Comparison

Fanfic reader vs Trace

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Fanfic reader

Features
Read full description

Unofficial fanfic reader Fanfic Reader is an unofficial personal reading app for iPhone and iPad. Keep your books, documents, and fanfiction in one library — and pick up right where you left off. NOT AFFILIATED with Archive of Our Own, authors, or publishers. You add and read your own content. YOUR LIBRARY, YOUR FILES • Import from Files, Share sheet, iCloud Drive, or Wi‑Fi transfer on your local network • EPUB, FB2, MOBI, PDF, DJVU, CHM, Markdown, Office docs, comics (CBZ/CBR), and more • Open archives (ZIP, RAR, 7Z) and read supported files inside • Collections, tags, favorites, reading stats, and full‑text search across your library A COMFORTABLE READER • Per‑book font, theme, and brightness • Bookmarks, highlights, and annotations • In‑book search • Text‑to‑speech with background audio AO3 DISCOVERY (optional) • Search works on Archive of Our Own • Browse in an in‑app browser, save a reading queue, and import EPUB to your library • Content on AO3 is provided by AO3/OTW under their own terms SYNC & EXTRAS • Optional iCloud sync for progress, annotations, and library data via Apple CloudKit • Home Screen widget: continue your last book • Share extension: send files straight into the app Fanfic Reader does not show ads, sell your data, or require an account with us. Internet is used only for features you choose (such as AO3 or Wi‑Fi transfer). Requires iOS 18.6 or later.

About

Trace

This app allows users to privately read and organize EPUB files downloaded from AO3 offline. It offers customizable reading settings, library management with personal tags and notes, and robust search and filtering capabilities for fanfiction.

Highlights
  • Offline EPUB reading
  • AO3 fanfiction organization
  • Customizable reading themes and fonts
  • Personalized library management
  • Advanced search and filtering
  • Optional cloud sync
Features
Read full description

Trace Reader is a private, unofficial reader for AO3 EPUBs. Import a story and read it comfortably offline, with the metadata and organisation fanfiction readers actually need. I built this for accessible reading tailored to offline AO3 reading because Apple Books wasn't quite enough. Choose paged or continuous scrolling, adjust the type and spacing, and read in Paper, Sepia, Night or High Contrast themes, with accessible fonts. Filter your collection with all of AO3's filters, and view your library by the things that matter for fanfiction: reading status, fandom, tags, and ships. NO AO3 LOGIN - Keep your account details private. You should never trust a third party with your AO3 login details and this app will never ask you for them. BUILD A LIBRARY THAT FEELS LIKE YOURS • Keep stories as Saved, Reading, Paused, Caught up, Finished or Dropped • Add ratings, personal tags, highlights, and notes by story, chapter or highlighted passage. • Search and filter by fandom, relationships, characters, warnings, series and more • Import individual EPUBs or choose a folder that will automatically load EPUBs once you download them from AO3. • Keep previous EPUB versions and restore one when needed NO ACCOUNT NEEDED Reading, importing and organisation work offline. Your EPUB files and story text stay on your device with no limitations on library size or organization features. TRACE SYNC IS OPTIONAL ADD ON Connect a free Trace account to sync up to 100 stories, restore library details and reading progress on a new device, and access your reading library from any browser. Trace Unlimited adds unlimited Reader sync and private reading Stats. Trace also gives you access to the Trace extension, which lets you track your online reading in the same way you track your EPUB reading, storing it all in the same online library. A subscription is never required to read, import or organise EPUBs on this device. EPUB files are not included in sync right now. Trace Reader is an independent, unofficial app. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Organization for Transformative Works or Archive of Our Own. End User License Agreement (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Fanfic reader4 screens
Trace4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Fanfic reader at none against Trace's 2. Trace's advantage is iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.6). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Trace sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Fanfic reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Fanfic reader versus Trace: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFanfic readerTrace
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequency—Every 2 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.616.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size37 MB33 MB
Age rating17+12+
DeveloperDaniil ZolotarevZACHARY SAMUEL LAMBERT

In-app purchases

None

Fanfic reader

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Trace

Subscriptions2
  • Trace Unlimited Monthly$3.991 Month
  • Trace Unlimited Yearly$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Fanfic reader free?
Fanfic reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Trace free?
Trace is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Fanfic reader or Trace have ads?
Neither Fanfic reader nor Trace shows ads.

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