# Compass Free vs Compass++

The clearest difference is rating: Compass++ at 3.6 against Compass Free's 2.1. Compass++ also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (monthly vs every 22 months). Compass Free's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and review sentiment (34% vs 13%). On price there is nothing between them.

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

Compass++ holds the better App Store score, 3.6 against 2.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Compass++ has 464 ratings behind it against 50, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 34% of Compass Free's written reviews are positive against 13% of Compass++'s, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Compass Free ships an update every 22 months, Compass++ monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Compass Free | Compass++ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.1 (50 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-free/id284735786/reviews) | **[3.6 (464 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-plus-plus/id926142838/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 50 | **464** |
| Positive reviews | **34.4% of reviews** | 13.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 22 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **9.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Masayuki Akamatsu](https://appshunter.io/developer/284722836) | [KleinCodes, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/717279048) |

## 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


### Compass++

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-plus-plus/id926142838)

This utility app provides essential tools for explorers, including a compass, altitude display, ruler, and an integrated map. Its beautiful design makes it suitable for both novice and experienced users.

**Highlights:** Compass, Altitude display, Ruler, Integrated map, Beautifully designed interface

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Map feature is okay
- 👍 Shows altitude and other features
- 👍 Great compass application

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Compass does not work
- 🐛 Altitude is inaccurate
- 🐛 Compass needle doesn't turn
- 🐛 Compass needle points randomly
- 🐛 App shows user is always going north

**Reported bugs**

- Compass does not work
- Compass needle doesn't turn
- Altitude is wrong
- App shows user is always going north
- Compass is not pointing north

**Requested features**

- Instructions on how to set up/calibrate
- Map shows all roads


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Compass Free free?

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

### Is Compass++ free?

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

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

Compass++ is rated higher. Compass Free averages 2.1 out of 5 from 50 ratings, while Compass++ averages 3.6 from 464 ratings.

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

Compass Free shows ads; Compass++ does not.

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

Compass Free ships an update every 22 months, and Compass++ monthly. Most recently, Compass Free was updated on October 12, 2026 and Compass++ on October 6, 2026.

---

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