PCalc vs Soulver (2026): which should you pick?

Pick PCalc if

• Fits if you want an RPN or programmer calculator on your Apple devices
• Works for people who convert units or switch number bases often

Look elsewhere if

• Not for you if you use Windows or Android, as there is no version for either
• Pricey if you want both: Mac and iOS are separate $9.99 purchases
• Tight if you want a free Mac version, since only Lite exists, on iPhone, iPad and Watch
• Watch out: the vendor's pages give different minimum macOS versions, so check the App Store listing

Pick Soulver if

• Fits if you work through multi-step sums and want notes beside the numbers
• Works for people with a Mac, iPad and iPhone who want one $59 purchase for all three

Look elsewhere if

• Skip it if you use Windows or Android, or devices older than macOS 14 and iOS 17
• Not for you if you want a free calculator for good, since sheets go read-only after the 60-day trial
• Pricey if you want live prices for 150k+ stocks, because that's another $26 a year on top
• Pricey if you only need a calculator: $59 once, or $15 for the iPhone alone
• Watch out: major versions are paid upgrades, though the vendor says they've averaged seven years apart

PCalc

• Apple platforms only; there is no Windows, Android or web version.
• The Mac and iPhone/iPad purchases are separate.
• The vendor's pages give different minimum macOS versions (macOS 12 on one page, OS X 10.13 on another), so check the App Store listing.
• The developer notes the App Store has no demos, which is why the Lite version exists.

Soulver

• Apple platforms only: it requires macOS 14, iPadOS 17 or iOS 17 or later, and the site lists no Windows, Android or web version.
• There is no free plan. After the 60-day trial, sheets can still be viewed and exported, but creating and editing them requires a purchase.
• Access to 150k+ stocks, Wolfram|Alpha queries and advanced weather data costs a separate $26 a year on the App Store.
• Major versions are paid upgrades, which the vendor says have averaged seven years apart; Soulver 3 owners get Soulver 4 at half price.

PCalc

Programmer modes

Hexadecimal, octal and binary modes with bitwise operators.

RPN mode

Optional reverse Polish notation with one-button access to the stack.

Conversions and functions

A large set of unit conversions, plus editable user conversions, functions and constants that sync across devices.

Button layout editor

On the Mac, build your own calculator layout and sync it with iPhone and iPad.

Menu bar widget

The Mac version has a menu bar widget for quick calculations.

Handoff and scripting

Hands off in-progress calculations between Mac, iOS, visionOS and watchOS; the Mac app supports AppleScript and Shortcuts.

Soulver

Answer column

A sheet works like a notepad: write words and numbers on a line and the answer appears alongside it as you type, with a floating total for the whole sheet at the bottom.

Line references, variables and subtotals

An answer can be referenced on later lines and updates when earlier lines change. Multi-word variables, subtotals and totals of every line carrying a tag are supported.

Currencies, units and dates

Recognizes 190 currencies, more than 200 units, percentages, calendar and clock-time math and time zones, with functions for sales tax, loans, interest and inflation.

Live data

Pulls live and historical currency and stock prices and weather into a sheet. Access to 150k+ stocks and inline Wolfram|Alpha queries needs the optional data services subscription.

iCloud sync and export

Sheets sync through iCloud across Mac, iPad and iPhone with automatic backups. They are plain text and can be exported to PDF, printed or sent as a styled HTML email.

Automation and command line

A Shortcuts action, URL schemes, macOS Services and an Alfred workflow connect Soulver to other tools. A free standalone command-line tool can create and edit sheets.

PCalc

• PCalc Lite$0

  Free app for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch with in-app purchases for the full app's features.

• PCalc for iPhone, iPad and Watch$9.99

  one-time, US price; covers iPad, iPhone, Vision Pro and Watch

  Full app sold through the App Store; prices vary by country.

• PCalc for Mac$9.99

  one-time, US price; separate from the iOS purchase

  Mac App Store purchase with a menu bar widget, multiple calculators and a button layout editor.

Soulver

• Soulver (iPhone only)$15

  one-time purchase

  The iPhone version on its own, for buyers who do not need the Mac or iPad apps.

• Soulver (Mac, iPad and iPhone)$59

  one-time purchase on the App Store

  One purchase covers all three platforms, with 190 currencies and 8 tech stocks included. The vendor gives free updates between major releases.

• Data services subscription$26

  per year, optional add-on

  Knowledge Assistant, Live Stocks & Advanced Weather: 150k+ stock tickers, inline Wolfram|Alpha queries and advanced weather data.

• Setapp$15

  per month, through a Setapp membership

  Soulver as one of about 260 apps in the Setapp catalog. The data services subscription is complimentary for Setapp users.

PCalc

No public discounts listed.

Soulver

• Other savings

  Half-price upgrade from Soulver 3

  Buyers of Soulver 3 on the App Store get Soulver 4 for $29 instead of $59, and a registered direct-download copy of Soulver 3 on the same Mac unlocks the same 50% discount.