Comparison

SolarWriter vs Retrotype

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

Head to head
About

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.

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
Read full description

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.

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.

Screenshots

SolarWriter3 screens
Retrotype3 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
SolarWriter versus Retrotype: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSolarWriterRetrotype
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.8 (16 ratings)4.3 (6 ratings) — better
Positive reviews64.3% of reviews85.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings16 — better6
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size92 MB27 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCool S, LLCGood Loop Software LLC

Customer experience

SolarWriter

All ratings16 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral6.3%
Negative18.8%
Written reviews14 reviews
Positive64.3%
Neutral7.1%
Negative28.6%

Retrotype

All ratings6 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive85.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative14.3%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

SolarWriter

One-time1
  • SolarWriter Pro$9.99
1 purchases

Retrotype

One-time1
  • Unlock Everything$4.99

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 4.3 from 6 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 September 10, 2026 and Retrotype on September 5, 2026.

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