# Compass_S vs Compass Guide

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Compass_S at none against Compass Guide's 1. Compass_S also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). Compass Guide's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 months) and review sentiment (40% vs 25%). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Compass Guide sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. 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 4.5 for Compass Guide. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 281 and 126 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 25% of Compass_S's written reviews are positive against 40% of Compass Guide's.

Compass_S ships an update every 6 months, Compass Guide fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Compass_S | Compass Guide |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (281 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-s/id1385372454/reviews)** | [4.5 (126 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-guidenavigation-app/id1631831937/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **281** | 126 |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | **40.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 194 MB | 28 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [hiroyuki uchida](https://appshunter.io/developer/669938829) | [APPS BAY LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1599035519) |

## 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 Guide

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-guidenavigation-app/id1631831937)

This application provides directional guidance and heading information using your device's compass. It's designed to help users find their way in various situations.

**Highlights:** Directional finding, Heading information, Outdoor navigation aid, Hiking GPS support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Compass_S free?

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

### Is Compass Guide free?

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

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

Compass_S is rated higher. Compass_S averages 4.6 out of 5 from 281 ratings, while Compass Guide averages 4.5 from 126 ratings.

### Do Compass_S or Compass Guide have ads?

Both Compass_S and Compass Guide show ads.

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

Compass_S ships an update every 6 months, and Compass Guide fortnightly. Most recently, Compass_S was updated on October 19, 2026 and Compass Guide on October 20, 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.*