font customization: choose from a variety of fonts and styles - Project export: export as a plain text file, editable by other writing apps - Autosave: projects saved automatically as you go, so you never lose your work
Retrotype
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.
- Authentic typewriter models
- Customizable sound packs
- Haptic feedback
- Multiple color palettes and paper themes
- External keyboard support
- Distraction-free writing environment
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Rediscover the joy of writing without distractions. Retrotype transforms your device into a beautiful, tactile typewriter — complete with the sounds, rhythm, and charm of the classics. CHOOSE YOUR MACHINE Four meticulously crafted typewriter models, each with a distinct personality: - Clean, timeless design. The one that started it all. - Vintage European style with warm, earthy tones. - Mid-century curves in playful pastel palettes. - Bold industrial form with exposed ribbon cartridges. MAKE IT YOURS 22+ hand-picked color palettes. 12 paper themes. 5 authentic sound packs — from the sharp snap of a classic to the soft press of a modern electric. Dial in your haptics, adjust your margins, and set your bell. FEEL EVERY KEYSTROKE Authentic sound and haptic feedback bring every key press to life. Carriage returns, margin bells, and the steady rhythm of typing pull you into a focused flow. WRITE ANYWHERE Designed for iPhone, iPad, and Mac with seamless external keyboard support. Your documents are always ready. ONE PRICE. EVERYTHING INCLUDED. Retrotype Premium is a single purchase — no subscriptions, no recurring fees. Every model, palette, sound pack, and future update is yours forever. Retrotype is a place to slow down, find your flow, and let words unfold one keystroke at a time.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Retrotype at Free against Typewrite's $1.99. Retrotype also leads on review sentiment (86% vs 50%). Typewrite's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.3) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). On ratings volume, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Retrotype is free to download; Typewrite costs $1.99 up front. Retrotype sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Typewrite asks for nothing beyond the download.
Typewrite holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 6 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 50% of Typewrite's written reviews are positive against 86% of Retrotype's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
| Parameter | Typewrite | Retrotype |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.8 (4 ratings) — better | 4.3 (6 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | 85.7% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 4 | 6 — better |
| Update frequency | — | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 27 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Nicholas Shoemaker | Good Loop Software LLC |
Customer experience
Typewrite
Retrotype
In-app purchases
Typewrite
No in-app purchases
Retrotype
- Unlock Everything$4.99









