Comparison

FocalPaint vs Borrowed Earth

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

FocalPaint

This app offers a unique brush engine for realistic paint simulation, pigment mixing, and canvas textures. It allows for custom brush and layer creation using Metal GPU or Javascript code, with advanced features like spectral color models and Apple Pencil Pro support.

Highlights
  • Realistic paint and pigment mixing
  • Custom brush and layer creation
  • Transparent ink simulation
  • Apple Pencil Pro support
  • Spectral color model
  • Open source shader code library
Features
Read full description

FocalPaint's unique brush engine simulates thick paint and real pigment mixing with accurate physics models. Features: - Realistic color blending behaves like real paint! - Real canvas texture and paint thickness - Transparent Ink simulation - Open Source GPU shader code library for reference and customization - Write your own custom brush with Metal GPU or Javascript code - Write your own custom layer modes with Metal GPU code - Apple Pencil Pro support with hover - 16 channel "spectral" color model (256 bits per pixel) - Wide color gamut (P3) Please note: Apple A12 GPU or newer is required Terms of Use: https://www.focalpaint.com/p/terms-of-use.html Privacy Policy: https://www.focalpaint.com/p/privacy.html Special Thanks to: Scott Allen Burns Troy James Sobotka & Friends colour-science.org python library MyPaint painting software team Anna Timm (@anti-art)

About

Borrowed Earth

Features
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The Borrowed Earth AR Tile Visualizer allows users to explore tiles in an unprecedented way. With 3D visualization capabilities, users can virtually place and examine tiles in their living spaces before making any decisions. This means no more guesswork, ensuring that the chosen tiles harmonize perfectly with existing decor. Taking it a step further, the app boasts an Augmented Reality feature. By utilizing a smartphone or tablet, users can project tiles into their physical environment, experiencing the interplay of light and shadow, and truly understanding how the tiles will look in their space. This hands-on approach revolutionizes the tile selection process, ensuring absolute confidence in the final choice. Borrowed Earth's AR Tile Visualizer provides a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for both tech-savvy designers and those new to augmented reality. It integrates seamlessly with a wide range of tile options, from intricate mosaics to sleek, modern finishes, offering a comprehensive selection to cater to diverse tastes. Incorporating this app into the design process not only enhances convenience but also brings an element of excitement and creativity to tile selection. Whether revamping a bathroom, kitchen, or an entire living area, the Borrowed Earth AR Tile Visualizer is a game-changer, allowing users to envision their dream spaces with precision and ease. Elevate your design experience with Borrowed Earth's state-of-the-art AR Tile Visualizer app today.

Screenshots

FocalPaint1 screens
Borrowed Earth4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Borrowed Earth at Free against FocalPaint's $4.99. Borrowed Earth also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (every 6 days vs monthly). On ads and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Borrowed Earth is free to download; FocalPaint costs $4.99 up front. FocalPaint sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Borrowed Earth asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

FocalPaint ships an update monthly, Borrowed Earth every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on August 15, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
FocalPaint versus Borrowed Earth: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFocalPaintBorrowed Earth
Price$4.99Free — better
Rating4.2 (13 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews78.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings13 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 6 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS18.612.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size557 MB265 MB
Age rating4+17+
Developerbrien dieterleBorrowed Earth Collaborative Inc.

In-app purchases

3 purchases

FocalPaint

One-time3
  • Generous Tip$0.99
  • Big Tip$4.99
  • Huge Tip$9.99
None

Borrowed Earth

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is FocalPaint free?
FocalPaint costs $4.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Borrowed Earth free?
Borrowed Earth is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do FocalPaint or Borrowed Earth have ads?
Neither FocalPaint nor Borrowed Earth shows ads.
Which is updated more often, FocalPaint or Borrowed Earth?
FocalPaint ships an update monthly, and Borrowed Earth every 6 days. Most recently, FocalPaint was updated on August 15, 2026 and Borrowed Earth on September 10, 2026.

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