# Compass Live vs Compass_S

The clearest difference is rating: Compass_S at 4.6 against Compass Live's 4.2. Compass_S also leads on update cadence (every 6 months vs every 109 months). Compass Live's advantage is review sentiment (42% vs 25%) and monetization model (ad-supported vs free with in-app purchases). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 106 and 281 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 42% of Compass Live's written reviews are positive against 25% of Compass_S's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Compass Live ships an update every 109 months, Compass_S every 6 months. Both last shipped on November 2, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Compass Live | Compass_S |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (106 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-live-direction-finder/id1076836777/reviews) | **[4.6 (281 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-s/id1385372454/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 106 | **281** |
| Positive reviews | **42.1% of reviews** | 25.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 109 months | **Every 6 months** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 8 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 Live

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-live-direction-finder/id1076836777)

A straightforward and easy-to-read compass app with a large display for clear direction and heading indication. Its minimalist design prioritizes usability for quick access to navigation information.

**Highlights:** Large display for easy reading, Shows direction and heading, Simple and intuitive design, Live direction updates

**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 Live free?

Compass Live 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 Live or Compass_S?

Compass_S is rated higher. Compass Live averages 4.2 out of 5 from 106 ratings, while Compass_S averages 4.6 from 281 ratings.

### Do Compass Live or Compass_S have ads?

Both Compass Live and Compass_S show ads.

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

Compass Live ships an update every 109 months, and Compass_S every 6 months. Most recently, Compass Live 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.*