# Timebound EPUB Reader vs Trace

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Timebound EPUB 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 | Every 5 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 25 MB | 34 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Cow Cow Technologies LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/924502488) | [ZACHARY SAMUEL LAMBERT](https://appshunter.io/developer/1891419670) |

## What reviewers say

### Timebound EPUB Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timebound-epub-reader/id6778347293)

**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 | $3.99 | per month |
| Trace Unlimited Yearly | $39.99 | per year |


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