# Compass vs Compass_S

The clearest difference is rating: Compass_S at 4.6 against Compass's 3.8. Compass_S also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and review sentiment (25% vs 0%). On price, update cadence, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

Compass_S holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Compass_S has 282 ratings behind it against 26, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of Compass's written reviews are positive against 25% of Compass_S's.

Compass ships an update every 8 months, Compass_S every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on July 7, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Compass | Compass_S |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-maps/id1353298658/reviews) | **[4.6 (282 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-s/id1385372454/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 26 | **282** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **25.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 6 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 48 MB | 194 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nalin Savaliya](https://appshunter.io/developer/1248252947) | [hiroyuki uchida](https://appshunter.io/developer/669938829) |

## What reviewers say

### Compass

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-maps/id1353298658)

This navigation app provides a digital compass and map to help you find your way. It displays your current GPS location, address, and direction, with features like a torchlight and traffic information.

**Highlights:** Digital compass with map integration, Displays current GPS location and address, Shows true and magnetic north, Torchlight function, Traffic information, Distance measurement

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Compass with Maps | $4.99 | one-time |


### 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 free?

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

### Is Compass_S free?

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

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

Compass_S is rated higher. Compass averages 3.8 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while Compass_S averages 4.6 from 282 ratings.

### Do Compass or Compass_S have ads?

Both Compass and Compass_S show ads.

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

Compass ships an update every 8 months, and Compass_S every 6 months. Most recently, Compass was updated on July 7, 2026 and Compass_S on September 28, 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.*