Spectro by Variable vs Hour Meter
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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!
Hour Meter
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Keeping a bike or motorcycle running means staying on top of maintenance. The problem is simple: you ride today, forget the details tomorrow, and then service items arrive late. HourMeter solves that by helping you track engine hours, kilometres, and service intervals in one place—so you always know what’s due and when. HourMeter is a maintenance tracker built for riders who actually work on their bikes. Whether you track engine hours on a motocross bike, kilometres on a road bike, or manage service schedules across an entire garage, the app keeps your records ready when you need them. Why riders choose HourMeter 1) Track engine hours with less guesswork Engine hours help you plan maintenance based on real use, not “sometime soon.” HourMeter makes it easy to record and review hours over time, so you can service at the right moment. 2) Stay on top of bike maintenance Bike maintenance is easier when every service reminder is connected to the ride data you track. HourMeter helps you understand what you’ve done, what’s next, and what needs attention—without scrambling through notes. 3) Set service intervals that match how you ride Different bikes, different schedules. HourMeter lets you manage service intervals so your maintenance tracker reflects your riding habits, whether you ride occasionally or put in serious training sessions. 4) Keep everything in one place for quick access When it’s time to buy parts, plan a workshop day, or check your history, you want answers fast. HourMeter organizes your maintenance records so you can find them when you’re on the move. 5) Works for a single bike or an entire garage From one motocross bike to multiple bikes in a garage, HourMeter supports tracking across your collection. That means fewer forgotten intervals and more consistent maintenance across every ride. Primary use cases - Motocross riders tracking engine hours for routine service - Road cyclists logging kilometres and planning service intervals - Riders maintaining multiple bikes and wanting one maintenance tracker - Anyone who does their own work and needs clear records before purchasing parts What you can manage in HourMeter - Engine hours tracking - Kilometres tracking - Service intervals and reminders - Maintenance history so you can see what you’ve already completed - Organization for multiple bikes and ongoing upkeep Trust-building, practical approach HourMeter focuses on practical tracking. Instead of vague reminders, you build a clear maintenance timeline using the usage data that matters to you. That helps you make smarter decisions about servicing, reduce the chances of missed intervals, and keep performance consistent. If you want a reliable maintenance tracker that helps you stay ready for the next service, install HourMeter today and start tracking your engine hours and bike maintenance with confidence.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Spectro by Variable at 13.4 against Hour Meter's 15.1. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Spectro by Variable sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and Hour Meter sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Spectro by Variable ships an update every 3 weeks, Hour Meter every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.
| Parameter | Spectro by Variable | Hour Meter |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (121 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 121 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.4 — better | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 84 MB | 73 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Variable Technologies LLC | Galactic Digital (PTY) Ltd |
In-app purchases
Spectro by Variable
- Monthly$9.991 Month
- Monthly$15.991 Month
- Quality Control Module1 Month trial$75.001 Month
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- Annual$99.991 Year
- Annual$149.991 Year
Hour Meter
- HourMeter Pro Monthly$5.991 Month
- Pro Lifetime$69.99
Questions
Is Spectro by Variable free?
Is Hour Meter free?
Do Spectro by Variable or Hour Meter have ads?
Which is updated more often, Spectro by Variable or Hour Meter?
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