# Compass_S vs Compass Direction

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Compass_S at none against Compass Direction's 9. Compass_S also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 14.0). Compass Direction's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (2.7K vs 281). On price, rating, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Compass Direction sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Compass_S asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Compass_S against 4.6 for Compass Direction. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Compass Direction has 2.7K ratings behind it against 281, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 25% of Compass_S's written reviews are positive against 34% of Compass Direction's.

Compass_S ships an update every 6 months, Compass Direction every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Compass_S | Compass Direction |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (281 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-s/id1385372454/reviews) | [4.6 (2.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-direction-digital/id1620523385/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 281 | **2.7K** |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | **34.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#196** |
| Size | 194 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [hiroyuki uchida](https://appshunter.io/developer/669938829) | [Rihab Mehboob](https://appshunter.io/developer/1441916319) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Compass Direction

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-direction-digital/id1620523385)

**Currently charting:** #196 Top Grossing · Navigation (US App Store)

This app provides accurate compass headings and directions with a real-time GPS map. Easily switch between map and camera views, and access features like altitude, speed, and a torch. Enjoy a beautiful and intuitive interface with haptic feedback and accessibility support.

**Highlights:** Accurate compass headings and directions, Real-time GPS map with zoom, Altitude, latitude, and longitude display, Speedometer, Integrated torch, Switch between map and camera view

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Compass 1 Week | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Compass 1 Week | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Compass 1 Month | $5.99 | per month |
| Compass 1 Month | $9.99 | per month |
| Compass 1 Year | $24.99 | per year |
| Compass 6 Months | $29.99 | per 6 months |
| Compass 1 Year | $39.99 | per year |
| Compass Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |
| Compass Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great app
- 🚀 Accurate and easy to use
- 💡 Useful for specific use cases
- 👍 Visually appealing

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inaccurate compass direction
- 🔒 Requires subscription to use
- 🔒 No free trial
- 🐛 Doesn't work as expected
- 🔒 Forces users to subscribe

**Reported bugs**

- Compass always showing wrong directions
- App freezes or becomes non-functional
- Restore purchase feature not working
- App crashing or not loading properly

**Requested features**

- Ability to calibrate the compass
- Option to purchase a one-time fee instead of subscription
- Offline map support
- Ability to set waypoints and get directions


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Compass_S free?

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

### Is Compass Direction free?

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

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

Compass_S and Compass Direction are both rated 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store, from 281 and 2.7K ratings respectively.

### Do Compass_S or Compass Direction have ads?

Both Compass_S and Compass Direction show ads.

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

Compass_S ships an update every 6 months, and Compass Direction every 3 days. Most recently, Compass_S was updated on October 2, 2026 and Compass Direction on October 1, 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.*