Best Datacolor Spyder Alternatives in 2026
The top Datacolor Spyder alternatives are X-Rite i1Profiler, ASUS ProArt Calibration and EIZO ColorNavigator 7: 15 color management software our editors would look at instead of Datacolor Spyder, in our ranking order.
Datacolor Spyder: A focused display-calibration system for accurate multi-monitor workflows. Where it falls short: requires a compatible spyder sensor for calibration.
Switching from Datacolor Spyder? For most color management software buyers the best Datacolor Spyder alternative is X-Rite i1Profiler, built for professional display profiling and QA. ASUS ProArt Calibration has a free plan.
Why People Look for a Datacolor Spyder Alternative
- Requires a compatible Spyder sensor for calibration
- Runs on desktop Windows and macOS only
- Printer profiling is handled by the separate Spyder Print product
- No printer profiling — 5 of the alternatives below have it
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallX-Rite i1Profiler9.1
Professional display profiling and QA
Visit X-Rite i1Profiler - Best free optionASUS ProArt Calibration9.0
Has a free plan
Visit ASUS ProArt Calibration - Best for printer profilingGMG ColorServer7.9
Printer profiling (Datacolor Spyder: no)
Visit GMG ColorServer
All 15 Datacolor Spyder Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forProfessional display profiling and QA
- Better than Datacolor Spyder:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 8.7
A focused choice for display calibration, ICC profiling, multi-monitor matching, and QA.
9.1/10★★★★★Visit X-Rite -
Best forOwners of supported ASUS ProArt displays
- Better than Datacolor Spyder:
- Editor score 9.0 vs 8.7
A capable free option for ProArt owners who need SDR and HDR calibration.
- HDR calibration
- Display calibration
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit ASUS -
Best forEIZO monitor hardware calibration
- Better than Datacolor Spyder:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 8.7
A capable free choice for hardware-calibrating supported EIZO monitors.
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit EIZO -
Best forHDR, LUT, and virtual-production workflows
Broad calibration, HDR, LUT, and virtual-production coverage for specialist teams.
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit ColourSpace -
Best forFree LG monitor controls and presets
A free LG monitor utility for presets, layouts, controls, and firmware updates.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit LG -
Best forLinux users needing color picking and conversion
A free Linux color utility for picking, editing, converting, and organizing color formats.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Eyedropper -
Best forFree, cross-platform display calibration
A capable free option for technical users who need instrument-based display calibration.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit ArgyllCMS -
Best forFree calibration for solo users and small teams
A capable free option for measured display calibration across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit DisplayCAL -
Best forAdvanced HDR and professional display calibration
A powerful Windows calibration suite for HDR, professional displays, and video workflows.
- HDR calibration
- Display calibration
- ICC profile management
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Calman -
Best forAutomated enterprise color conversion
- Better than Datacolor Spyder:
- Printer profiling
A broad, automation-focused color server for complex enterprise print workflows.
- Printer profiling
- ICC profile management
7.9/10★★★★☆Try GMG ColorServer -
Best forAutomated PDF and production color conversion
A specialized color server for automated PDF conversion, proofing, and ink-saving workflows.
- ICC profile management
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit ColorLogic -
Best forAdvanced printer and DeviceLink profiling
- Better than Datacolor Spyder:
- Printer profiling
A feature-rich desktop choice for advanced printer and DeviceLink profiling.
- Printer profiling
- ICC profile management
7.8/10★★★★☆Try ColorLogic CoPrA -
Best forEnterprise spectral proof-profile modeling
- Better than Datacolor Spyder:
- Printer profiling
A focused Windows solution for enterprise packaging color modeling and profiling.
- Printer profiling
- ICC profile management
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit GMG -
Best forDigital-print production workflows
- Better than Datacolor Spyder:
- Printer profiling
A modular production RIP for print teams that need controlled, repeatable color workflows.
- Printer profiling
- ICC profile management
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit ColorGATE -
Best forRemote contract proofing teams
- Better than Datacolor Spyder:
- Printer profiling
A mature, proofing-focused choice for teams managing color across devices and locations.
- Printer profiling
- ICC profile management
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit GMG Color
Datacolor Spyder Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Datacolor Spyder?
X-Rite i1Profiler: #1 in our Color Management Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.1 out of 10. A focused choice for display calibration, ICC profiling, multi-monitor matching, and QA.
Is there a free alternative to Datacolor Spyder?
Yes. ASUS ProArt Calibration, EIZO ColorNavigator 7, LG OnScreen Control, Eyedropper and ArgyllCMS have a free plan or a free tier (6 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for Datacolor Spyder alternatives?
Requires a compatible Spyder sensor for calibration; Runs on desktop Windows and macOS only; Printer profiling is handled by the separate Spyder Print product.
How do I switch from Datacolor Spyder?
Export your data from Datacolor Spyder (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Datacolor Spyder.
How to Switch from Datacolor Spyder
- Export your data from Datacolor Spyder (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Datacolor Spyder.
Datacolor Spyder vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Printer profiling | Supported platforms | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Datacolor Spyder | No | Windows_macos | 8.7 | ||
| 1 | X-Rite i1Profiler | 9.1 | ||||
| 2 | ASUS ProArt Calibration | Yes | Free | Windows_macos | 9.0 | |
| 3 | EIZO ColorNavigator 7 | Yes | Free | 8.8 | ||
| 4 | ColourSpace | No | £125 one-time | 8.6 | ||
| 5 | LG OnScreen Control | Yes | Free | 7.9 | ||
| 6 | Eyedropper | Yes | Free | No | Linux | 7.9 |
| 7 | ArgyllCMS | Yes | Free | 7.9 | ||
| 8 | DisplayCAL | Yes | Free | 7.9 | ||
| 9 | Calman | No | $249 one-time | No | Windows | 7.9 |
| 10 | GMG ColorServer | Yes | Windows_macos | 7.9 | ||
| 11 | ColorLogic ZePrA | Windows_macos | 7.9 | |||
| 12 | ColorLogic CoPrA | No | Yes | Windows_macos | 7.8 | |
| 13 | GMG OpenColor | Yes | Windows | 7.7 | ||
| 14 | ColorGATE Productionserver | Yes | 7.6 | |||
| 15 | GMG ColorProof | Yes | Windows | 7.5 |
Head-to-Head
- Datacolor Spyder vs X-Rite i1Profiler
- Datacolor Spyder vs ASUS ProArt Calibration
- Datacolor Spyder vs EIZO ColorNavigator 7
- Datacolor Spyder vs LG OnScreen Control
- Datacolor Spyder vs Eyedropper
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update