# The Operator vs Starlift

The clearest difference is update cadence: Starlift at every 2 days against The Operator's fortnightly. Starlift also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 80%). The Operator's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and ratings volume (675 vs 4). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Operator sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Starlift sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for The Operator against 5.0 for Starlift. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: The Operator has 675 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 80% of The Operator's written reviews are positive against 100% of Starlift's.

The Operator ships an update fortnightly, Starlift every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 10, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Operator | Starlift |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (675 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-operator/id6779664500/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starlift-falling-block-puzzle/id6820674176/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **675** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 79.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#194** | — |
| Size | 761 MB | 114 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bureau 81](https://appshunter.io/developer/6779664502) | [Banjo Obayomi](https://appshunter.io/developer/474325552) |

## What reviewers say

### The Operator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-operator/id6779664500)

**Currently charting:** #194 Top Free · Adventure (US App Store)

Step into the role of an Operator for the FDI, solving complex cases like murders and cyber attacks. Utilize advanced software to analyze evidence, assist field agents, and uncover the truth behind mind-bending mysteries. Your ingenuity is key to bringing criminals to justice.

**Highlights:** Investigate diverse crimes, Utilize cutting-edge FDI software, Analyze evidence and find clues, Assist field agents with fact-checking, Unravel mind-bending stories, Follow evidence to uncover truth

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Game Controller support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Game | $7.99 | one-time |


### Starlift

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starlift-falling-block-puzzle/id6820674176)

A fast-paced puzzle game where matching three blocks ignites them and launches everything above. Explore eleven unique worlds with different gravity mechanics and challenge yourself in various game modes.

**Highlights:** Unique gravity mechanics per world, Branching star chart Voyage mode, Multiple game modes: Endless, Time Attack, Versus, Royale, Online multiplayer and daily challenges, One-handed portrait gameplay, No ads or account required for solo play

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Game | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Operator free?

The Operator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Starlift free?

Starlift is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, The Operator or Starlift?

Starlift is rated higher. The Operator averages 4.9 out of 5 from 675 ratings, while Starlift averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do The Operator or Starlift have ads?

Neither The Operator nor Starlift shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, The Operator or Starlift?

The Operator ships an update fortnightly, and Starlift every 2 days. Most recently, The Operator was updated on November 10, 2026 and Starlift on November 6, 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.*