# Goal Setter vs Trace

The clearest difference is monetization model: Trace at free with in-app purchases against Goal Setter's subscription. On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Goal Setter sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Trace sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Goal Setter ships an update every 5 weeks, Trace every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Goal Setter | Trace |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trace-thought-log/id6762246222/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **3** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 29 MB | 49 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Emil Chigu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1784028057) | [Pedro Gomes do Nascimento](https://appshunter.io/developer/1893532153) |

## What reviewers say

### Goal Setter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/goal-setter-step-2/id6739170690)

This app helps you achieve your goals by breaking them down into manageable daily tasks. It offers tools for setting SMART goals, tracking progress, and staying motivated with personalized reminders and feedback.

**Highlights:** Set SMART goals, Track daily habits, Personalized reminders, Progress visualization, Break down goals into tasks, Develop consistent routines

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Step 2 - Full Access | $4.99 | per month |
| Step 2 - Full Access | $49.99 | per year |


### Trace

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trace-thought-log/id6762246222)

A minimalist and private space for capturing thoughts, notes, lists, and memories. It offers a clean interface for free writing and quick searching, with optional Pro features for customization and enhanced security.

**Highlights:** Minimalist and calm interface, Free writing and reflections, Bullet and numbered lists, Quick entry search, Local-first private storage, Customizable themes (Pro), App Lock with biometric support (Pro)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Trace Pro | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Goal Setter free?

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

### Is Trace free?

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

### Do Goal Setter or Trace have ads?

Neither Goal Setter nor Trace shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Goal Setter or Trace?

Goal Setter ships an update every 5 weeks, and Trace every 2 months. Most recently, Goal Setter was updated on October 9, 2026 and Trace on October 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.*