# PDF Reader vs Trace

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PDF Reader at none against Trace's 2. Trace's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs weekly). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Trace sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. PDF Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

PDF Reader ships an update weekly, Trace every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Reader | Trace |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trace-unofficial-ao3-reader/id6791213935/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **3** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 35 MB | 34 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Mehmet Tark Ozdemir](https://appshunter.io/developer/1784308273) | [ZACHARY SAMUEL LAMBERT](https://appshunter.io/developer/1891419670) |

## What reviewers say

### PDF Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-customization/id6763236250)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Trace

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trace-unofficial-ao3-reader/id6791213935)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Trace Unlimited Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Trace Unlimited Yearly | $24.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PDF Reader free?

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

### Is Trace free?

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

### Do PDF Reader or Trace have ads?

Neither PDF Reader nor Trace shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PDF Reader or Trace?

PDF Reader ships an update weekly, and Trace every 3 days. Most recently, PDF Reader was updated on October 16, 2026 and Trace on October 25, 2026.

---

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