# SolarWriter vs Retrotype

SolarWriter and Retrotype both sit at 3.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 86% of Retrotype's written reviews are positive against 60% of SolarWriter's. Retrotype also leads on update cadence (every 3 months vs every 5 months). SolarWriter's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs paid). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SolarWriter sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Retrotype sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.8 for SolarWriter against 3.9 for Retrotype. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 16 and 20 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 60% of SolarWriter's written reviews are positive against 86% of Retrotype's.

SolarWriter ships an update every 5 months, Retrotype every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 13, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SolarWriter | Retrotype |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solarwriter-e-ink-typewriter/id997410577/reviews) | **[3.9 (20 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retrotype/id6752917326/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 16 | **20** |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews | **85.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 97 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Cool S, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/997410576) | [Good Loop Software LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1852855355) |

## What reviewers say

### SolarWriter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solarwriter-e-ink-typewriter/id997410577)

Transform your e-reader into a portable typewriter for outdoor writing. This app connects your keyboard to your e-reader's screen, allowing you to type comfortably on e-ink displays in bright sunlight. Save and share your work easily.

**Highlights:** E-reader integration, External keyboard support, Outdoor writing on e-ink screens, Text mirroring to e-reader, File saving and sharing, Detailed setup instructions

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SolarWriter Pro | $9.99 | one-time |
| SolarWriter Pro | $19.99 | one-time |


### 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 |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SolarWriter free?

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

### Is Retrotype free?

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

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

Retrotype is rated higher. SolarWriter averages 3.8 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Retrotype averages 3.9 from 20 ratings.

### Do SolarWriter or Retrotype have ads?

Neither SolarWriter nor Retrotype shows ads.

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

SolarWriter ships an update every 5 months, and Retrotype every 3 months. Most recently, SolarWriter was updated on November 13, 2026 and Retrotype on October 30, 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.*