Accurate color measurement is crucial in many industrial and scientific applications, from quality control in manufacturing to research and development. A reliable lab colorimeter ensures consistent results, prevents costly errors, and maintains product integrity. Selecting the right instrument calibrates your process for precision and efficiency.
- PRECISE CHLORINE MEASUREMENTS – Accurately measures Free Chlorine (0.02–2.00 mg/L Low Range) and Total Chlorine (0.1–8.0 mg/L High Range), providing reliable data for water quality analysis.
- RUGGED AND WATERPROOF – Built to last in demanding conditions with an IP67 waterproof rating. Ideal for fieldwork, it withstands drops, rain, and dirt for consistent, worry-free performance.
- USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN – Simple interface and a larger, backlit display make the DR300 easy to operate, ensuring accurate results even in low-light environments.
- EPA-COMPLIANT TESTS – Designed for use with Hach’s EPA-approved reagents and methods, offering trusted results for regulatory compliance.
- Scan any object or surface to instantly match to 300,000+ brand name paints.
- Not just for paint - Instant RGB, HEX, CMYK and more digital color values.
- 95%+ hit rate on top paint brands including Benjamin Moore, Behr, PPG, Valspar, Sherwin-Williams and more. Paint libraries vary by country region.
- Get instant matches to Pantone, RAL and NCS premium databases.
- SIMPLE AND PORTABLE - Scan any flat surface to find the closest matching paint colours and products in the Color Muse app. Color Muse pairs to the app via wireless so that you can scan colours anywhere.
- MATCH WITH CONFIDENCE - Trust that you’re getting accurate colour matches with an accuracy rate of over 90%. Spot touch-ups are not recommended. Colour matches may be used for wall-to-wall painting. For best results, scan a smooth, flat surface. Scanned...
- LARGE PRODUCT LIBRARY - The Color Muse app includes paints and products from Sikkens, Farrow & Ball, PPG, Dulux, Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Color Is, Dulux, Munsell, and other leading brands.
- COORDINATE, SAVE, SHARE - Find coordinating colours, inspiration photos, and even your scan’s HEX, CMYK, RGB, LAB, LCH, LRV, HSB, and HSV colour values in the Color Muse app. Save and share your favourite colours.
- Can measure more than 30 measurement parameters including Lab, RGB, CMYK, reflectance, whiteness, yellowing, etc.
- Can evaluate homochromatic aberration spectrum and provide multiple measurement light sources such as near A, D65, D50, C, etc.
- Supports connecting mobile app and computer color management .
- Provide two sizes of 6mm caliber, pointed and flat, can measure more sample sizes.
- It can be applicable in textile, printing and dyeing, clothing, footwear, leather, chemicals, plastics, film, pigments, paints, inks, metal, photography, toys, and other industry color quality control, color analysis, sample testing, production line...
- The most convenient colorimeter: automatic correction when starting up (national patent)
- Environmental, low energy consumption instrument, high capacity lithium battery
- High-Precision Color Measurement with Professional Standards: Adopts D/8 optical geometry (including specular reflected light) and a full-spectrum LED light source (400-700nm, 10nm interval). Achieves ultra-high repeatability with △E*ab standard...
- Versatile Color Spaces & Multiple Color Difference Formulas: Supports CIE Lab, LCh, Luv, Yxy, CMYK, RGB, whiteness (Hunter/Ganz/R457), yellowness (ASTM D1925/E313), HSL, HSV, ITA, and spectral reflectance. Features 9 color difference formulas including...
- Smart Electronic Color Card Matching & Large Data Storage: Built-in 46 electronic color cards with 20,000+ colors – automatically matches the closest standard color code. Stores up to 1,000 standard colors, 1,000 color difference records, 1,000 color...
- User-Friendly 3.5” IPS Touchscreen & Long Battery Life: Features a 3.5-inch IPS color display with capacitive touch for intuitive operation. Powered by a 4000mAh rechargeable lithium battery – supports up to 10,000 consecutive measurements per full...
- Single Parameter go-anywhere portable photometer
- Battery operation for a maximum of 5000 tests
- Waterproof instrument IP67 (even better than PCII)
- Data connectivity
- This is a built-in integrating sphere colorimeter with an aperture of 8mm. The principle of light splitting makes the color measurement more accurate. The D/8 measurement structure is adopted,The advantage of this structure is that it reflects the...
- It supports the selection of 26 evaluation light sources (A,C,D50,D65,etc.),33 measurement parameters(RGB,Lab,XYZ,HSB,HEX,etc.),4 color difference formulas(dE*ab,dE*cmc,dE*94,dE*00).
- There are 19 built-in electronic color cards(Pantone Uncoated, Pantone Coated, NCS, NIPPON PAINT, Color Manual, Pantone FHI Cotton TCX, Pantone FHI Paper TPG, PPG, TEKNOS, etc.).
- 【About Downloading APP】The name in the APP Store is "ColorMeter". Google Play Store is still under review. You can scan the QR code in the manual to download the APK file. It is safe and secure. When you register, you need to enter an email (we...
- 【Repeatability Accuracy】ΔE*ab≤ 0.03
- 【Measuring Structure】D/8,SCI
- 【Light Source】LED+UV(For color measurement on surfaces containing fluorescent materials)
- 【Color Indices】Lab, RGB, HEX, CMYK, CIELAB, LCH, LRV...and more digital color values.
- 【Dual Positioning for Precise Calibration】: The Difference Meter Tester 8mm features precise positioning of the positioning block and the meter frame. It adopts black and white manual calibration technology to ensure the same color data for each...
- 【Data Logging】: The Colorimeter can log up to 10,000 sample data records (export not supported).
- 【Easy to Read】: Colorimeter Color has a 2.8-inch TFT display for easy data reading.
- 【Rechargeable Design】:The miniature colorimetric sensor is designed for low power consumption and can take up to 10,000 measurements on a full charge.
This article is part of our complete guide Lab & Scientific Equipment — browse all our comparisons and buying guides.
Last update on 2026-10-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Best Lab Colorimeters
Understanding Color Measurement Principles
Lab colorimeters operate by measuring the amount of light absorbed or reflected by a sample at various wavelengths. This data is then processed to generate color values, typically expressed in color spaces like CIE L*a*b* or RGB. Understanding these principles helps in interpreting the readings and selecting a device suited for your specific needs.
Key Features to Consider
- Measurement Geometry: Common geometries include 0/45 (diffuse illumination, 45° viewing) and d/8 (integrating sphere, 8° viewing). 0/45 is generally better for opaque surfaces, while d/8 is more versatile for various sample types.
- Light Source: Ensure the device uses a stable, broad-spectrum light source, such as a xenon lamp or LED, to accurately represent colors under different lighting conditions.
- Color Space and Indices: Look for support for standard color spaces (CIE L*a*b*, XYZ, RGB) and relevant color difference indices (ΔE) for precise comparisons.
- Portability and Power: Consider whether a handheld, portable unit is needed for on-site measurements or if a benchtop model is sufficient for laboratory use. Battery life is also a factor for portable devices.
- Data Management: Features like onboard memory, USB connectivity, and software for data analysis and reporting are essential for efficient workflow.
Calibration and Maintenance
Regular calibration is vital for maintaining the accuracy of any colorimeter. Most instruments come with calibration standards (white and black tiles). Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for routine calibration and cleaning to ensure consistent and reliable measurements over time. Periodic servicing may also be recommended.
Application-Specific Needs
Different industries have unique color requirements. For example, the textile industry might prioritize color fastness testing, while the food industry may focus on freshness indicators. Assess your primary application to determine if specialized features or accessories are necessary for optimal performance.