# VizRef Lite vs DarkRef

The clearest difference is price: DarkRef at Free against VizRef Lite's $1.99. DarkRef also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and device support (4 vs 2). VizRef Lite's advantage is rating (3.8 vs 2.8) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). On ads there is nothing between them.

DarkRef is free to download; VizRef Lite costs $1.99 up front. DarkRef sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. VizRef Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.

VizRef Lite holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 2.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VizRef Lite has 38 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 48% of VizRef Lite's written reviews are positive against 25% of DarkRef's.

VizRef Lite ships an update every 3 months, DarkRef every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VizRef Lite | DarkRef |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[3.8 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vizref-lite/id1502216965/reviews)** | [2.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/darkref-art-reference-board/id6757864307/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **38** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **47.7% of reviews** | 25.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | **#14** | — |
| Size | 4 MB | 62 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.2** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Studio Pixanoh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1482680567) | [Timothy Patrick Dommett](https://appshunter.io/developer/1869353422) |

## What reviewers say

### VizRef Lite

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

**Currently charting:** #14 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


### DarkRef

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/darkref-art-reference-board/id6757864307)

Organize your visual inspiration with images, GIFs, and notes. This app offers a free, intuitive platform for artists to manage references across all devices, with optional cloud sync for seamless backup and access.

**Highlights:** Unlimited boards and images, Image and GIF support, Notes and annotations, Folder organization, Offline access, Cross-device sync

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sync Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Sync Annual | $9.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VizRef Lite free?

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

### Is DarkRef free?

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

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

VizRef Lite is rated higher. VizRef Lite averages 3.8 out of 5 from 38 ratings, while DarkRef averages 2.8 from 4 ratings.

### Do VizRef Lite or DarkRef have ads?

Neither VizRef Lite nor DarkRef shows ads.

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

VizRef Lite ships an update every 3 months, and DarkRef every 3 weeks. Most recently, VizRef Lite was updated on October 10, 2026 and DarkRef on September 28, 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.*