# ChromaCalc vs starCTRL

The clearest difference is rating: ChromaCalc at 4.7 against starCTRL's 2.9. ChromaCalc also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 14.0). starCTRL's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ChromaCalc sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. starCTRL asks for nothing beyond the download.

ChromaCalc holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 14 and 7 respectively.

ChromaCalc ships an update every 8 months, starCTRL every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ChromaCalc | starCTRL |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chromacalc/id1599969698/reviews)** | [2.9 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starctrl/id6444952715/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **14** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | — | 25.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 6 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 4 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Chromatic Applications LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1599969700) | [Videndum Production Solutions, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/962154071) |

## What reviewers say

### ChromaCalc

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chromacalc/id1599969698)

This tool helps cinematographers match and find equivalent colors for LED lighting fixtures. It uses spectral data from real instruments to achieve desired color intentions with various lighting and camera settings.

**Highlights:** Match LED lighting fixtures, Find equivalent light colors, Use spectral data, Configure lighting instruments, Adjust camera settings, Achieve color intent

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $99.99 | per year |


### starCTRL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starctrl/id6444952715)

Design custom lighting setups with this app. Connect and control compatible fixtures, adjusting color, intensity, and effects. Save presets and group lights for complex designs.

**Highlights:** Auto-discovery of compatible fixtures, Control lamp color and intensity, Adjust color temperature and green offset, Access built-in lighting effects, Group lights for larger designs, Save favorite colors and effects, Set smooth transitions with fade times

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ChromaCalc free?

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

### Is starCTRL free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ChromaCalc or starCTRL?

ChromaCalc is rated higher. ChromaCalc averages 4.7 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while starCTRL averages 2.9 from 7 ratings.

### Do ChromaCalc or starCTRL have ads?

Neither ChromaCalc nor starCTRL shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ChromaCalc or starCTRL?

ChromaCalc ships an update every 8 months, and starCTRL every 6 months. Most recently, ChromaCalc was updated on September 10, 2026 and starCTRL on June 1, 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.*