# Compass vs Compass_S

The clearest difference is rating: Compass_S at 4.6 against Compass's 3.5. Compass_S also leads on ratings volume (281 vs 17). Compass's advantage is monetization model (ad-supported vs free with in-app purchases). On price, review sentiment, update cadence 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.

Compass_S holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Compass_S has 281 ratings behind it against 17, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 20% of Compass's written reviews are positive against 25% of Compass_S's.

Compass ships an update every 5 months, Compass_S every 6 months. Both last shipped on November 2, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Compass | Compass_S |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-unlimited/id1076803164/reviews) | **[4.6 (281 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-s/id1385372454/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 17 | **281** |
| Positive reviews | 20.0% of reviews | **25.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 10 MB | 194 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Aishvarya Sadasivam](https://appshunter.io/developer/1062048241) | [hiroyuki uchida](https://appshunter.io/developer/669938829) |

## What reviewers say

### Compass

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-unlimited/id1076803164)

This app provides a clear and easy-to-read digital compass with a large display showing your direction and heading. Its straightforward design prioritizes simplicity and usability for quick navigation.

**Highlights:** Large display for easy reading, Shows direction and heading, Simple and intuitive design, Free to use

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Compass_S

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-s/id1385372454)

A straightforward compass app offering five distinct needle designs. It displays cardinal directions in multiple formats, including Japanese, and provides GPS coordinates like latitude, longitude, and altitude. The app includes features to help maintain accuracy and can be used for specific cultural practices.

**Highlights:** Five needle designs, NESW and Japanese cardinal points, Latitude, longitude, and altitude display, Accuracy guidance for level positioning, Ehomaki compass for Setsubun, Ad-free and offline modes

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Compass free?

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

### Is Compass_S free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Compass or Compass_S?

Compass_S is rated higher. Compass averages 3.5 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while Compass_S averages 4.6 from 281 ratings.

### Do Compass or Compass_S have ads?

Both Compass and Compass_S show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Compass or Compass_S?

Compass ships an update every 5 months, and Compass_S every 6 months. Most recently, Compass was updated on November 2, 2026 and Compass_S on November 2, 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.*