# ARE 5.0 Architecture Prep Test vs Black Spectacles

The clearest difference is rating: ARE 5.0 Architecture Prep Test at 4.9 against Black Spectacles's 3.8. Black Spectacles's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 4 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ARE 5.0 Architecture Prep Test sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Black Spectacles asks for nothing beyond the download.

ARE 5.0 Architecture Prep Test holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 13 respectively.

ARE 5.0 Architecture Prep Test ships an update every 4 months, Black Spectacles fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | ARE 5.0 Architecture Prep Test | Black Spectacles |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/are-50-architecture-prep-test/id6739477392/reviews)** | [3.8 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/black-spectacles/id6754046991/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **13** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 9 MB | 79 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.2 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Cargo Teleport Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1761832181) | [Black Spectacles, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1474708769) |

## What reviewers say

### ARE 5.0 Architecture Prep Test

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/are-50-architecture-prep-test/id6739477392)

Prepare for the ARE 5.0 exam with extensive practice questions and detailed explanations. Customize quizzes, track your progress, and study offline with a user-friendly interface. This app offers a rigorous testing environment to enhance your architectural knowledge and test-taking strategies.

**Highlights:** Extensive practice question bank, In-depth explanation for each question, Customizable quizzes by division, Progress tracking and analytics, Offline access for studying, User-friendly interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium monthly subscription | $9.99 | per month |
| Lifetime version | $19.99 | one-time |


### Black Spectacles

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/black-spectacles/id6754046991)

Prepare for ARE® and CSE® exams with engaging videos, flashcards, and quizzes. Download content for offline viewing anytime, anywhere.

**Highlights:** Exam preparation, Engaging videos, Interactive flashcards, Quizzes, Offline video downloads

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ARE 5.0 Architecture Prep Test free?

ARE 5.0 Architecture Prep Test is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Black Spectacles free?

Black Spectacles is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, ARE 5.0 Architecture Prep Test or Black Spectacles?

ARE 5.0 Architecture Prep Test is rated higher. ARE 5.0 Architecture Prep Test averages 4.9 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Black Spectacles averages 3.8 from 13 ratings.

### Do ARE 5.0 Architecture Prep Test or Black Spectacles have ads?

Neither ARE 5.0 Architecture Prep Test nor Black Spectacles shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ARE 5.0 Architecture Prep Test or Black Spectacles?

ARE 5.0 Architecture Prep Test ships an update every 4 months, and Black Spectacles fortnightly. Most recently, ARE 5.0 Architecture Prep Test was updated on October 24, 2026 and Black Spectacles on October 24, 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.*