# RetroArch vs Kyvo Rift

The clearest difference is ads: RetroArch at none against Kyvo Rift's shown. RetroArch also leads on device support (5 vs 2) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.1). On price, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

RetroArch ships an update weekly, Kyvo Rift every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RetroArch | Kyvo Rift |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (1.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retroarch/id6499539433/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1.9K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 69.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 652 MB | 66 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Libretro](https://appshunter.io/developer/1209876090) | [MICHEL VIGNES](https://appshunter.io/developer/1881725176) |

## What reviewers say

### RetroArch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retroarch/id6499539433)

This application serves as a versatile frontend for emulators and game engines, supporting a vast array of systems through downloadable cores. It offers advanced features like netplay, save states, and customizable controls for an enhanced gaming experience.

**Highlights:** Supports numerous gaming systems via libretro cores, Netplay for multiplayer gaming, Save states and fast forward/rewind, Controller support and key remapping, Customizable shaders and overlays, RetroAchievements integration, AI translations for games

**Features:** Game Controller support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth emulation performance
- 🎮 Wide range of supported systems
- 🕹️ Controller support
- 💯 Comprehensive emulation features
- 🔓 No ads or tracking

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤯 Steep learning curve
- 🤖 Unintuitive user interface
- 🐛 Stability issues and crashes
- 🔌 Slow loading times
- 🤷‍♂️ Inconsistent core support

**Reported bugs**

- N64 games not loading textures properly
- Crashes when changing settings or cores
- Bios files not being recognized
- Inconsistent performance across devices
- Saved settings not persisting

**Requested features**

- Add support for PS2, GameCube, and 3DS emulation
- Improve iCloud/cloud storage integration
- Implement customizable button layouts
- Add a more user-friendly setup wizard
- Provide better documentation and tutorials


### Kyvo Rift

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kyvo-rift/id6769443746)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RetroArch free?

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

### Is Kyvo Rift free?

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

### Do RetroArch or Kyvo Rift have ads?

Kyvo Rift shows ads; RetroArch does not.

### Which is updated more often, RetroArch or Kyvo Rift?

RetroArch ships an update weekly, and Kyvo Rift every 5 days. Most recently, RetroArch was updated on November 9, 2026 and Kyvo Rift on November 5, 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.*