# Tracer vs SketchSurf

The clearest difference is monetization model: SketchSurf at free with in-app purchases against Tracer's subscription. SketchSurf also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6). Tracer's advantage is ratings volume (105 vs 3) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 5 weeks). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Tracer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and SketchSurf sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SketchSurf holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Tracer has 105 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Tracer ships an update every 10 days, SketchSurf every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Tracer | SketchSurf |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (105 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tracer-trace-drawing-camera/id6760240375/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sketchsurf/id6803198895/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **105** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 68.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 47 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | **26.0** | 26.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pull Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1828384931) | [Frederick Schmitz](https://appshunter.io/developer/6775036851) |

## What reviewers say

### Tracer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tracer-trace-drawing-camera/id6760240375)

Transform your phone into a digital tracing tool to practice drawing and recreate images. Import photos, adjust opacity, and trace directly onto paper. Features step-by-step tutorials to help beginners learn drawing.

**Highlights:** Import images from photo library or camera, Adjust image opacity for tracing, Trace directly onto paper, Step-by-step drawing tutorials, Practice tracing characters, logos, and sketches

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly | $49.99 | per year |


### SketchSurf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sketchsurf/id6803198895)

Transform your photos into easy-to-follow, step-by-step drawing guides. Break down complex images into manageable stages to learn and improve your sketching skills. Save your progress and revisit your drawing projects anytime.

**Highlights:** Photo to drawing guide conversion, Multi-stage drawing breakdown, Outline, structure, and detail stages, Save and revisit drawing projects, Adjustable drawing projects per subscription

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SketchSurf Plus | $4.99 | per month |
| SketchSurf Pro | $9.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Tracer free?

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

### Is SketchSurf free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Tracer or SketchSurf?

SketchSurf is rated higher. Tracer averages 4.6 out of 5 from 105 ratings, while SketchSurf averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Tracer or SketchSurf have ads?

Neither Tracer nor SketchSurf shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Tracer or SketchSurf?

Tracer ships an update every 10 days, and SketchSurf every 5 weeks. Most recently, Tracer was updated on October 24, 2026 and SketchSurf on October 24, 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.*