# Compass Free vs Altimeter ∞ Elevation GPS

The clearest difference is rating: Altimeter ∞ Elevation GPS at 4.6 against Compass Free's 2.1. Altimeter ∞ Elevation GPS also leads on update cadence (every 11 days vs every 22 months) and ratings volume (984 vs 50). Compass Free's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and device support (4 vs 2). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Altimeter ∞ Elevation GPS sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Compass Free asks for nothing beyond the download.

Altimeter ∞ Elevation GPS holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Altimeter ∞ Elevation GPS has 984 ratings behind it against 50, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 34% of Compass Free's written reviews are positive against 50% of Altimeter ∞ Elevation GPS's.

Compass Free ships an update every 22 months, Altimeter ∞ Elevation GPS every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Compass Free | Altimeter ∞ Elevation GPS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.1 (50 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-free/id284735786/reviews) | **[4.6 (984 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/altimeter-elevation-gps/id1317545857/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 50 | **984** |
| Positive reviews | 34.4% of reviews | **50.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 22 months | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Masayuki Akamatsu](https://appshunter.io/developer/284722836) | [Fawkes Wei](https://appshunter.io/developer/432767536) |

## What reviewers say

### Compass Free

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-free/id284735786)

This app functions as a sundial to determine cardinal directions using sunlight. Align the shadow of your finger with the app's shading to find north, south, east, and west.

**Highlights:** Measures cardinal points, Uses sunlight, Aligns finger shadow, Indicates directions

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple to use
- 🌞 Works with sun position
- 🆓 Free app
- 💡 Clever concept
- 🧭 Useful for basic navigation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🌤️ Requires sunlight to function
- 🌍 Not suitable for southern hemisphere
- 📍 Lacks GPS integration
- 🕰️ Doesn't adjust for daylight savings
- 🤷‍♂️ Unclear instructions

**Reported bugs**

- Causes device freezes or crashes
- Inaccurate compass readings

**Requested features**

- Add support for southern hemisphere
- Integrate with GPS for more accurate direction
- Provide night mode or moonlight option
- Improve instructions and user guidance


### Altimeter ∞ Elevation GPS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/altimeter-elevation-gps/id1317545857)

This app provides real-time GPS elevation tracking for your current location. It's ideal for outdoor activities, travel, or simply satisfying your curiosity about altitude. The app is designed for simplicity and accuracy, working offline with minimal battery consumption.

**Highlights:** Current altitude display, GPS accuracy indicator, Clean, easy-to-read interface, Offline functionality, Minimal battery usage

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $7.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $7.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Compass Free free?

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

### Is Altimeter ∞ Elevation GPS free?

Altimeter ∞ Elevation GPS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Compass Free or Altimeter ∞ Elevation GPS?

Altimeter ∞ Elevation GPS is rated higher. Compass Free averages 2.1 out of 5 from 50 ratings, while Altimeter ∞ Elevation GPS averages 4.6 from 984 ratings.

### Do Compass Free or Altimeter ∞ Elevation GPS have ads?

Both Compass Free and Altimeter ∞ Elevation GPS show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Compass Free or Altimeter ∞ Elevation GPS?

Compass Free ships an update every 22 months, and Altimeter ∞ Elevation GPS every 11 days. Most recently, Compass Free was updated on October 16, 2026 and Altimeter ∞ Elevation GPS on October 17, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*