Perception vs PaletteMaker
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. PaletteMaker is completely free, while Perception is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Palettes from any word
- Palette analysis
- Color psychology research
- Large palette library
- Team access
- AI palette generation
- Live previews on real designs
- Filter by tone and colour count
- Export to Procreate, ASE, image or code
| Feature | Perception | PaletteMaker |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Color palette generator built on color psychology research | Free AI colour palette generator with live design previews |
| Category | Design | Design |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | $14/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Perception | PaletteMaker |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
PaletteMaker is completely free, while Perception is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Perception Lite
Free
- 3 AI palettes at a time
- Favorite up to 10 palettes
Perception Studio
$14/mo
- 9 AI palettes at a time
- Unlimited favorites and bookmarks
- Teams up to 10 users
Perception Enterprise
Contact sales
- Collaboration features
- Advanced tools for agencies
Prices in USD, checked Oct 29, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Perception
- Free tier without signup for a first try
- Based on color psychology research
- Analyses palettes you already have
- Free tier shows only 3 palettes at a time
- Narrow focus on colour
- Team features need higher plans
PaletteMaker
- Completely free according to the site
- Previews show colour in real layouts
- Exports to common design formats
- Palette generation only
- Few controls beyond tone and colour count
Which one should you choose?
Choose Perception if you want:
- Free tier without signup for a first try
- Based on color psychology research
- Analyses palettes you already have
Watch out: free tier shows only 3 palettes at a time.
Choose PaletteMaker if you want:
- Completely free according to the site
- Previews show colour in real layouts
- Exports to common design formats
Watch out: palette generation only.
Perception vs PaletteMaker FAQ
What is the difference between Perception and PaletteMaker?
Perception: Color palette generator built on color psychology research. PaletteMaker: Free AI colour palette generator with live design previews. Both are design tools.
Is Perception or PaletteMaker cheaper?
PaletteMaker is completely free, while Perception is freemium.
Do Perception and PaletteMaker have free plans?
Perception: Yes. PaletteMaker: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Perception?
Perception is made by Perception.
Who makes PaletteMaker?
PaletteMaker is made by PaletteMaker.
Which should I choose, Perception or PaletteMaker?
Choose Perception if you value free tier without signup for a first try and based on color psychology research. Choose PaletteMaker if you value completely free according to the site and previews show colour in real layouts.