# Chromatic Vision Simulator vs Handy Art Reference Tool

The clearest difference is price: Chromatic Vision Simulator at Free against Handy Art Reference Tool's $1.99. Chromatic Vision Simulator also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2). Handy Art Reference Tool's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.4) and ratings volume (1.2K vs 58). On review sentiment, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Chromatic Vision Simulator is free to download; Handy Art Reference Tool costs $1.99 up front. Handy Art Reference Tool sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Chromatic Vision Simulator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Handy Art Reference Tool holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Handy Art Reference Tool has 1.2K ratings behind it against 58, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 85% and 85% positive.

Chromatic Vision Simulator ships an update every 11 months, Handy Art Reference Tool every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Chromatic Vision Simulator | Handy Art Reference Tool |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| Rating | [4.4 (58 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chromatic-vision-simulator/id389310222/reviews) | **[4.8 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handy-art-reference-tool/id478643661/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 58 | **1.2K** |
| Positive reviews | 84.9% of reviews | **85.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 11 months | **Every 5 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#187** |
| Size | 6 MB | 361 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kazunori Asada](https://appshunter.io/developer/388924061) | [Belief Engine](https://appshunter.io/developer/478643664) |

## What reviewers say

### Chromatic Vision Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chromatic-vision-simulator/id389310222)

Simulate various types of color vision deficiencies in real-time using your device's camera or photos. Understand how individuals with protanopia, deuteranopia, or tritanopia perceive the world by visualizing color differences.

**Highlights:** Simulates color vision deficiencies, Real-time camera simulation, Photo simulation, Supports protanope/protanomal, Supports deuteranope/deuteranomal, Supports tritanope/tritanomal

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Handy Art Reference Tool

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handy-art-reference-tool/id478643661)

**Currently charting:** #187 Top Paid · Education (US App Store)

This app provides artists with rotatable 3D models of hands, heads, and feet for drawing reference. Customize poses and lighting to achieve realistic results for your artwork. Additional packs for animal skulls and foot rigs are available for purchase.

**Highlights:** Rotatable 3D limb models, Customizable poses, Adjustable 3-point lighting, 3D head busts, Animal skull reference pack, Material editing

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Feet Models | $1.99 | one-time |
| Animal Skull Pack | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful for drawing reference
- 🔍 Useful for lighting and shading
- 🎨 Great for hands and heads
- 💡 Customizable lighting and poses
- 🎨 Diverse skin tone options

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes or freezes on some devices
- 💰 In-app purchases for additional content
- 🤔 Limited model variety (no full bodies)
- 🤔 Difficulty with precise positioning
- 🤔 Lighting controls could be improved

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on launch for some users
- Purchased content not unlocking
- Positioning and movement issues

**Requested features**

- Add full body models and poses
- Include more facial expressions and emotions
- Allow for custom hand and finger posing
- Implement ability to save custom poses
- Add more diverse skin tones and ethnicities


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Chromatic Vision Simulator free?

Chromatic Vision Simulator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Handy Art Reference Tool free?

Handy Art Reference Tool costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Chromatic Vision Simulator or Handy Art Reference Tool?

Handy Art Reference Tool is rated higher. Chromatic Vision Simulator averages 4.4 out of 5 from 58 ratings, while Handy Art Reference Tool averages 4.8 from 1.2K ratings.

### Do Chromatic Vision Simulator or Handy Art Reference Tool have ads?

Neither Chromatic Vision Simulator nor Handy Art Reference Tool shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Chromatic Vision Simulator or Handy Art Reference Tool?

Chromatic Vision Simulator ships an update every 11 months, and Handy Art Reference Tool every 5 months. Most recently, Chromatic Vision Simulator was updated on October 14, 2026 and Handy Art Reference Tool on October 17, 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.*