# Compass vs Compass XL

The clearest difference is rating: Compass XL at 4.7 against Compass's 4.1. Compass XL also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 109 months). Compass's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Compass XL sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Compass asks for nothing beyond the download.

Compass XL holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 15 and 15 respectively.

Compass ships an update every 109 months, Compass XL every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Compass | Compass XL |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-live-direction/id1076854083/reviews) | **[4.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-xl-gps-navigation/id6739737170/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 15 | 15 |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 109 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 11 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ramalingam Sivaramakrishnan](https://appshunter.io/developer/892706271) | [Mobile Card Games & Travel Apps LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/453389232) |

## What reviewers say

### Compass

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-live-direction/id1076854083)

A straightforward compass app with a large, easy-to-read display showing your direction and heading. Its minimalist design prioritizes simplicity and usability for quick navigation.

**Highlights:** Large display, Shows direction, Shows heading, Simple design, Easy to read

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Compass XL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-xl-gps-navigation/id6739737170)

This app provides a large, clear compass display for easy navigation in any environment. It offers multiple styles, North modes, and location-based place names, with offline functionality. An optional Pro upgrade unlocks ad removal, bearing lock, and specialized display modes.

**Highlights:** Large, clear compass display, True North and Magnetic North modes, Location-based place names, Offline functionality, Bearing Lock (Pro), Night Vision Mode (Pro)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Compass Pro | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Compass free?

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

### Is Compass XL free?

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

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

Compass XL is rated higher. Compass averages 4.1 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Compass XL averages 4.7 from 15 ratings.

### Do Compass or Compass XL have ads?

Compass shows ads; Compass XL does not.

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

Compass ships an update every 109 months, and Compass XL every 9 days. Most recently, Compass was updated on October 21, 2026 and Compass XL on October 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.*