# Spectro by Variable vs Anilox

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Spectro by Variable | Anilox |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (120 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectro-by-variable/id1399186748/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **120** | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 84 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.4** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Variable Technologies LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/569541572) | [Additive Marking GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1585964987) |

## 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 |


### Anilox

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/anilox-id/id6480116319)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

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