# StepGate vs TimeTrader

The clearest difference is update cadence: TimeTrader at every 3 days against StepGate's every 10 days. TimeTrader also leads on iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.2). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. StepGate sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days and TimeTrader sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

StepGate ships an update every 10 days, TimeTrader every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | StepGate | TimeTrader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timetrader-earn-screen-time/id6769617404/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 5 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.2 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Samuel Brask Marosi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1886261538) | [楠 王](https://appshunter.io/developer/1823520054) |

## What reviewers say

### StepGate

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stepgate-earn-screen-time/id6760791382)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly | $17.99 | per year |


### TimeTrader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timetrader-earn-screen-time/id6769617404)

This app rewards you for completing offline activities like walking or exercising by granting you screen time for your favorite apps. It helps reduce mindless scrolling and build healthier habits by making real-life actions the currency for digital engagement.

**Highlights:** Earn screen time through real-life actions, Complete offline activities like walking and exercising, Reduce mindless screen time, Build healthier habits, Block distracting apps when earned time runs out, Change your relationship with your phone

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $14.99 | per month |
| Annually | $19.99 | per year |
| Annually | $29.99 | per year |
| Annually | $34.99 | per year |
| Annually | $69.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StepGate free?

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

### Is TimeTrader free?

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

### Do StepGate or TimeTrader have ads?

Neither StepGate nor TimeTrader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StepGate or TimeTrader?

StepGate ships an update every 10 days, and TimeTrader every 3 days. Most recently, StepGate was updated on September 17, 2026 and TimeTrader on September 20, 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.*