# Compass_S vs The Compass

Compass_S and The Compass both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 57% of The Compass's written reviews are positive against 25% of Compass_S's. The Compass also leads on update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 6 months) and monetization model (ad-supported vs free with in-app purchases). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Compass_S against 4.7 for The Compass. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 282 and 123 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 25% of Compass_S's written reviews are positive against 57% of The Compass's.

Compass_S ships an update every 6 months, The Compass every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Compass_S | The Compass |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (282 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-s/id1385372454/reviews) | **[4.7 (123 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-compass-simple/id6468984472/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **282** | 123 |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | **57.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 194 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [hiroyuki uchida](https://appshunter.io/developer/669938829) | [Vida Apps Incorporated](https://appshunter.io/developer/1580682451) |

## 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


### The Compass

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-compass-simple/id6468984472)

Easily determine your direction with this straightforward navigation tool. Personalize the app's appearance by customizing background and text colors to your liking. Enjoy a simple, visually appealing way to check your bearings.

**Highlights:** Quick direction checking, Customizable background color, Customizable text color, Magnetic compass functionality, User-friendly interface

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Compass_S free?

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

### Is The Compass free?

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

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

The Compass is rated higher. Compass_S averages 4.6 out of 5 from 282 ratings, while The Compass averages 4.7 from 123 ratings.

### Do Compass_S or The Compass have ads?

Both Compass_S and The Compass show ads.

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

Compass_S ships an update every 6 months, and The Compass every 4 weeks. Most recently, Compass_S was updated on September 23, 2026 and The Compass on September 22, 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.*