Comparison

OpenSol vs RetroOne

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

Head to head
About

OpenSol

Experience a classic 8080 computer emulator inspired by the Sol-20 Terminal Computer. Interact with original firmware, customize display effects, and enjoy an immersive terminal experience. This independently developed app offers a unique retro computing simulation.

Highlights
  • Intel 8080 interpreter
  • Original OpenSol firmware
  • Sol Command Monitor
  • Customizable display effects (CRT, phosphor)
  • Full-screen immersive mode
  • External keyboard and controller support
  • Virtual cassette tools
Features
Read full description

OpenSol is an independently developed Intel 8080 computer emulator inspired by the Processor Technology Sol-20 Terminal Computer. Explore a 64-by-16 character display, type directly into the original OpenSol firmware, and use the built-in Sol Command Monitor. Choose white, green, amber, or red phosphor; switch between a sharp flat display and period-inspired CRT effects; and use full-screen mode for an immersive terminal experience. OpenSol includes: • A complete independently written Intel 8080 interpreter • Original OpenSol firmware and Sol Command Monitor • iPhone, iPad, and Mac interfaces • Direct typing, touch input, external keyboards, and compatible game controllers • User-selected ENT and raw-binary file import • Private on-device Recent Programs and session restoration • Experimental virtual cassette and USB-audio cassette tools OpenSol includes no SOLOS ROM, vintage applications, download catalog, advertising, analytics, tracking, accounts, or network service. Users provide their own lawfully obtained compatible files. OpenSol is not affiliated with or endorsed by Processor Technology Corporation or any successor rights holder. Historical product names are used only to describe compatibility and historical context.

About

RetroOne

This app allows you to play your legally owned retro game collection on your iPhone and iPad. It supports multiple classic gaming systems and offers features like a beautiful library, customizable themes, and multiplayer options.

Highlights
  • Supports 8 classic gaming systems
  • Import and organize game collection
  • Customizable themes
  • Portrait and landscape orientation
  • Play on big screen
  • Multiplayer with 'Use as Controller'
  • Save and continue progress
Features
Read full description

Rediscover the golden age of gaming with RetroOne — a beautifully designed multi-system emulator built for smooth, flexible play on iPhone and iPad. 8 CLASSIC GAMING SYSTEMS Enjoy support for eight popular retro systems: • ARCADE • GBA • GB • GBC • NES • SNES • GEN • NEOGEO From classic handheld adventures to the unforgettable arcade games of the past, RetroOne brings your legally owned game collection together in one convenient place. RELIVE THE ARCADE ERA Experience the atmosphere of classic arcade machines wherever you go. Enjoy responsive controls, smooth gameplay, colorful pixel graphics, and an interface inspired by the golden age of gaming. YOUR GAMES, ONE EASY IMPORT Import supported game files directly from your device. RetroOne automatically detects compatible systems and organizes your collection, making it easy to browse, search, sort, and favorite your games. A BEAUTIFUL LIBRARY Keep your entire collection organized with: • Recently played games • Favorites • Search and sorting • Automatic system detection • Quick access to saved games • Easy game management MULTIPLE THEMES Make RetroOne feel truly yours. Choose from multiple visual styles, including: • Classic • Midnight • Retro Handheld • Neon • Chrome Each theme offers a distinctive look while keeping the controls clear, responsive, and comfortable. PORTRAIT OR LANDSCAPE Play from the angle that works best for you. RetroOne supports both portrait and landscape orientations, allowing every game and controller layout to adapt naturally to your preferred way of playing. PLAY ON THE BIG SCREEN Share gameplay with a compatible TV and enjoy your favorite classics on a larger display. Turn your phone or tablet into a convenient game controller while the action stays on the big screen. PLAY WITH FRIENDS Use the “Use as Controller” feature to connect additional devices and play together with friends. Connect through the same Wi-Fi network, use each device as a controller, and enjoy a shared gaming experience. SAVE AND CONTINUE EASILY Save your progress and continue whenever you want. RetroOne makes it easy to return to recently played games without starting over. SMOOTH AND RESPONSIVE RetroOne is designed to deliver stable performance, responsive touch controls, and smooth gameplay across supported systems. Compatible external game controllers can also be used for a more traditional gaming experience. PLAY ANYTIME, ANYWHERE Whether you have a few free minutes or want a longer gaming session, RetroOne keeps your classic game library ready on iPhone and iPad — at home, while traveling, or together with friends. IMPORTANT INFORMATION RetroOne does not include games, ROMs, BIOS files, or copyrighted game content. Users must import game files created from titles they legally own. RetroOne is independently developed and is not affiliated with, sponsored, authorized, or endorsed by any console manufacturer or game publisher. All trademarks and copyrighted materials belong to their respective owners. SUBSCRIPTION AND LEGAL RetroOne Plus is available as a monthly or yearly auto-renewable subscription, or as a one-time purchase. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions renew automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel your subscription in Settings > Apple Account > Subscriptions. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://mmtstudio.site/privacy

Screenshots

OpenSol3 screens
RetroOne4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: OpenSol at none against RetroOne's 3. OpenSol also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (4 vs 1). RetroOne's advantage is iOS requirement (15.5 vs 17.0). On price, rating, update cadence 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

Both are free to download. RetroOne sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. OpenSol asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for OpenSol against 5.0 for RetroOne. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

OpenSol ships an update every 8 days, RetroOne every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
OpenSol versus RetroOne: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOpenSolRetroOne
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (4 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 8 days — betterEvery 10 days
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS17.015.5 — better
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB103 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJordan RudermanNguyen Dinh Gioi

Customer experience

OpenSol

All ratings4 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

RetroOne

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

OpenSol

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

RetroOne

Subscriptions2
  • RetroOne Plus Monthly3 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • RetroOne Plus Yearly$44.991 Year
One-time1
  • RetroOne Plus Lifetime$79.99

Questions

Is OpenSol free?
OpenSol is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is RetroOne free?
RetroOne is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, OpenSol or RetroOne?
OpenSol and RetroOne are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do OpenSol or RetroOne have ads?
RetroOne shows ads; OpenSol does not.
Which is updated more often, OpenSol or RetroOne?
OpenSol ships an update every 8 days, and RetroOne every 10 days. Most recently, OpenSol was updated on October 8, 2026 and RetroOne on October 9, 2026.

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