# Simple Compass vs NESW

The clearest difference is update cadence: Simple Compass at every 18 months against NESW's every 57 months. Simple Compass also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.6). On price, review sentiment, 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.

Simple Compass ships an update every 18 months, NESW every 57 months. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and July 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simple Compass | NESW |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.1 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-compass-your-direction/id1077626093/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **14** | — |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | 25.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 18 months** | Every 57 months |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | Ad-supported |
| Size | 10 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ramalingam Sivaramakrishnan](https://appshunter.io/developer/892706271) | [SOLAZ DAZEN S.R.L.](https://appshunter.io/developer/802275887) |

## What reviewers say

### Simple Compass

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-compass-your-direction/id1077626093)

This application provides a straightforward and easy-to-read compass with a large display for direction and heading. Its minimalist design ensures a user-friendly experience 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


### NESW

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nesw-tactical-compass/id1174329659)

A simple, easy-to-read compass app showing heading, cardinal direction, and magnetic north. It also features a flashlight toggle for convenience during outdoor activities.

**Highlights:** Heading and cardinal direction indicator, Magnetic North pointer, Large font degree heading, Rotating compass rose, Background color change for North, Integrated flashlight toggle

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simple Compass free?

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

### Is NESW free?

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

### Do Simple Compass or NESW have ads?

Both Simple Compass and NESW show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Simple Compass or NESW?

Simple Compass ships an update every 18 months, and NESW every 57 months. Most recently, Simple Compass was updated on September 15, 2026 and NESW on July 18, 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.*