# Retrotype vs TypePress

The clearest difference is rating: Retrotype at 3.9 against TypePress's 2.5. Retrotype also leads on ratings volume (19 vs 2) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). TypePress's advantage is update cadence (every 6 days vs every 3 months) and monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs paid). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Retrotype sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and TypePress sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Retrotype holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 2.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Retrotype has 19 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Retrotype ships an update every 3 months, TypePress every 6 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Retrotype | TypePress |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.9 (19 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retrotype/id6752917326/reviews)** | [2.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/typepress-typewriter-writing/id6766309471/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **19** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 85.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 27 MB | 149 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Good Loop Software LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1852855355) | [Ezgi Acar](https://appshunter.io/developer/1882446658) |

## What reviewers say

### Retrotype

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retrotype/id6752917326)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Everything | $4.99 | one-time |


### TypePress

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/typepress-typewriter-writing/id6766309471)

Experience distraction-free writing with a realistic typewriter simulation. Enjoy tactile key presses, authentic sounds, and a variety of fonts. Archive your work, track statistics, and export documents in multiple formats.

**Highlights:** Realistic animated typewriter simulation, Authentic mechanical key sounds and carriage return bell, Seven selectable fonts across four categories, Auto-saving and document archiving with search, Red ink option for highlighting, iCloud sync across devices, Export as PDF or plain text

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TypePress Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| TypePress Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| TypePress Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Retrotype free?

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

### Is TypePress free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Retrotype or TypePress?

Retrotype is rated higher. Retrotype averages 3.9 out of 5 from 19 ratings, while TypePress averages 2.5 from 2 ratings.

### Do Retrotype or TypePress have ads?

Neither Retrotype nor TypePress shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Retrotype or TypePress?

Retrotype ships an update every 3 months, and TypePress every 6 days. Most recently, Retrotype was updated on October 24, 2026 and TypePress on October 24, 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.*