# Readlight vs Retrace

The clearest difference is update cadence: Retrace at every 5 days against Readlight's every 3 weeks. Readlight's advantage is iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Readlight sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Retrace sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Readlight ships an update every 3 weeks, Retrace every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Readlight | Retrace |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (365 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readlight-night-reading-light/id6541750866/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **365** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 61 MB | 47 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Emre Balli](https://appshunter.io/developer/1635136655) | [Omer Faruk BALLI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1875248634) |

## What reviewers say

### Readlight

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readlight-night-reading-light/id6541750866)

Transform your phone into an eye-friendly reading lamp. Enjoy a customizable, soft glow that reduces eye strain and aids relaxation, perfect for reading in bed without disturbing others. Features include a smart sleep timer and always-on display.

**Highlights:** Screen as a reading lamp, Eye care and blue light filter, Smart sleep timer, Adjustable brightness, Always-on display

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Water | $1.99 | per month |
| Coffee | $3.99 | per month |
| Tea | $6.99 | per month |
| Teapot | $19.99 | per month |
| Water | $1.99 | one-time |
| Coffee | $3.99 | one-time |
| Uncle Iroh's Tea | $6.99 | one-time |
| Teapot | $19.99 | one-time |


### Retrace

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retrace-birth-time-explorer/id6813084298)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $2.99 | one-time |
| Pro | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Readlight free?

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

### Is Retrace free?

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

### Do Readlight or Retrace have ads?

Neither Readlight nor Retrace shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Readlight or Retrace?

Readlight ships an update every 3 weeks, and Retrace every 5 days. Most recently, Readlight was updated on November 8, 2026 and Retrace on November 6, 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.*