# Datacolor ColorReader vs Collision Core Inventory

The clearest difference is rating: Datacolor ColorReader at 4.7 against Collision Core Inventory's 4.0. Datacolor ColorReader also leads on review sentiment (25% vs 0%) and ratings volume (699 vs 4). Collision Core Inventory'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. Collision Core Inventory asks for nothing beyond the download.

Datacolor ColorReader holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Datacolor ColorReader has 699 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 25% of Datacolor ColorReader's written reviews are positive against 0% of Collision Core Inventory's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Datacolor ColorReader | Collision Core Inventory |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (699 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/datacolor-colorreader/id1217566816/reviews)** | [4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/collision-core-inventory/id1538012572/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **699** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **25.3% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 34 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Datacolor Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/432310628) | [The Sherwin-Williams Company](https://appshunter.io/developer/708335816) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Collision Core Inventory

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/collision-core-inventory/id1538012572)

Manage your inventory and place orders for automotive finishes. This tool is specifically for Sherwin-Williams customers, streamlining the process of tracking stock and making purchases.

**Highlights:** Inventory management, Order placement, Automotive finishes, Customer-specific tools, Stock tracking

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Datacolor ColorReader free?

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

### Is Collision Core Inventory free?

Collision Core Inventory is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Datacolor ColorReader or Collision Core Inventory?

Datacolor ColorReader is rated higher. Datacolor ColorReader averages 4.7 out of 5 from 699 ratings, while Collision Core Inventory averages 4.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do Datacolor ColorReader or Collision Core Inventory have ads?

Neither Datacolor ColorReader nor Collision Core Inventory shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Datacolor ColorReader or Collision Core Inventory?

Datacolor ColorReader ships an update every 2 months, and Collision Core Inventory every 2 months. Most recently, Datacolor ColorReader was updated on October 14, 2026 and Collision Core Inventory on October 7, 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.*