SolarWriter vs Retrotype
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
SolarWriter
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.
- E-reader integration
- External keyboard support
- Outdoor writing on e-ink screens
- Text mirroring to e-reader
- File saving and sharing
- Detailed setup instructions
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Traditional screens are fantastic everywhere but outside, especially on a sunny day. E-ink screens work well, but e-readers like the Kindle are difficult to type on and don't support external keyboards. SolarWriter gives you the best of both worlds. SolarWriter runs on your iOS device and acts as a hub between your keyboard and your e-reader. You type on the keyboard, and the text appears on both on the iOS device and on the e-reader's screen (via its web browser). Take advantage of your Kindle's (or other e-reader's) e-ink screen to put your thoughts on paper even outside, with no need to transcribe later. Write at parks, on beaches, in backyards... anywhere you wanted to but couldn't. Save files on your device, or share through email, SMS, and more. Detailed instructions for setup are included inside the app.
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.
- Authentic typewriter models
- Customizable sound packs
- Haptic feedback
- Multiple color palettes and paper themes
- External keyboard support
- Distraction-free writing environment
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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.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Retrotype at 4.3 against SolarWriter's 3.8. Retrotype also leads on review sentiment (86% vs 64%). SolarWriter's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs paid). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads 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
Both are free to download. SolarWriter sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Retrotype sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Retrotype holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 16 and 6 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 64% 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 September 10, 2026 and September 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SolarWriter | Retrotype |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.8 (16 ratings) | 4.3 (6 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 64.3% of reviews | 85.7% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 16 — better | 6 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Every 3 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases — better | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 92 MB | 27 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Cool S, LLC | Good Loop Software LLC |
Customer experience
SolarWriter
Retrotype
In-app purchases
SolarWriter
- SolarWriter Pro$9.99
Retrotype
- Unlock Everything$4.99








