# 3ag Reader vs Cold Case Trace

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: 3ag Reader at none against Cold Case Trace's 7. 3ag Reader also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cold Case Trace sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. 3ag Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

3ag Reader ships an update every 5 days, Cold Case Trace every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 3ag Reader | Cold Case Trace |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.4 (67 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cold-case-trace-redstring/id6788852743/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **67** |
| Positive reviews | — | 28.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Every 9 days |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 40 MB | 64 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Azankang Atemkeng](https://appshunter.io/developer/1819888004) | [Oguzhan Yildirim](https://appshunter.io/developer/1685663174) |

## What reviewers say

### 3ag Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3ag-reader/id6747437873)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Cold Case Trace

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cold-case-trace-redstring/id6788852743)

Uncover the truth by examining a simulated phone's messages, photos, and data. Connect clues on an evidence board and accuse the killer in this interactive detective story. Your first case is free to play.

**Highlights:** Simulated phone with chats, photos, and data, Interactive live chat with client, Evidence board with red string connections, Escalating hint system, Multiple European case locations, Unlockable cases via subscription

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Redstring Pass — Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Annual Pass — Special Offer | $19.99 | per year |
| Redstring Pass — Annual | $39.99 | per year |
| Reveal the Answer | $1.99 | one-time |
| 5 Reveals | $4.99 | one-time |
| 10 Reveals | $7.99 | one-time |
| All Cases — Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 3ag Reader free?

3ag Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Cold Case Trace free?

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

### Do 3ag Reader or Cold Case Trace have ads?

Neither 3ag Reader nor Cold Case Trace shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, 3ag Reader or Cold Case Trace?

3ag Reader ships an update every 5 days, and Cold Case Trace every 9 days. Most recently, 3ag Reader was updated on November 5, 2026 and Cold Case Trace on November 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.*