# Universal Studios Japan vs Pie VAT

Universal Studios Japan and Pie VAT both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 65% of Pie VAT's written reviews are positive against 26% of Universal Studios Japan's. Pie VAT also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs monthly) and chart position (#170 vs unranked). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Universal Studios Japan against 4.8 for Pie VAT. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7.6K and 9K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 26% of Universal Studios Japan's written reviews are positive against 65% of Pie VAT's.

Universal Studios Japan ships an update monthly, Pie VAT every 5 days. Both last shipped on November 4, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Universal Studios Japan | Pie VAT |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (7.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-studios-japan/id532097000/reviews) | **[4.8 (9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pie-vat/id1438421140/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 7.6K | **9K** |
| Positive reviews | 26.1% of reviews | **65.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | — | **#170** |
| Size | 207 MB | 118 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NBCUniversal Media, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/303544359) | [PieSystems](https://appshunter.io/developer/1438421139) |

## What reviewers say

### Universal Studios Japan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-studios-japan/id532097000)

Plan your visit to a popular theme park with real-time attraction wait times, show schedules, and an interactive map. Secure timed entry eTickets and access park information, including game app details for specific themed areas. Save your favorite attractions and easily purchase park tickets.

**Highlights:** Real-time wait times and show schedules, Interactive park map with filters, Timed Entry eTicket acquisition, Centralized information for themed areas, Create a favorites list for attractions, Direct access to ticket purchasing

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Useful tool for trip
- 🗺️ Interactive map and e-ticket capture
- 👍 Great experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitches and technical issues
- 🤔 Confusing and not user-friendly
- 💸 Expensive and oversold
- 🌐 Notifications only in Japanese
- 📱 App crashes and fails to load

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes during ticket purchase
- Inability to register or access tickets
- Inconsistent behavior across iOS and Android

**Requested features**

- Add language settings to change to English
- Improve navigation and information display
- Provide more transparency on ticket availability
- Optimize app performance and stability


### Pie VAT

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pie-vat/id1438421140)

**Currently charting:** #170 Top Free · Travel (US App Store)

This app simplifies claiming VAT refunds for travelers. It eliminates paper forms and long waits, offering a quick and easy digital solution to shop tax-free. Track your refund requests and receive your money faster through various payout methods.

**Highlights:** Digital VAT refund claims, Find partner stores, Quick refund requests, Track refund status, Multiple payout options, In-app live help

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy and efficient process
- 👍 User-friendly app
- 💰 Quick refund processing
- 🙌 Excellent customer service
- 🏆 Best VAT refund system

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 High service fees
- 🤔 Unclear fee disclosure
- 🐛 App crashes and bugs
- 🔒 Security and privacy concerns

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when loading documents
- Issues with photo uploads and login

**Requested features**

- More transparent fee structure
- Compatibility with more countries and merchants


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Universal Studios Japan free?

Universal Studios Japan is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Pie VAT free?

Pie VAT is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Universal Studios Japan or Pie VAT?

Pie VAT is rated higher. Universal Studios Japan averages 4.8 out of 5 from 7.6K ratings, while Pie VAT averages 4.8 from 9K ratings.

### Do Universal Studios Japan or Pie VAT have ads?

Neither Universal Studios Japan nor Pie VAT shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Universal Studios Japan or Pie VAT?

Universal Studios Japan ships an update monthly, and Pie VAT every 5 days. Most recently, Universal Studios Japan was updated on November 4, 2026 and Pie VAT on November 4, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*