# VizRef Lite vs HEAVYPAINT

The clearest difference is price: HEAVYPAINT at Free against VizRef Lite's $1.99. HEAVYPAINT also leads on rating (4.0 vs 3.8) and review sentiment (58% vs 48%). VizRef Lite's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and chart position (#20 vs unranked). On ratings volume, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

HEAVYPAINT is free to download; VizRef Lite costs $1.99 up front. HEAVYPAINT sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. VizRef Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.

HEAVYPAINT holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 38 and 66 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 48% of VizRef Lite's written reviews are positive against 58% of HEAVYPAINT's.

VizRef Lite ships an update every 3 months, HEAVYPAINT every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VizRef Lite | HEAVYPAINT |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.8 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vizref-lite/id1502216965/reviews) | **[4.0 (66 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heavypaint/id6654887306/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 38 | **66** |
| Positive reviews | 47.7% of reviews | **58.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#20** | — |
| Size | 4 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.2** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Studio Pixanoh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1482680567) | [HEAVYPOLY, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1469848545) |

## What reviewers say

### VizRef Lite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vizref-lite/id1502216965)

**Currently charting:** #20 Top Paid · Graphics & Design (US App Store)

This app allows creatives to build and carry visual reference boards on their iPhone. It supports various image types, including GIFs, and integrates with popular drawing applications, acting as a second monitor for inspiration on the go.

**Highlights:** Create visual reference boards, Import images from web, cloud, photos, Supports animated GIFs with timeline control, Use iPhone as a second monitor, Batch import and export, Image editing tools (crop, flip, rotate), Light and Dark mode

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### HEAVYPAINT

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heavypaint/id6654887306)

This app offers a raw digital painting experience with unique tools for creating textured art and quick studies. It's designed for artists who embrace digital chaos and seek a streamlined, mobile art studio.

**Highlights:** Unique digital brushes, Color Jitter for texture, Fast color blocking tools, Line Blend for gradients, Liquify tool, Minimalist interface, Gallery for creations

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gallery Sync Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Gallery Sync Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Unlock Full Version | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful brushes and tools
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 💡 Unique and distilled painting experience
- 👍 Responsive and dedicated developer
- 👍 Great community support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and crashes
- 🐛 Issues with saving and restoring purchases
- 🐛 Inconsistent UI and missing features

**Reported bugs**

- Gallery crashes
- Artwork files not saving properly
- Eyedropper tool not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Improved layer management
- More customization options
- Better color controls and eyedropper tool


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VizRef Lite free?

VizRef Lite costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is HEAVYPAINT free?

HEAVYPAINT is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, VizRef Lite or HEAVYPAINT?

HEAVYPAINT is rated higher. VizRef Lite averages 3.8 out of 5 from 38 ratings, while HEAVYPAINT averages 4.0 from 66 ratings.

### Do VizRef Lite or HEAVYPAINT have ads?

Neither VizRef Lite nor HEAVYPAINT shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, VizRef Lite or HEAVYPAINT?

VizRef Lite ships an update every 3 months, and HEAVYPAINT every 6 weeks. Most recently, VizRef Lite was updated on October 14, 2026 and HEAVYPAINT on October 13, 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.*