# Datacolor ColorReader vs Mira by Microdynamics

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Mira by Microdynamics at none against Datacolor ColorReader's 4. Datacolor ColorReader's advantage is iOS requirement (13 vs 15.0). 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. Mira by Microdynamics asks for nothing beyond the download.

Datacolor ColorReader ships an update every 2 months, Mira by Microdynamics every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Datacolor ColorReader | Mira by Microdynamics |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (710 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/datacolor-colorreader/id1217566816/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **710** | — |
| Positive reviews | 25.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 34 MB | 39 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Datacolor Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/432310628) | [Javolin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1595298967) |

## 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


### Mira by Microdynamics

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mira-by-microdynamics/id6752251204)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, 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 Mira by Microdynamics free?

Mira by Microdynamics is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Datacolor ColorReader or Mira by Microdynamics have ads?

Neither Datacolor ColorReader nor Mira by Microdynamics shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Datacolor ColorReader or Mira by Microdynamics?

Datacolor ColorReader ships an update every 2 months, and Mira by Microdynamics every 3 months. Most recently, Datacolor ColorReader was updated on October 29, 2026 and Mira by Microdynamics on October 25, 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.*