# Black Spectacles vs ARE 5.0 Architect Prep Test

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Black Spectacles at none against ARE 5.0 Architect Prep Test's 4. Black Spectacles also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (13 vs 4). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ARE 5.0 Architect Prep Test sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Black Spectacles asks for nothing beyond the download.

ARE 5.0 Architect Prep Test holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 13 and 4 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Black Spectacles ships an update fortnightly, ARE 5.0 Architect Prep Test every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Black Spectacles | ARE 5.0 Architect Prep Test |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/black-spectacles/id6754046991/reviews) | **[4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/are-50-architect-prep-test/id6758542351/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **13** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 79 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Black Spectacles, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1474708769) | [Bhautikkumar Kalariya](https://appshunter.io/developer/1854310812) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### ARE 5.0 Architect Prep Test

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/are-50-architect-prep-test/id6758542351)

Prepare for the ARE 5.0 Architecture Registration Examination with structured practice questions and flashcards. This app helps architecture candidates master key concepts, improve retention, and stay organized for daily preparation and exam review.

**Highlights:** Structured practice questions, NCARB style flashcards, Key concept mastery, Daily preparation tracking, Exam review tools, Study anytime, anywhere

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Architecture Practice Test : Week | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Architecture Practice Test : Yearly | $24.99 | per year |
| Architecture : Lifetime Gift | $9.99 | one-time |
| Architecture Practice : Lifetime | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Black Spectacles free?

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

### Is ARE 5.0 Architect Prep Test free?

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

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

ARE 5.0 Architect Prep Test is rated higher. Black Spectacles averages 3.8 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while ARE 5.0 Architect Prep Test averages 4.0 from 4 ratings.

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

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

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

Black Spectacles ships an update fortnightly, and ARE 5.0 Architect Prep Test every 4 months. Most recently, Black Spectacles was updated on November 5, 2026 and ARE 5.0 Architect Prep Test on October 31, 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.*