Comparison

Timebound EPUB 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

Timebound EPUB Reader

Read full description

Timebound is a focused reader for your own DRM-free EPUBs — and a library of thousands of free classics to fill it. Import the books you already have — from Files, iCloud Drive, or AirDrop — and read them in a calm, page-turning view built for long stretches. Or browse the built-in Project Gutenberg catalog and download complete, public-domain classics — Austen, Melville, Shelley, and thousands more — free and yours to keep. • Browse and search thousands of free public-domain books, and download them in a tap • Adjustable typography: typeface, size, margins, line spacing, and justified or left-aligned text • Light, sepia, and dark reading themes, or match the system • Turn pages or scroll continuously • Search the full text of any book • Table of contents and tap-to-resume — always back to your exact place • A tidy library with cover, list, and grid views • See your place as a percent, a book-wide position, or a chapter page No store, no accounts, no DRM — just a nicer place to read the books that are already yours. Books in the catalog are provided by Project Gutenberg (gutenberg.org). Timebound is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Project Gutenberg. Catalog browsing relies on Project Gutenberg's public service and may be unavailable at times or change in a future update; the reader and your own imported books always work regardless.

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

Timebound EPUB Reader4 screens
Trace4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Timebound EPUB Reader at none against Trace's 2. Trace's advantage is iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, 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. Timebound EPUB Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Timebound EPUB Reader ships an update every 5 days, Trace every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Timebound EPUB Reader versus Trace: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTimebound EPUB ReaderTrace
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—3 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 daysEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS18.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size25 MB34 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperCow Cow Technologies LLCZACHARY SAMUEL LAMBERT

In-app purchases

None

Timebound EPUB Reader

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Trace

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

Questions

Is Timebound EPUB Reader free?
Timebound EPUB Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Trace free?
Trace is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Timebound EPUB Reader or Trace have ads?
Neither Timebound EPUB Reader nor Trace shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Timebound EPUB Reader or Trace?
Timebound EPUB Reader ships an update every 5 days, and Trace every 3 days. Most recently, Timebound EPUB Reader was updated on October 15, 2026 and Trace on October 11, 2026.

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