# SMPL Golf vs Retro Golf

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Retro Golf at 100% against SMPL Golf's 50%. Retro Golf also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). SMPL Golf's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Retro Golf sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. SMPL Golf asks for nothing beyond the download.

SMPL Golf holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 11 and 13 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 50% of SMPL Golf's written reviews are positive against 100% of Retro Golf's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

SMPL Golf ships an update every 2 months, Retro Golf every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | SMPL Golf | Retro Golf |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smpl-golf/id6746171849/reviews)** | [4.2 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-golf/id6757093841/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 11 | **13** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 513 MB | 63 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Edward Johnson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1650159813) | [Chris Larson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1864471334) |

## What reviewers say

### SMPL Golf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smpl-golf/id6746171849)

Experience a realistic golf simulation with intuitive one-handed controls. Master shot mechanics, course strategy, and environmental factors to conquer every hole. Play full rounds in minutes or enjoy quick sessions anytime.

**Highlights:** Intuitive drag-and-release controls, Realistic ball physics (wind, spin, lie, terrain), Strategic course navigation, One-handed gameplay, Quick 18-hole rounds, Progress saved after every swing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Retro Golf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-golf/id6757093841)

Experience classic 8-bit golf with intuitive controls and challenging courses. Master your swing with a two-tap system, navigate hazards, and aim for hole-in-ones. Unlock challenges and earn trophies in this nostalgic arcade-style game.

**Highlights:** 8-bit pixel art graphics, Intuitive two-tap swing control, Skill-based gameplay, Full 9-hole course, Challenge modes, Trophy achievements

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |
| English | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SMPL Golf free?

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

### Is Retro Golf free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SMPL Golf or Retro Golf?

SMPL Golf is rated higher. SMPL Golf averages 4.6 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while Retro Golf averages 4.2 from 13 ratings.

### Do SMPL Golf or Retro Golf have ads?

Retro Golf shows ads; SMPL Golf does not.

### Which is updated more often, SMPL Golf or Retro Golf?

SMPL Golf ships an update every 2 months, and Retro Golf every 2 weeks. Most recently, SMPL Golf was updated on November 5, 2026 and Retro Golf 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.*