# Compass Free vs Current Altitude + Compass

The clearest difference is rating: Current Altitude + Compass at 4.5 against Compass Free's 2.1. Current Altitude + Compass also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 22 months) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). Compass Free's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (50 vs 2). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Current Altitude + Compass sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Compass Free asks for nothing beyond the download.

Current Altitude + Compass holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Compass Free has 50 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Compass Free ships an update every 22 months, Current Altitude + Compass every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Compass Free | Current Altitude + Compass |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.1 (50 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-free/id284735786/reviews) | **[4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/current-altitude-plus-compass/id6479185011/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **50** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 34.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 22 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Masayuki Akamatsu](https://appshunter.io/developer/284722836) | [RedTracker LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1460840859) |

## 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


### Current Altitude + Compass

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/current-altitude-plus-compass/id6479185011)

This utility app provides hikers and explorers with essential outdoor information. It offers real-time altitude, a digital compass, air quality, UV index, and a flashlight. Key locations can be saved offline for easy navigation.

**Highlights:** Real-time altitude readings, Digital compass navigation, Air quality index updates, UV index monitoring, Offline location saving, Built-in flashlight

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Compass Free free?

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

### Is Current Altitude + Compass free?

Current Altitude + Compass is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Compass Free or Current Altitude + Compass?

Current Altitude + Compass is rated higher. Compass Free averages 2.1 out of 5 from 50 ratings, while Current Altitude + Compass averages 4.5 from 2 ratings.

### Do Compass Free or Current Altitude + Compass have ads?

Both Compass Free and Current Altitude + Compass show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Compass Free or Current Altitude + Compass?

Compass Free ships an update every 22 months, and Current Altitude + Compass every 2 months. Most recently, Compass Free was updated on October 1, 2026 and Current Altitude + Compass on September 19, 2026.

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