# The Trace vs LAQI

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: LAQI at none against The Trace's 3. On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Trace sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. LAQI asks for nothing beyond the download.

The Trace ships an update every 2 weeks, LAQI every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 11, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Trace | LAQI |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 44 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Guardian Safety Pendants Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1719093229) | [Laqi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1746900278) |

## What reviewers say

### The Trace

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-trace/id6473526010)

This personal safety device and companion app provides a siren alarm and discreet SOS alerts with GPS tracking. It offers free basic features like one emergency contact and silent alerts, with premium options for more contacts and advanced safety timers.

**Highlights:** Personal siren alarm with pin activation, Discreet SOS button with silent alert, GPS location tracking during emergencies, Emergency contact setup, Safety timer for timed events, Rechargeable battery

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| GuardianTraceSubscription | $2.99 | per month |
| GuardianTraceSubscription | $24.99 | per year |
| Safety Timer Unlock | $0.99 | one-time |


### LAQI

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/laqi/id6502827989)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Trace free?

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

### Is LAQI free?

LAQI is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do The Trace or LAQI have ads?

Neither The Trace nor LAQI shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, The Trace or LAQI?

The Trace ships an update every 2 weeks, and LAQI every 3 weeks. Most recently, The Trace was updated on September 11, 2026 and LAQI on September 8, 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.*