# NESW vs Compass XL

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: NESW at none against Compass XL's 1. NESW also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7). Compass XL's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 57 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

NESW holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Compass XL has 16 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

NESW ships an update every 57 months, Compass XL every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NESW | Compass XL |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nesw-tactical-compass/id1174329659/reviews)** | [4.7 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-xl-gps-navigation/id6739737170/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **16** |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 57 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 8 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Solaz Dazen srl](https://appshunter.io/developer/802275887) | [Mobile Card Games & Travel Apps LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/453389232) |

## 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


### 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 NESW free?

NESW 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, NESW or Compass XL?

NESW is rated higher. NESW averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Compass XL averages 4.7 from 16 ratings.

### Do NESW or Compass XL have ads?

NESW shows ads; Compass XL does not.

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

NESW ships an update every 57 months, and Compass XL every 9 days. Most recently, NESW was updated on November 2, 2026 and Compass XL on October 30, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*