Pigment is easily one of the most sophisticated digital coloring apps on iOS. Instead of just tapping bucket fills into flat clip art, kids get actual brush dynamics, pressure sensitivity with the Apple Pencil, and blending tools that teach shading and texture. If your kid loves drawing, the engine itself is fantastic.

The friction comes entirely from how the app is monetized and networked. Pixite built Pigment around a aggressive $4.99-per-week subscription model that pops up constantly. On top of that, there is an integrated social gallery where users post finished pages, tag each other, and chat.

If you hand an iPad with Pigment to a tween, lock down Screen Time purchases first and skip account creation for the Gallery. Used as an offline sketchbook and coloring pad, it is exceptional; left on default settings, it is a subscription trap with an unnecessary social network attached.