Comparison

Compass_S vs .Route Recon

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Compass_S

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
Read full description

This is a simple and intuitive compass app. You can choose from five different needle designs. It displays directions in NESW and Japanese cardinal points, as well as latitude, longitude, and altitude. Please hold your smartphone flat when using the compass. Accuracy will decrease if the device is not held level. When tilted, the center icon of the needle will shift to help guide you into a level position. It can also be used as a compass to check the direction to eat "Ehomaki" during Setsubun. Displays directions like "North-northwest", "East-northeast", "South-southeast", and "West-southwest" in Japanese. Setsubun in 2026 falls on February 3rd, and the lucky direction is south-southeast. Useful as an Ehomaki compass for Setsubun. We resolved the issue where the app could be installed on devices without a magnetic sensor. Note: Since the compass relies on a magnetic sensor, it will not work on unsupported devices We have also added a function to detect environmental conditions that may affect compass accuracy and provide solutions. Now includes features to hide banner ads and use offline in mountains or at sea. Give it a try

About

.Route Recon

Features
Read full description

Route Recon merges physical security principles with GPS-navigation by emphasizing deliberate route planning, resulting in enhanced travel security and risk mitigation. The Route Recon app functions as a common operating picture for two or more users, or stand alone as a complete, mission-ready solution for the individual. Route Recon supports ground-transit mission planning and execution, giving you and your team the tactical advantage in high-risk areas by enhancing spatial and situational awareness. Develop routes of travel by marking interest areas and adding relevant Intel on the map, including photos to assist with identification while underway. Add landmarks such as prominent buildings and other geographical features that act as contingency navigational aids. Use waypoints to navigate around high-risk areas such as choke points. When going around isn’t an option, Route Recon alerts the user of any predetermined danger zones representing greater risk. Instantly share your route plan allowing for live-tracking, enabling an overwatch to observe your progress. In case of emergency, use the in-app SOS-feature to signal the need for assistance, sending critical Report-Locate data to pre-designated contacts. When circumstances prevent planning (i.e. ride-sharing, taxis, public transportation, etc.) you can still share your position real-time. Route Recon is the Go-To choice for those who demand more from a navigation app than simply going from Point-A to point-B. In a world of emerging threats, take control and affect the outcome! Why Route Recon? • Plan your route, dropping pins marking danger zones, hazards, landmarks, and safe havens – Upload additional data along with photos • While in navigation mode, customizable danger zones visually and audibly alert the user of heightened situational awareness requirement • Hazard areas are marked using a fully customizable polygon feature • Use waypoints to customize routes that meet your security needs – If you navigate off route, the app routes you to the next closest waypoint using the quickest path • Create a route complete with markers, then send to other user(s) to execute the planned navigation • SOS-feature – Send an emergency message to pre-designated contacts containing important Report & Locate information • Continue to navigate a planned route even after losing cell service – Route Recon relies on GPS positioning to keep you on route and away from high-risk areas • Maximize visibility and situational awareness by sharing your route plan with others to allow for live tracking while navigating • Use the Tracer feature to share your location with others until you arrive safely at your destination • Utilize the Tracker feature to measure and record time, distance, speed of a route • See and communicate what’s happening real-time – Crowdsourced alerts regarding traffic, checkpoints, construction, weather, and more affecting decision-making • Enjoy the convenience of in-app updates to U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories • Customizable security checklists support sound travel and physical security practices • Adjust map views that includes 3D mapping capabilities to accommodate comprehensive planning and awareness • Manage Friends – Add, delete, or block contacts • When sharing a route with a colleague, the app indicates and prevents a user from sharing a route with another user who is not currently subscribed, eliminating confusion and false confidence while ensuring over-watch capability In a world of emerging security threats, why leave your security to chance? Your safety and mission accomplishment are our priority. Through deliberate planning you can affect the outcome. Be safe and connected, travel with Route Recon! You will have your privacy. Learn more about the Route Recon privacy policy, including what information is accessed and how it is used: https://routerecon.com/privacy-policy

Screenshots

Compass_S4 screens
.Route Recon4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: .Route Recon at none against Compass_S's shown. .Route Recon also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 6 months). Compass_S's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Compass_S ships an update every 6 months, .Route Recon every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Compass_S versus .Route Recon: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCompass_S.Route Recon
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (281 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews25.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings281 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size194 MB149 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerhiroyuki uchidaNextGen Nav LLC

In-app purchases

None

Compass_S

No in-app purchases

None

.Route Recon

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Compass_S free?
Compass_S is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is .Route Recon free?
.Route Recon is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Compass_S or .Route Recon have ads?
Compass_S shows ads; .Route Recon does not.
Which is updated more often, Compass_S or .Route Recon?
Compass_S ships an update every 6 months, and .Route Recon every 2 months. Most recently, Compass_S was updated on October 24, 2026 and .Route Recon on October 25, 2026.

Other comparisons