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Reference vs Boardsy

A side-by-side comparison built from both listings. Blank cells mean the company has not given that detail; we never guess.

Reference compared with Boardsy
DetailReference logo ReferenceBoardsy logo Boardsy
What it doesPrivate visual moodboard app for collecting and organizing creative references Custom LED displays and illuminated signage for venues and events
StageNot given Not given
FoundedNot given Not given
Based inNot given GB
Pricing modelPaid Paid
Pricing$5.99 USD one-time purchase for all platforms (iPhone, iPad, Mac). Includes Reference Pro with unlimited boards and items. Family Sharing supported. Existing Free users can unlock Pro for the same $5.99 price. LED 360 Cylinder Display from £3995.00; LED Reception Desk from £4495.00
Key features
  • Infinite spatial canvas with zoomable, reorganizable boards
  • OCR text recognition for searchable text in images
  • Automatic tag generation and organization
  • Visual similarity search to find related images
  • Mixed media support (images, video, YouTube, GIFs, sticky notes)
  • Web publishing and public board sharing
  • Apple Pencil support for annotations on iPad
  • Safari and Chrome browser extensions for web import
  • iCloud sync across iPhone, iPad, and Mac
  • AI client integration via MCP for Mac
  • Custom product design with free mockups within 24 hours
  • Shatterproof and weatherproof construction with IP65 rating
  • Wireless rechargeable products running up to 8 hours per charge
  • Lifetime guarantee on all product builds
What makes it different
  • Private and personal - data is not tracked, sold, or locked behind paywalls
  • One-time $5.99 purchase with no subscription required
  • Unified cross-platform experience with one purchase covering all devices
  • Native Apple integration with Pencil support and seamless iCloud syncing
  • Understands visual details through OCR, color search, and automatic organization
  • Solid PE plastic mould construction with no glued seams, making products genuinely shatterproof and durable
  • Laminated graphics resistant to UV fading for up to 12 years outdoors
  • All products backed by lifetime guarantee on the build
  • Free design mockups provided within 24 hours of brief submission
  • Completely custom designs with no templates or off-the-shelf compromises
Free planNot given Not given
Open sourceNot given Not given
PlatformsNot given Not given
Public APINot given Not given
Community votes00
DR (Domain Rating by Ahrefs)3 no change since last check1 +1 (up) since last check
Trust Flow (Majestic)56
Citation Flow (Majestic)1927
Referring domains (Majestic)2046

5 details filled in for both companies.

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