Comparison

Retrotype vs WriterDeck

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Authentic typewriter models
  • Customizable sound packs
  • Haptic feedback
  • Multiple color palettes and paper themes
  • External keyboard support
  • Distraction-free writing environment
Features
Read full description

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.

About

WriterDeck

Features
Read full description

Writer Deck is a focused writing workspace designed to help you think clearly and write without distractions. Whether you're drafting ideas, journaling, or working on longer pieces, Writer Deck gives you a clean environment to stay in flow. • Distraction-free writing experience • Simple and structured workspace • Fast and lightweight • Designed for focus and clarity No clutter. No complexity. Just a place to write. Writer Deck is built for people who want to think better by writing more.

Screenshots

Retrotype3 screens
WriterDeck4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Retrotype at Free against WriterDeck's $2.99. Retrotype also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). WriterDeck's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (daily vs every 3 months). On ads 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Retrotype is free to download; WriterDeck costs $2.99 up front. Retrotype sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. WriterDeck asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Retrotype ships an update every 3 months, WriterDeck daily. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Retrotype versus WriterDeck: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRetrotypeWriterDeck
PriceFree — better$2.99
Rating4.3 (6 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews85.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings6 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsDaily — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.1 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size27 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGood Loop Software LLCStrēt Apps

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Retrotype

One-time1
  • Unlock Everything$4.99
None

WriterDeck

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Retrotype free?
Retrotype is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is WriterDeck free?
WriterDeck costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Retrotype or WriterDeck have ads?
Neither Retrotype nor WriterDeck shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Retrotype or WriterDeck?
Retrotype ships an update every 3 months, and WriterDeck daily. Most recently, Retrotype was updated on October 7, 2026 and WriterDeck on October 3, 2026.

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