# Trace vs Refocus

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Refocus at none against Trace's 2. Refocus also leads on ads (none vs shown). Trace's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs every 3 weeks) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Trace sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Refocus asks for nothing beyond the download.

Trace ships an update every 2 days, Refocus every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Trace | Refocus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Size | 47 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Peter Healy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1887058402) | [Hiroki Nishikawa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896047010) |

## What reviewers say

### Trace

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trace-podcast-notes/id6760963638)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Trace Plus Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Trace Plus Annual | $89.99 | per year |


### Refocus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-rest-first-timer/id6765716145)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Trace free?

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

### Is Refocus free?

Refocus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Trace or Refocus have ads?

Trace shows ads; Refocus does not.

### Which is updated more often, Trace or Refocus?

Trace ships an update every 2 days, and Refocus every 3 weeks. Most recently, Trace was updated on October 31, 2026 and Refocus on October 31, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*