# NESW vs MapCompass

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: NESW at none against MapCompass's 1. MapCompass's advantage is update cadence (every 5 months vs every 57 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.6). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

NESW ships an update every 57 months, MapCompass every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NESW | MapCompass |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.7 (20 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mapcompass-compass-with-maps/id1643915278/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **20** |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 57 months | **Every 5 months** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 8 MB | 42 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Solaz Dazen srl](https://appshunter.io/developer/802275887) | [Bhavik Savaliya](https://appshunter.io/developer/668085657) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### MapCompass

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mapcompass-compass-with-maps/id1643915278)

Navigate with a digital compass that displays directions on a map, utilizing GPS for real-time location and orientation. Find your way offline or online, with features like Qibla direction, altitude, and speed.

**Highlights:** Compass on map with GPS, Qibla direction finder, Real-time altitude and speed, Magnetic and true north, Offline and online modes, Sensor status display

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MapCompass Premium Version | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NESW free?

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

### Is MapCompass free?

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

### Do NESW or MapCompass have ads?

Both NESW and MapCompass show ads.

### Which is updated more often, NESW or MapCompass?

NESW ships an update every 57 months, and MapCompass every 5 months. Most recently, NESW was updated on October 6, 2026 and MapCompass on October 16, 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.*