Virtual Compass º vs iStreams Solent
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Virtual Compass º
This app overlays a precise compass and GPS coordinates onto your camera's view, offering real-time direction and location tracking. Navigate easily by seeing your heading and position directly on your surroundings.
- Real-time compass direction
- Real-time compass heading
- GPS coordinates display
- Camera viewfinder integration
- Instant GPS readings
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Virtual Compass is a camera compass that accurately navigates users through virtual navigation and compass direction. Just open the app and see an accurate compass heading and compass direction displayed over what is in front of you. Your GPS coordinates are always displayed as well, so you can always identify where you are, making it easier to navigate using the virtual compass. Virtual Compass includes: -accurate realtime compass direction in big bold font -accurate realtime compass heading -your real time GPS coordinates -easy-to-use view finder (via your phone's camera) to accurately identify compass direction and compass heading. -instant gps readings -camera compass Get an accurate virtual compass reading instantly!
iStreams Solent
This app provides real-time Solent tidal stream data, displaying hourly charts and tools to measure tide set and interpolated rates. It functions offline and allows for future planning by selecting different dates.
- Real-time Solent tidal stream charts
- Offline functionality
- Tide set and rate measurement tools
- Automatic Portsmouth HW time selection
- Date selection for future planning
- Zoomable charts
- Boat position display on chart
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iStreams gives you instant access to the Solent tidal stream atlas, aligned to the current time using High Water at Portsmouth— even when you're offline. Whether you're sailing, navigating coastal waters, or passage planning, iStreams helps you understand tidal flow quickly and accurately. Key Features: Real-time tidal stream charts Automatically displays the correct hourly chart based on the nearest Portsmouth High Water time. Fully offline functionality (forecast link requires a connection) No signal? No problem. All charts and tools work without internet access. As time progresses, the app switches to the next valid tidal period. Swipe forward and backward through tidal hours with ease. Select any date for future planning Pinch to zoom and drag to explore details. Toggle between Local Time and UTC. Show boat position on the chart Navigation Tools: Interpolated Rate Calculator * Instantly calculate stream rate between neaps and springs. Tidal Set Tool (In-App Purchase) * Measure the true direction of tidal stream arrows with precision. Course to Steer (CTS) (In-App Purchase) * Calculate the correct heading to maintain your intended course. How It Works: iStreams automatically selects the nearest High Water at Portsmouth and displays the corresponding tidal stream chart. Want to plan ahead or review earlier conditions? Simply swipe forward or backward through the tidal hours to view past or future data. Why Choose iStreams? Designed for sailors, navigators, and coastal users Fast, clear, and easy-to-use interface Accurate tidal data when you need it most
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Virtual Compass º at none against iStreams Solent's 9. Virtual Compass º also leads on review sentiment (56% vs 33%) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.2). iStreams Solent's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence 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
Both are free to download. iStreams Solent sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Virtual Compass º asks for nothing beyond the download.
Virtual Compass º ships an update every 6 months, iStreams Solent every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Virtual Compass º | iStreams Solent |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (308 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 55.6% of reviews — better | 33.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 308 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | Every 3 months — better |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Ad-supported — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 18.2 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 45 MB | 38 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Villegas Ventures LLC | Navtech Software |
Customer experience
Virtual Compass º
iStreams Solent
In-app purchases
Virtual Compass º
No in-app purchases
iStreams Solent
- Unlock 'Set' tool$1.99
- Portsmouth Tides 2019$2.99
- 6 Month Subscription2 variants$2.99
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- 1 Month Subscription2 variants$2.99
- Unlock CTS tool$3.99
- 1 Year Subscription2 variants$5.99
Questions
Is Virtual Compass º free?
Is iStreams Solent free?
Do Virtual Compass º or iStreams Solent have ads?
Which is updated more often, Virtual Compass º or iStreams Solent?
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