Comparison

Spectro by Variable vs Anilox

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

Anilox

Features
Read full description

At Zecher, everything has always revolved around the anilox roller. What began with the production of the world's first regularly engraved anilox roller has developed into an international quality supplier of innovative anilox roller solutions. And now, with the app Anilox ID from the pioneer of anilox rollers, you always have access to product information of your Zecher aniloxes.

Screenshots

Spectro by Variable4 screens
Anilox3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Anilox at none against Spectro by Variable's 5. Spectro by Variable's advantage is iOS requirement (13.4 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support 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. Anilox asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Spectro by Variable ships an update every 3 weeks, Anilox fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Spectro by Variable versus Anilox: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpectro by VariableAnilox
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (120 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings120 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS13.4 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size84 MB22 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVariable Technologies LLCAdditive Marking GmbH

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

Anilox

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Spectro by Variable free?
Spectro by Variable is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Anilox free?
Anilox is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Spectro by Variable or Anilox have ads?
Neither Spectro by Variable nor Anilox shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Spectro by Variable or Anilox?
Spectro by Variable ships an update every 3 weeks, and Anilox fortnightly. Most recently, Spectro by Variable was updated on November 2, 2026 and Anilox on November 4, 2026.

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