# Compass vs MagVar

The clearest difference is review sentiment: MagVar at 100% against Compass's 12%. MagVar also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.0). Compass's advantage is monetization model (free vs paid) and update cadence (every 6 months vs every 23 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Compass costs $0.99 and MagVar $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

MagVar holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 12% of Compass's written reviews are positive against 100% of MagVar's.

Compass ships an update every 6 months, MagVar every 23 months. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Compass | MagVar |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | $0.99 |
| Rating | [3.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass/id288420566/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magvar/id1670958717/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 11.6% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 months** | Every 23 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#189** | — |
| Size | 3 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Piet Jonas](https://appshunter.io/developer/288060167) | [Robert Walker](https://appshunter.io/developer/299475042) |

## What reviewers say

### Compass

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass/id288420566)

**Currently charting:** #189 Top Paid · Navigation (US App Store)

Provides a digital compass using your device's magnetic sensor or a sun-based calculation. Ideal for outdoor adventures like hiking and camping, offering reliable direction finding even without magnetic interference.

**Highlights:** Magnetic compass functionality, Sun compass for direction finding, Works without magnetic interference, Suitable for hiking and camping, Utilizes device sensors

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Works well on older devices
- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 👍 Offers sun and magnetic compass options
- 👍 Maintains compatibility with older iOS versions

**What reviewers complain about**

- 👎 Does not work as a traditional compass
- 👎 Requires sunlight to function
- 👎 Misleading app description
- 👎 Users feel ripped off/scammed
- 👎 Inaccurate direction readings

**Reported bugs**

- Compass needle doesn't move
- Inaccurate direction readings
- App doesn't work on iPhone/iPod Touch
- App is slow
- App uses location services and Google Maps, subject to distortions

**Requested features**

- Add text to main display indicating "Point iPhone at the sun"
- Remove unnecessary website buttons


### MagVar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magvar/id1670958717)

This navigation tool calculates magnetic variation, the difference between true and magnetic north, essential for plotting courses on maps. It's designed for pilots, sailors, cartographers, and anyone using maps and a compass.

**Highlights:** Magnetic variation calculation, True vs. magnetic north difference, Map overlay display, Accurate for 2025-2029, Declination and inclination calculation

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Compass free?

Compass costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is MagVar free?

MagVar costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Compass or MagVar?

MagVar is rated higher. Compass averages 3.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while MagVar averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Compass or MagVar have ads?

Neither Compass nor MagVar shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Compass or MagVar?

Compass ships an update every 6 months, and MagVar every 23 months. Most recently, Compass was updated on September 28, 2026 and MagVar 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.*