# Spectro by Variable vs LabSci by Pittcon

The clearest difference is rating: Spectro by Variable at 4.8 against LabSci by Pittcon's 3.5. Spectro by Variable also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (120 vs 13). LabSci by Pittcon's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5). On price, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

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

Spectro by Variable holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Spectro by Variable has 120 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.

Spectro by Variable ships an update every 3 weeks, LabSci by Pittcon every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Spectro by Variable | LabSci by Pittcon |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (120 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectro-by-variable/id1399186748/reviews)** | [3.5 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/labsci-by-pittcon/id1662961169/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **120** | 13 |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 84 MB | 146 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.4** | 17.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Variable Technologies LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/569541572) | [The Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy](https://appshunter.io/developer/477560821) |

## What reviewers say

### Spectro by Variable

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectro-by-variable/id1399186748)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $15.99 | per month |
| Quality Control Module | $75.00 | per month |
| Annual | $99.99 | per year |
| Annual | $149.99 | per year |


### LabSci by Pittcon

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/labsci-by-pittcon/id1662961169)

This app serves as a digital companion for a major international conference and exposition focused on laboratory science. It provides information on analytical research, scientific instrumentation, and educational opportunities for professionals in the field.

**Highlights:** Conference information, Exposition details, Analytical research updates, Scientific instrumentation showcase, Continuing education opportunities

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Spectro by Variable free?

Spectro by Variable is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is LabSci by Pittcon free?

LabSci by Pittcon is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Spectro by Variable or LabSci by Pittcon?

Spectro by Variable is rated higher. Spectro by Variable averages 4.8 out of 5 from 120 ratings, while LabSci by Pittcon averages 3.5 from 13 ratings.

### Do Spectro by Variable or LabSci by Pittcon have ads?

LabSci by Pittcon shows ads; Spectro by Variable does not.

### Which is updated more often, Spectro by Variable or LabSci by Pittcon?

Spectro by Variable ships an update every 3 weeks, and LabSci by Pittcon every 2 weeks. Most recently, Spectro by Variable was updated on October 22, 2026 and LabSci by Pittcon on October 24, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*