# SolarWriter vs BYOK Studio

The clearest difference is rating: BYOK Studio at 4.3 against SolarWriter's 3.8. BYOK Studio also leads on update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 5 months). SolarWriter's advantage is review sentiment (60% vs 50%). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SolarWriter sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and BYOK Studio sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

BYOK Studio 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 complicate that: 60% of SolarWriter's written reviews are positive against 50% of BYOK Studio's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

SolarWriter ships an update every 5 months, BYOK Studio every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on November 13, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | SolarWriter | BYOK Studio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solarwriter-e-ink-typewriter/id997410577/reviews) | **[4.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/byok-studio/id6760196961/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **16** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | **60.0% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 97 MB | 47 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) | [BYOK LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1883128797) |

## 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 |


### BYOK Studio

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/byok-studio/id6760196961)

This app provides a dedicated writing environment for authors and creators. It allows users to draft content, organize notes, plan chapters, and build manuscripts in a structured, purpose-built space. Visualize ideas, manage project details, and capture quick thoughts all in one place.

**Highlights:** Focused writing editor, Manuscript building from scenes, Card and outline planning, Visual idea mapping, Project wiki for reference, Scratchpad for quick notes, Organized project drawer

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Standard | $9.99 | per month |
| Standard | $82.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SolarWriter free?

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

### Is BYOK Studio free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SolarWriter or BYOK Studio?

BYOK Studio is rated higher. SolarWriter averages 3.8 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while BYOK Studio averages 4.3 from 6 ratings.

### Do SolarWriter or BYOK Studio have ads?

Neither SolarWriter nor BYOK Studio shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SolarWriter or BYOK Studio?

SolarWriter ships an update every 5 months, and BYOK Studio every 5 weeks. Most recently, SolarWriter was updated on November 13, 2026 and BYOK Studio on November 13, 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.*