# Compass vs GPS & Map Toolbox

Compass and GPS & Map Toolbox both sit at 3.0 stars, but that hides the real split: 62% of GPS & Map Toolbox's written reviews are positive against 12% of Compass's. GPS & Map Toolbox also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (14 vs 3). Compass's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and price ($0.99 vs $1.99). On rating, ads, chart position and device support there is nothing between them.

Compass costs $0.99 and GPS & Map Toolbox $1.99 up front. GPS & Map Toolbox sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Compass asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.0 for Compass against 3.1 for GPS & Map Toolbox. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 14 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 12% of Compass's written reviews are positive against 62% of GPS & Map Toolbox's.

Compass ships an update every 6 months, GPS & Map Toolbox monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Compass | GPS & Map Toolbox |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$0.99** | $1.99 |
| Rating | [3.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass/id288420566/reviews) | **[3.1 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gps-and-map-toolbox/id438351943/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **14** |
| Positive reviews | 11.6% of reviews | **61.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#175** | #182 |
| Size | 3 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **8.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Piet Jonas](https://appshunter.io/developer/288060167) | [Audama Software, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/344990613) |

## What reviewers say

### Compass

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

**Currently charting:** #175 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


### GPS & Map Toolbox

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gps-and-map-toolbox/id438351943)

**Currently charting:** #182 Top Paid · Navigation (US App Store)

This app serves as a comprehensive GPS location database tool. It allows users to save, organize, share, and analyze location data with extensive customization. Features are unlocked through in-app purchases, catering to various professional and advanced needs.

**Highlights:** Save and organize location data, Convert between coordinate formats, Add custom text and note properties, Display map overlays, Import/export data in various file types, Group locations into Areas, Tracks, and Routes, Attach photos to locations

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Add Extra Data Sources | $1.99 | per month |
| Add Professional Features | $14.99 | one-time |
| Add Advanced Features | $14.99 | one-time |
| Add Advanced Features | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful GPS toolkit
- 👍 Accurate coordinates
- 👍 Solid, functional app
- 👍 Great for site documentation
- 👍 Useful for utility poles

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Confusing and not intuitive
- 🐛 Doesn't work in UK
- 🐛 Requires payment for basic use
- 🐛 App degraded by greed
- 🐛 Monthly payments for OpenMaps/GoogleMaps

**Reported bugs**

- App locks up
- App won't save
- App crashes on KMZ import
- App crashes when switching map sources
- Always on tracking is a privacy problem

**Requested features**

- Advanced upgrade for more options
- Update to 64bit for iOS 11 compatibility
- Update maps
- BNG and elevation features
- User-friendly KMZ file creation for offline use


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Compass free?

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

### Is GPS & Map Toolbox free?

GPS & Map Toolbox costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Compass or GPS & Map Toolbox?

GPS & Map Toolbox is rated higher. Compass averages 3.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while GPS & Map Toolbox averages 3.1 from 14 ratings.

### Do Compass or GPS & Map Toolbox have ads?

Neither Compass nor GPS & Map Toolbox shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Compass or GPS & Map Toolbox?

Compass ships an update every 6 months, and GPS & Map Toolbox monthly. Most recently, Compass was updated on September 28, 2026 and GPS & Map Toolbox on September 29, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Compass or GPS & Map Toolbox?

Compass currently peaks at #175 in the App Store charts, and GPS & Map Toolbox at #182. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*