# Color Name AR vs Variable Color

Color Name AR and Variable Color both sit at 4.4 stars, but that hides the real split: 48% of Color Name AR's written reviews are positive against 0% of Variable Color's. Color Name AR also leads on ratings volume (8.2K vs 62) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 weeks). Variable Color's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Color Name AR sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Variable Color asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.4 for Color Name AR against 4.4 for Variable Color. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Color Name AR has 8.2K ratings behind it against 62, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 48% of Color Name AR's written reviews are positive against 0% of Variable Color's.

Color Name AR ships an update every 2 weeks, Variable Color every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Color Name AR | Variable Color |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (8.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/color-name-ar/id906955675/reviews) | [4.4 (62 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/variable-color/id1321076731/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **8.2K** | 62 |
| Positive reviews | **48.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 58 MB | 83 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.1** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | +4 | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vlad Polyanskiy](https://appshunter.io/developer/438646985) | [Variable Technologies LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/569541572) |

## What reviewers say

### Color Name AR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/color-name-ar/id906955675)

Identify and discover colors with this app. It helps you choose paints, wallpaper, and decorative items by providing a vast database of color names and their visual representations. Perfect for designers, decorators, or anyone curious about color.

**Highlights:** Pantone color scheme assistant, Massive base of color names, Search and view color database, Intuitive interface, Color identification

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Mode | $2.99 | per month |
| Premium Mode | $14.99 | per year |
| Pro Pack | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Accurate color identification
- 🎨 Extensive color library
- 🎨 Helpful for color-blind users
- 🎨 Useful for artists and designers
- 🎨 Integrates with other apps (e.g., Procreate)

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Requires subscription or one-time purchase
- 🐛 Inconsistent color identification
- 🐛 Buggy and unstable performance
- 🔍 Limited functionality in free version
- 🤷‍♀️ Confusing or overwhelming color names

**Reported bugs**

- Buttons and features not working as expected
- Incorrect color identification in various lighting conditions
- Compatibility issues on certain devices
- Subscription management problems (e.g., unable to cancel)

**Requested features**

- Ability to save and manage custom color palettes
- Improved image editing and color adjustment tools
- Landscape mode support for iPad
- Zoom and pan functionality for detailed color analysis
- Color blindness mode with simplified color names


### Variable Color

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/variable-color/id1321076731)

Easily scan and identify colors from your surroundings. Find matching paints and materials, organize your color discoveries into palettes, and share them with others. Streamline your color selection process for design, DIY, or professional projects.

**Highlights:** Scan and identify colors instantly, Match colors to paint and material libraries, Organize colors into custom palettes, Share color palettes with others, Cross-reference colors between brands, Attach images to palettes

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Color Name AR free?

Color Name AR is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Variable Color free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Color Name AR or Variable Color?

Color Name AR and Variable Color are both rated 4.4 out of 5 on the App Store, from 8.2K and 62 ratings respectively.

### Do Color Name AR or Variable Color have ads?

Neither Color Name AR nor Variable Color shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Color Name AR or Variable Color?

Color Name AR ships an update every 2 weeks, and Variable Color every 5 weeks. Most recently, Color Name AR was updated on October 18, 2026 and Variable Color on October 5, 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.*