Direction explorer vs Buddhist Compass
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Direction explorer
This app overlays a compass heading line onto Apple Maps, showing your current direction and distance to identified targets like villages or mountains. It allows for detailed map study, manual origin point entry, and the placement of pins with detailed information about selected locations.
- Compass overlay on Apple Maps
- GPS-based direction line with distance marks
- Freeze origin point and direction line
- Manual origin point entry
- Colored pins for target identification
- Detailed information boxes for targets
- Offline mountain database
Read full descriptionHide full description
DirectionExplorer combines a compass tool with Apple Maps by Apple to help you identify targets (villages, buildings, mountains, and more) appearing in your view. DirectionExplorer uses GPS to determine the observer's location and, using compass information, draws a line on the map in the same direction the iPhone is pointing. The heading line includes distance marks, allowing you to better estimate distances directly on the map. You can freeze the origin point and direction line to study the map in detail later. You can also determine the length of the heading line (in miles or km) to better estimate your field of view. The horizon distance can be automatically calculated based on the site's altitude. The point of origin can be entered manually by tapping the map. To help you find desired targets more easily, you can insert colored pins above the map. Pins can be set by tapping on the map or by entering place names. Tapping on a pin or on a mountain displays an information box with detailed data about the selected target and these data can be easily shared. From an offline list of mountains, you can choose which peaks to display on the map. The information box also suggests possible obstacles (based on the offline mountain database) that may lie between you and the selected target. For best results, hold the iPhone horizontally and aim accurately. It is also important to periodically check the compass calibration and follow the on-screen calibration instructions.
Buddhist Compass
Read full descriptionHide full description
Buddhist Compass is a simple, focused tool for practitioners and travelers. See the direction to Bodh Gaya or your chosen sacred place View distance and bearing from your current location Clear compass design with vibration feedback when on target No ads, no distractions — just a clean compass for practice Whether on pilgrimage or daily life, Buddhist Compass helps you stay oriented toward what matters
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Buddhist Compass at Free against Direction explorer's $1.99. Buddhist Compass also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 19 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.6). On ads, 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
Buddhist Compass is free to download; Direction explorer costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Direction explorer ships an update every 19 months, Buddhist Compass every 5 days. Both last shipped on September 29, 2026.
| Parameter | Direction explorer | Buddhist Compass |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 | Free — better |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Update frequency | Every 19 months | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 31 MB | 23 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Stefano Rampazzo | Path Nirvana Foundation |
In-app purchases
Direction explorer
No in-app purchases
Buddhist Compass
No in-app purchases






