# Spectro by Variable vs X3 Communication

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: X3 Communication at none against Spectro by Variable's 5. Spectro by Variable's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Spectro by Variable sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. X3 Communication asks for nothing beyond the download.

Spectro by Variable ships an update every 3 weeks, X3 Communication every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Spectro by Variable | X3 Communication |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (118 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectro-by-variable/id1399186748/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **118** | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 84 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.4 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Variable Technologies LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/569541572) | [Uxdlab Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1829624010) |

## 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 |


### X3 Communication

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/x3-communication/id6766236465)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**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 X3 Communication free?

X3 Communication is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Spectro by Variable or X3 Communication have ads?

Neither Spectro by Variable nor X3 Communication shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Spectro by Variable or X3 Communication?

Spectro by Variable ships an update every 3 weeks, and X3 Communication every 3 months. Most recently, Spectro by Variable was updated on September 17, 2026 and X3 Communication on September 5, 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.*