Comparison

Spectro by Variable vs Boatyard Pro

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Spectro by Variable

This app enables color professionals to precisely measure, match, and communicate color data using connected devices. Access extensive color libraries and analyze spectral curves for accurate results anytime, anywhere.

Highlights
  • Scan, match, and compare colors
  • View spectral curves and LAB values
  • Access extensive brand color libraries
  • Analyze colors under multiple light sources
  • Store and export scan data
  • Create and store color standards
Features
Read full description

Now Available: Spectro by Variable + Pantone® Color Subscription by Variable. Users are now able to access more than 16,500 Pantone colors directly through the Spectro by Variable app when they subscribe to a Pantone Color Subscription within. Created with frictionless color communication in mind, the Spectro by Variable app connects to the Spectro 1 and Spectro 1 Pro devices, allowing color professionals to achieve professional-grade color matches and view deep color data anytime, anywhere. About the Spectro 1 and Spectro 1 Pro Devices: Spectro 1 is a compact, affordable color measurement tool for accurately measuring and communicating color at the professional and industrial level. Using patented technology, the Spectro units are true spectrophotometers that deliver accuracy and repeatability comparable to expensive benchtop spectrophotometers—for a fraction of the price. Features: Scan, match, and compare colors View spectral curves for scanned colors Achieve exact matches with spectral curve and LAB values Have access to dozens of brands like Behr, Benjamin Moore, Dulux, PPG, Sherwin-Williams in the palm of your hand View matches under four different light sources including A, F2, D50, and D65 (Incandescent, fluorescent, horizon, and noon daylight) Include 2 & 10 degree observations Store scans and scan data Export scan history, inspection history, and saved colors Save and export spectral curve data in 10 nm increments between 400-700 nm Create and store standards through the Saved Colors features Supports multiple dE formulas And much more!

About

Boatyard Pro

Manage your marine business on the go. Receive service requests, communicate with clients, and oversee job progress efficiently. Streamline operations to provide exceptional service to boat owners.

Highlights
  • Receive service requests
  • Message customers
  • Manage jobs
  • Streamline operations
  • Deliver service experiences
Features
Read full description

Boatyard Pro enables marine professionals to take their business with them. Receive service requests, message customers and manage jobs with a couple of clicks in the Boatyard Pro app. It's never been easier to deliver remarkable service experiences to your boat owners.

Screenshots

Spectro by Variable4 screens
Boatyard Pro3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Spectro by Variable at 4.8 against Boatyard Pro's 3.8. Spectro by Variable also leads on ratings volume (118 vs 13) and device support (3 vs 1). Boatyard Pro's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Spectro by Variable sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Boatyard Pro asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Spectro by Variable holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Spectro by Variable has 118 ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 50% and 50% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Spectro by Variable ships an update every 3 weeks, Boatyard Pro every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Spectro by Variable versus Boatyard Pro: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpectro by VariableBoatyard Pro
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (118 ratings) — better3.8 (13 ratings)
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings118 — better13
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 5 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS13.4 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size84 MB127 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVariable Technologies LLCBoatyard Inc.

Customer experience

Spectro by Variable

All ratings118 ratings
Positive97.5%
Neutral0.8%
Negative1.7%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral33.3%
Negative16.7%

Boatyard Pro

All ratings12 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

5 purchases

Spectro by Variable

Subscriptions5
  • Monthly$9.991 Month
  • Monthly$15.991 Month
  • Quality Control Module1 Month trial$75.001 Month
Show 2 more
  • Annual$99.991 Year
  • Annual$149.991 Year
None

Boatyard Pro

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Spectro by Variable free?
Spectro by Variable is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Boatyard Pro free?
Boatyard Pro is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Spectro by Variable or Boatyard Pro?
Spectro by Variable is rated higher. Spectro by Variable averages 4.8 out of 5 from 118 ratings, while Boatyard Pro averages 3.8 from 13 ratings.
Do Spectro by Variable or Boatyard Pro have ads?
Neither Spectro by Variable nor Boatyard Pro shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Spectro by Variable or Boatyard Pro?
Spectro by Variable ships an update every 3 weeks, and Boatyard Pro every 5 weeks. Most recently, Spectro by Variable was updated on October 5, 2026 and Boatyard Pro on October 1, 2026.

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