Compass Free vs i need a compass
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Compass Free
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.
- Measures cardinal points
- Uses sunlight
- Aligns finger shadow
- Indicates directions
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You can find directions without a magnetic compass, as long as there is sunlight. Hold your finger upright at the center of the screen and turn your device. Just line up the white line with your finger's shadow, and the correct directions are shown. It needs neither GPS nor a network connection and works completely standalone. Just make sure your device's clock is set correctly.
i need a compass
This app provides a digital compass for on-the-go navigation, eliminating the need for a physical device. Its simple, minimalistic design ensures ease of use, and the illuminated screen allows for operation in dark conditions.
- Digital compass functionality
- On-the-go navigation
- Minimalistic design
- Illuminated screen for dark use
- No physical compass required
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Having a compass app on your phone (or tablet, or computer) is an easy way to rely on a compass on-the-go, without ever having to use an actual compass. Advantages This app are convenient for those that already have their phone on their outdoor adventures – just download this app, and you’re set. This app is very simplistic and minimalistic. This app rely on a lit phone to work, meaning you can always use it in the dark!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: i need a compass at none against Compass Free's shown. i need a compass also leads on update cadence (every 3 months vs every 10 months) and iOS requirement (11.4 vs 15.0). Compass Free's advantage is review sentiment (34% vs 25%) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Compass Free ships an update every 10 months, i need a compass every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Compass Free | i need a compass |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.1 (49 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 34.4% of reviews — better | 25.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 49 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 10 months | Every 3 months — better |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 11.4 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 5 MB | 29 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Masayuki Akamatsu | breakphones |
Customer experience
Compass Free
i need a compass
Bugs and requests
Compass Free
Reported bugs
2 issues- Causes device freezes or crashes
- Inaccurate compass readings
Requested features
4 requests- Add support for southern hemisphere
- Integrate with GPS for more accurate direction
- Provide night mode or moonlight option
- Improve instructions and user guidance
i need a compass
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Compass Free
No in-app purchases
i need a compass
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Compass Free free?
Is i need a compass free?
Do Compass Free or i need a compass have ads?
Which is updated more often, Compass Free or i need a compass?
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