# Value Study vs MindGrids

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MindGrids at none against Value Study's 7. MindGrids also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 2 weeks) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Value Study's advantage is ratings volume (3.3K vs 2). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Value Study sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per year. MindGrids asks for nothing beyond the download.

MindGrids holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Value Study has 3.3K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 92% of Value Study's written reviews are positive against 100% of MindGrids's.

Value Study ships an update every 2 weeks, MindGrids daily. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Value Study | MindGrids |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (3.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/value-study-art-reference/id1546616127/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindgrids/id1582136020/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3.3K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 92.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 35 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Diem Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1439019995) | [Mindlabs Systems](https://appshunter.io/developer/602065824) |

## What reviewers say

### Value Study

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/value-study-art-reference/id1546616127)

This app helps artists improve their skills by analyzing light and shadow in reference images. It allows users to break down tones step-by-step, from simple black and white to more complex value ranges, aiding in the understanding of depth and form. It's a tool to enhance traditional art studies.

**Highlights:** Step-by-step tone breakdown, Highlighting areas of same value, Focus on light, shadow, and form, Greyscale value studies, Works with reference images

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Value Study Pro | $3.99 | per year |
| Value Study Pro (yearly) | $6.99 | per year |
| Appreciation | $2.99 | one-time |
| Value Study Pro (Lifetime) | $9.99 | one-time |
| Generous boost | $9.99 | one-time |
| Value Study | $17.99 | one-time |
| Amazing supporter | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Helpful for value studies
- 💡 Allows adjusting number of values
- 🎨 Useful for artists and painters
- ⭐ Great tool for beginners

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Issues with accurately representing blue hues
- 🔍 Difficulty finding/importing photos
- 🤔 Unclear instructions/lack of tutorial

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or fails to launch on some devices
- Occasional issues with image processing

**Requested features**

- Add ability to adjust value midpoint
- Include color study/color adjustment options
- Provide side-by-side comparison of original and simplified images
- Add customizable grid overlay


### MindGrids

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindgrids/id1582136020)

Create custom grids for your photos to aid in artistic endeavors. Adjust grid size, color, and width to match your canvas and reference images. Perfect for artists and art enthusiasts looking to accurately scale or skew images.

**Highlights:** Create grids from gallery photos or new captures, Adjustable grid size and photo dimensions, Customizable grid color and width, Useful for scaling and skewing reference images, Simple interface for artists

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Value Study free?

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

### Is MindGrids free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Value Study or MindGrids?

MindGrids is rated higher. Value Study averages 4.8 out of 5 from 3.3K ratings, while MindGrids averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Value Study or MindGrids have ads?

Neither Value Study nor MindGrids shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Value Study or MindGrids?

Value Study ships an update every 2 weeks, and MindGrids daily. Most recently, Value Study was updated on October 12, 2026 and MindGrids on September 25, 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.*