Comparison

h2Re vs Paintable

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

Head to head
About

h2Re

This app enhances a physical book on rendering fundamentals by linking trigger images to over 10 hours of online video tutorials. It uses augmented reality tracking to connect printed material with digital educational content, keeping the information current.

Highlights
  • Augmented Reality tracking
  • Links to online video tutorials
  • Enhances book learning experience
  • Over 10 hours of video content
  • Connects print to digital content
  • Keeps information current
Read full description

This is the companion app for the new Design Studio Press book: How to Render. The second hit title in the Design Studio Press' "h2" series, building on fundamentals introduced in How to Draw, How to Render deals with the fundamentals of light, shadow and reflectivity. Enhancing the learning experience, this app has been created to allow readers to use trigger images on pages to link directly to online tutorials via their tablets and phones. Using advanced video techniques, this app connects the printed matter to online digital educational content as never before, and insures that the book remains as current as the rapidly advancing techniques presented in How to Render. Over 10 hours of video content have been created to accompany the book. A physical copy of How to Render is required to get the most out of the h2Re app. Access to your camera is required to allow the app's Augmented Reality tracking to work. Additionally, an internet connection is required to view the video content. You can get your copy of the How to Render book by visiting: http://designstudiopress.com For downloadable examples of the Trackers and for a demo video, please visit: http://scottrobertsonworkshops.com/h2re/trackers/ For our Privacy Policy, please visit: https://designstudiopress.com/policies/privacy-policy/

About

Paintable

This app provides a structured learning path and community support for aspiring digital artists. It offers step-by-step guidance, monthly workshops, and personalized feedback to help users build confidence and complete their illustrations.

Highlights
  • 5-Level Learning Path
  • Monthly Themed Workshops
  • Private Feedback Space
  • Supportive Artist Community
  • Creative Habit Support
  • Illustration from Imagination
Features
Read full description

Transform into a confident artist by creating original illustrations from imagination, guided by a clear path, helpful feedback, and a community that shares your passion. Digital Painting Academy is a private, supportive space built specifically for self-taught digital artists who want to grow their skills, build a consistent creative practice, and confidently illustrate from imagination. Whether you’re just getting started or returning after years away, you’ll find the structure, feedback, and community you’ve been missing. Join over 9,000 artists already transforming their creative lives with our step-by-step learning path, monthly themed workshops, and expert support—designed to help you finish what you start and feel proud of the art you make. > WHO IS THIS FOR? This app is for digital artists who are: • Returning to art after a long break and ready to reconnect with their creative identity • Aspiring illustrators who want to level up and take their craft seriously • Hobbyists who love making art, but struggle to finish anything • Creative burnout survivors who want to bring joy back to their art practice If you’ve ever felt stuck, scattered, or overwhelmed by all the tutorials and advice out there—you’re not alone. This space is for artists who want real growth, real progress, and real connection. > WHAT WILL YOU GET? Inside the Digital Painting Academy app, you’ll find everything you need to go from dabbler to confident artist: ** A 5-Level Learning Path ** A clear roadmap from beginner foundations to fully polished illustrations—designed to build your skills step by step, so you’re never lost or wondering what to learn next. ** Monthly Workshops ** Every month, dive into new themes like portraits, characters, and storytelling illustration. Learn pro techniques, apply them through mini-projects, and stretch your creative muscles—without getting overwhelmed. ** Private Feedback Space ** Get personalized, constructive feedback from experienced mentors who understand your goals. Whether you’re stuck or just need a nudge, we’re here to help you keep going. ** Supportive Artist Community ** No ego. No distractions. Just a warm, encouraging space to connect, grow, and stay inspired with fellow artists who care about their craft as much as you do. ** Built-In Creative Habit Support ** Life gets busy—but that doesn’t mean your art has to take a backseat. We help you find a rhythm that fits your real life, so you can make consistent progress without burnout. > WHY JOIN? Because you’re putting in the hours—now it’s time to get the results you deserve. If you’ve ever thought: “I’ve been drawing for years, but I still don’t feel like I’m improving.” “I can’t seem to finish my projects.” “I know I could do this… if I just had the right structure.” This is the space you’ve been looking for. Create art you’re proud of. Finish what matters. And finally feel like a “real” artist. No more doing it alone. No more wondering what to work on next. Just a clear, supportive path to becoming the artist you’ve always wanted to be. Join Digital Painting Academy and unlock the skills, confidence, and momentum to bring your imagination to life—one finished piece at a time.

Screenshots

h2Re4 screens
Paintable4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Paintable at 4.7 against h2Re's 3.8. Paintable also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 20 months). h2Re's advantage is monetization model (free vs ad-supported) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Paintable holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 18 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

h2Re ships an update every 20 months, Paintable weekly. The most recent releases landed on June 11, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
h2Re versus Paintable: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameterh2RePaintable
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.8 (8 ratings)4.7 (18 ratings) — better
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings818 — better
Update frequencyEvery 20 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterAd-supported
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size122 MB143 MB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperDesign Studio PressPaintable Pte. Ltd.

Customer experience

h2Re

All ratings8 ratings
Positive62.5%
Neutral12.5%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative25.0%

Paintable

All ratings18 ratings
Positive88.9%
Neutral11.1%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

h2Re

No in-app purchases

None

Paintable

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is h2Re free?
h2Re is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Paintable free?
Paintable is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, h2Re or Paintable?
Paintable is rated higher. h2Re averages 3.8 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Paintable averages 4.7 from 18 ratings.
Do h2Re or Paintable have ads?
Neither h2Re nor Paintable shows ads.
Which is updated more often, h2Re or Paintable?
h2Re ships an update every 20 months, and Paintable weekly. Most recently, h2Re was updated on June 11, 2026 and Paintable on September 19, 2026.

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