# Datacolor ColorReader vs Paint Tracker

The clearest difference is monetization model: Paint Tracker at free against Datacolor ColorReader's free with in-app purchases. Paint Tracker also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). Datacolor ColorReader's advantage is ratings volume (710 vs 3) and iOS requirement (13 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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 and Paint Tracker sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Paint Tracker holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Datacolor ColorReader has 710 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Datacolor ColorReader ships an update every 2 months, Paint Tracker every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Datacolor ColorReader | Paint Tracker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (710 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/datacolor-colorreader/id1217566816/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paint-tracker-home-colors-log/id6446221725/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **710** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 25.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 34 MB | 110 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Datacolor Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/432310628) | [Brett Pappas](https://appshunter.io/developer/1435218098) |

## 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


### Paint Tracker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paint-tracker-home-colors-log/id6446221725)

Easily save, organize, and share every paint color in your home. Track colors by project, room, and area, including brand, code, sheen, and photos. Generate professional PDF paint schedules for easy sharing with contractors or family.

**Highlights:** Organize colors by project and room, Store brand, color code, and sheen, Attach photos of paint samples, Search entire paint library, Generate PDF paint schedules, Cloud backup and sync, Share with contractors and family

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Paint Colors Pro | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Datacolor ColorReader free?

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

### Is Paint Tracker free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Datacolor ColorReader or Paint Tracker?

Paint Tracker is rated higher. Datacolor ColorReader averages 4.7 out of 5 from 710 ratings, while Paint Tracker averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Datacolor ColorReader or Paint Tracker have ads?

Neither Datacolor ColorReader nor Paint Tracker shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Datacolor ColorReader or Paint Tracker?

Datacolor ColorReader ships an update every 2 months, and Paint Tracker every 3 weeks. Most recently, Datacolor ColorReader was updated on November 1, 2026 and Paint Tracker 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.*