# COLORWAND vs Datacolor ColorReader

The clearest difference is rating: Datacolor ColorReader at 4.7 against COLORWAND's 1.3. Datacolor ColorReader also leads on review sentiment (25% vs 4%) and ratings volume (709 vs 38). COLORWAND's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Datacolor ColorReader sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. COLORWAND asks for nothing beyond the download.

Datacolor ColorReader holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 1.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Datacolor ColorReader has 709 ratings behind it against 38, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 4% of COLORWAND's written reviews are positive against 25% of Datacolor ColorReader's.

COLORWAND ships an update monthly, Datacolor ColorReader every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | COLORWAND | Datacolor ColorReader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.3 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/colorwand/id1178742296/reviews) | **[4.7 (709 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/datacolor-colorreader/id1217566816/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 38 | **709** |
| Positive reviews | 3.7% of reviews | **25.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 85 MB | 34 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.4 | **13** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Variable Technologies LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/569541572) | [Datacolor Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/432310628) |

## What reviewers say

### COLORWAND

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/colorwand/id1178742296)

Easily scan, identify, and organize colors from any surface. This app helps you find matching paint and material products, create custom palettes, and share color inspiration with others. It streamlines the entire color selection process for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

**Highlights:** Scan and identify colors instantly, Match colors to paint and material libraries, Create and organize custom color palettes, Share color palettes with others, Cross-reference colors between brands, Attach pictures to palettes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Datacolor ColorReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/datacolor-colorreader/id1217566816)

This app helps professionals and DIYers accurately match paint colors from walls or objects to popular paint brands. It provides color values and recommendations, saving time and ensuring job quality.

**Highlights:** Accurate paint color matching (>90%), Matches to uploaded fan decks, Build, save, and share color palettes, Color measurement history, Color scheme recommendations, Get paint brand color name and number, Provides RGB, Hex, CIELab values

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| NCS Colour (monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| British Standards (monthly) | $14.99 | per month |
| NCS Colour (yearly) | $89.99 | per year |
| British Standards (yearly) | $149.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Accurate color matching on ceiling colors
- 📚 Comprehensive paint brand library
- ⚡ Quick and efficient scanning process
- 🎯 Useful complementary color schemes
- 👍 Minimal app permissions required

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent connection failures between device and app
- ❌ Poor color accuracy on walls and samples
- 📵 App requires device connection to view saved colors
- 🔄 Outdated and missing paint colors in library
- 🎨 Inconsistent results across different lighting conditions

**Reported bugs**

- Blank page on device registration
- White screen during app startup
- Calibration failed error messages
- Device won't connect to smartphone
- Bluetooth connectivity issues requiring multiple attempts

**Requested features**

- Store scanned colors on phone without device connection
- Cloud sync for color history across devices
- Tutorial or guided walkthrough for app navigation
- Ability to delete individual colors from history
- Reorder colors within custom palettes


## Frequently asked questions

### Is COLORWAND free?

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

### Is Datacolor ColorReader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, COLORWAND or Datacolor ColorReader?

Datacolor ColorReader is rated higher. COLORWAND averages 1.3 out of 5 from 38 ratings, while Datacolor ColorReader averages 4.7 from 709 ratings.

### Do COLORWAND or Datacolor ColorReader have ads?

Neither COLORWAND nor Datacolor ColorReader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, COLORWAND or Datacolor ColorReader?

COLORWAND ships an update monthly, and Datacolor ColorReader every 2 months. Most recently, COLORWAND was updated on October 22, 2026 and Datacolor ColorReader on October 24, 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.*