# StareMaster vs The Universe, Controlled

The clearest difference is rating: StareMaster at 5.0 against The Universe, Controlled's 4.3. StareMaster also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 3 days) and iOS requirement (18.0 vs 26.0). The Universe, Controlled's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. StareMaster sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and The Universe, Controlled sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

StareMaster holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 3 respectively.

StareMaster ships an update every 2 days, The Universe, Controlled every 3 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | StareMaster | The Universe, Controlled |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staremaster/id733342409/reviews)** | [4.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-universe-controlled/id6812953850/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **3** |
| Positive reviews | — | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Every 3 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 89 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Magnate Interactive Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/303058770) | [Lex Friedman](https://appshunter.io/developer/402531616) |

## What reviewers say

### StareMaster

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staremaster/id733342409)

Test your willpower in a digital staring contest. Use your device's camera to lock eyes with animated opponents and avoid blinking to win. Compete in different modes, challenge friends, and climb leaderboards.

**Highlights:** Real-time face tracking, Animated 3D opponents, Versus mode, Endless Stare-a-thon mode, Multiple difficulty levels, Game Center leaderboards and achievements, On-device processing for privacy

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| StareMaster Pro | $4.99 | one-time |


### The Universe, Controlled

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-universe-controlled/id6812953850)

Guide spacecraft, rockets, and UFOs to safe landings on planets and moons. Trace flight paths, avoid collisions with asteroids and aliens, and score points. Enjoy an immersive space experience with customizable sound options.

**Highlights:** Trace spacecraft paths, Avoid collisions, Land on planets/moons, Dodge aliens and asteroids, Score points, Customizable soundtrack and sound effects

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock The Universe | $3.99 | one-time |
| Unlock (Platinum) | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StareMaster free?

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

### Is The Universe, Controlled free?

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

### Which has better reviews, StareMaster or The Universe, Controlled?

StareMaster is rated higher. StareMaster averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while The Universe, Controlled averages 4.3 from 3 ratings.

### Do StareMaster or The Universe, Controlled have ads?

StareMaster shows ads; The Universe, Controlled does not.

### Which is updated more often, StareMaster or The Universe, Controlled?

StareMaster ships an update every 2 days, and The Universe, Controlled every 3 days. Most recently, StareMaster was updated on October 24, 2026 and The Universe, Controlled 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.*