ARI vs Datacolor ColorReader Comparison: Reviews, Features, Pricing & Alternatives in 2026

Detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right solution for your team

Updated May 2026 8 min read

ARI

0.0 (0 reviews)

ARI provides specialized dealer management software and digital marketing services designed to help powersports, marine, and outdoor equipment dealers increase sales and manage their entire business operations efficiently.

Starting at --
Free Trial NO FREE TRIAL
VS

Datacolor ColorReader

0.0 (0 reviews)

Datacolor ColorReader is a portable color identification solution that helps painters, designers, and homeowners instantly match any flat surface to the most accurate paint colors from major brands.

Starting at $69/mo
Free Trial NO FREE TRIAL

Quick Comparison

Feature ARI Datacolor ColorReader
Website arirms.com datacolor.com
Pricing Model Custom One_time
Starting Price Custom Pricing $69/month
FREE Trial ✘ No free trial ✘ No free trial
Free Plan ✘ No free plan ✓ Has free plan
Product Demo ✓ Request demo here ✓ Request demo here
Deployment saas mobile mobile
Integrations QuickBooks Lightspeed Major OEM Data Feeds Facebook Marketplace Google Shopping PayPal Stripe Bluetooth Adobe Photoshop Email Text Messaging
Target Users small-business mid-market enterprise freelancer small-business mid-market
Target Industries automotive marine retail construction real-estate design
Customer Count 0 0
Founded Year 1981 1970
Headquarters Milwaukee, USA Lawrenceville, USA

Overview

A

ARI

ARI provides a comprehensive suite of tools specifically built for dealers in the powersports, marine, and outdoor power equipment industries. You can manage your entire storefront and back-office operations through a single platform that connects your physical inventory to a high-performing digital presence. The software focuses on helping you move units faster by automating lead management and keeping your online catalogs updated with the latest OEM data.

Beyond simple inventory tracking, you can build professional, mobile-responsive websites that integrate directly with your showroom floor. The platform solves the common headache of manual data entry by providing access to massive libraries of parts and accessories diagrams. Whether you are running a single-location repair shop or a multi-brand dealership, you can streamline your sales process and improve customer retention through built-in marketing and service tools.

strtoupper($product2['name'][0])

Datacolor ColorReader

Datacolor ColorReader is a precision color-matching system that connects a handheld sensor to your smartphone via Bluetooth. You can scan any flat surface—whether it is a wall, fabric, or decorative accessory—to instantly find the closest paint match from top brands like Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr. It eliminates the guesswork of manual color matching and helps you visualize your projects with professional accuracy.

You can create custom color palettes, share them with clients or colleagues, and coordinate entire room schemes directly from your mobile device. The tool is designed for professional painters, interior designers, and DIY enthusiasts who need to maintain color consistency across different materials and lighting conditions. By using the dedicated mobile app, you can save your favorite colors and ensure your final paint selection matches your original vision every time.

Overview

A

ARI Features

  • Smart Inventory Management Showcase your units with automated data feeds and high-quality images that sync across your website and third-party marketplaces.
  • PartStream Diagrams Let your customers find the exact parts they need using interactive OEM diagrams that simplify the ordering process.
  • Lead Management Capture and track every inquiry from your website so you can respond faster and close more unit sales.
  • E-commerce Integration Sell parts, garments, and accessories online with a secure shopping cart that handles shipping and tax calculations automatically.
  • Service Management Schedule repair jobs and track technician productivity to ensure your service department remains profitable and organized.
  • Responsive Websites Launch a professional dealership website optimized for mobile devices to reach customers wherever they are searching.
strtoupper($product2['name'][0])

Datacolor ColorReader Features

  • Instant Color Matching. Scan any flat surface to find the most accurate paint match from over 50 leading global brands.
  • Digital Palette Creation. Build and save custom color collections for different projects so you can keep your design ideas organized.
  • Color Coordination. Find complementary colors, triads, and analogous schemes instantly to create perfectly balanced rooms and designs.
  • Project Sharing. Send your saved color palettes to clients, contractors, or paint stores via text, email, or social media.
  • Brand Filtering. Toggle between specific paint manufacturers to ensure you only see results from the brands you prefer to use.
  • Quality Control Mode. Compare two different colors to check for consistency and see the precise Delta E difference between them.

Pricing Comparison

A

ARI Pricing

D

Datacolor ColorReader Pricing

ColorReader EZ
$69
  • Portable Bluetooth sensor
  • 85% + matching accuracy
  • Access to top paint brands
  • Create and share palettes
  • Free iOS and Android app

Pros & Cons

M

ARI

Pros

  • Industry-leading library of OEM parts diagrams
  • Seamless integration between physical inventory and website
  • Strong focus on niche industries like marine and powersports
  • Reliable lead generation tools for unit sales

Cons

  • Learning curve for complex backend configurations
  • Customization options can be limited on standard templates
  • Pricing is not transparent without a sales consultation
A

Datacolor ColorReader

Pros

  • Extremely accurate matching compared to visual guessing
  • Saves significant time during client consultations
  • Compact design fits easily in your pocket
  • No monthly subscription fees for app usage

Cons

  • Requires flat surfaces for the most accurate scans
  • Bluetooth connection occasionally requires a quick reset
  • Glossy surfaces can sometimes distort the reading
x

Please claim profile in order to edit product details and view analytics. Provide your work email address to receive a verification link.

x

Please login in order to edit product details and view analytics.