# Dot Style vs Retrospecs

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Retrospecs at 94% against Dot Style's 32%. Retrospecs also leads on rating (4.8 vs 2.5) and ads (none vs shown). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Dot Style sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Retrospecs sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Retrospecs holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Retrospecs has 367 ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 32% of Dot Style's written reviews are positive against 94% of Retrospecs's.

Dot Style ships an update every 4 months, Retrospecs every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Dot Style | Retrospecs |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.5 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dot-style-convert-to-pixel/id650104767/reviews) | **[4.8 (367 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retrospecs/id887031094/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 16 | **367** |
| Positive reviews | 32.4% of reviews | **94.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 4 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [F-NET Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/537078708) | [John Parker](https://appshunter.io/developer/887031097) |

## What reviewers say

### Dot Style

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dot-style-convert-to-pixel/id650104767)

Transform your photos into a retro pixel art style with this easy-to-use application. Adjust the pixel level for unique visual effects and save your creations. Access your camera or photo album to get started.

**Highlights:** Convert photos to pixel art, Adjustable pixel level, Camera and photo album access, Easy to use interface, Save pixel art creations

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Add Pixel of circles!   new pixel type will be added. | $0.99 | one-time |


### Retrospecs

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retrospecs/id887031094)

Transform your photos and videos into retro pixel art. Emulate the look of classic computers and consoles from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Customize your output with various graphics engines, color palettes, and fonts.

**Highlights:** Pixelate images and video clips, Emulate 40+ classic computer/console systems, Create custom graphics modes, Variety of color palettes and fonts, Supports Commodore 64, IBM PC, ZX Spectrum, Amiga, and more

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small tip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Medium tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock everything | $1.99 | one-time |
| Big tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| The king of tips | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Versatile and customizable
- 👍 Authentic retro filters
- 👍 Extensive system emulations
- 👍 Powerful editing capabilities
- 👍 Nostalgia-inducing effects

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional bugs and glitches
- 🔍 Limited image resolution
- 📏 Aspect ratio issues with some filters
- 🙈 Aggressive upgrade prompts in free version

**Reported bugs**

- Animation option not working properly
- Video import and saving issues
- Occasional image loading failures

**Requested features**

- Add more retro systems (e.g. NES, TI-99/4A)
- Improve video encoding capabilities
- Allow adjusting dithering levels
- Add support for transparent PNGs
- Implement batch processing and export options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Dot Style free?

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

### Is Retrospecs free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Dot Style or Retrospecs?

Retrospecs is rated higher. Dot Style averages 2.5 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Retrospecs averages 4.8 from 367 ratings.

### Do Dot Style or Retrospecs have ads?

Dot Style shows ads; Retrospecs does not.

### Which is updated more often, Dot Style or Retrospecs?

Dot Style ships an update every 4 months, and Retrospecs every 2 months. Most recently, Dot Style was updated on October 4, 2026 and Retrospecs on October 21, 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.*