# Compass XL vs Avenza Maps

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Avenza Maps at 52% against Compass XL's 0%. Avenza Maps also leads on price (Free vs $0.99) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 15 months). Compass XL's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 13) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Avenza Maps is free to download; Compass XL costs $0.99 up front. Avenza Maps sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $32.99 per year. Compass XL asks for nothing beyond the download.

Compass XL holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Avenza Maps has 128K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 0% of Compass XL's written reviews are positive against 52% of Avenza Maps's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Compass XL ships an update every 15 months, Avenza Maps every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Compass XL | Avenza Maps |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-xl/id364361121/reviews)** | [4.8 (128K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/avenza-maps-offline-mapping/id388424049/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **128K** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **51.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 15 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | — | **#19** |
| Size | 2 MB | 335 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Piet Jonas](https://appshunter.io/developer/288060167) | [Avenza Systems Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/387212805) |

## What reviewers say

### Compass XL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-xl/id364361121)

This app provides a digital compass for iPads, utilizing the device's built-in magnetic sensor or a sun-based alternative. It's designed for outdoor enthusiasts engaged in activities like hiking and camping.

**Highlights:** Magnetic compass functionality, Sun compass for direction finding, Suitable for outdoor activities, Works on iPad devices, No magnetic anomaly interference with sun compass

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Avenza Maps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/avenza-maps-offline-mapping/id388424049)

**Currently charting:** #19 Top Grossing · Navigation, #71 Top Free · Navigation (US App Store)

Navigate any terrain with offline GPS maps, even without cell service. Explore a vast Map Store for hiking, biking, and travel, or import your own custom maps. Record tracks, add notes, and identify your location precisely.

**Highlights:** Offline GPS navigation, Real-time GPS position and direction, Record GPS tracks, Add photos and notes to locations, Import custom maps, Map Store with professional maps

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Avenza Maps Plus | $32.99 | per year |
| Avenza Maps Plus | $34.99 | per year |
| Avenza Maps Pro | $169.99 | per year |
| Forest Service Topo Product | $0.99 | one-time |
| Garmin Tier 1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| BaseImage, LLC Map Product | $0.99 | one-time |
| Western Michigan University Map Product | $2.99 | one-time |
| US Forest Service R5 Map Product | $4.99 | one-time |
| US Forest Service R6 Product | $4.99 | one-time |
| Map the Xperience Map Product | $4.99 | one-time |
| US Forest Service R2 Map Product | $4.99 | one-time |
| US Forest Service R4 Product | $4.99 | one-time |
| National Geographic Map Product | $11.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🗺️ Accurate GPS tracking
- 📥 Offline maps
- 💾 Ability to download maps
- 🗺️ Detailed topographic maps

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Poor search functionality
- 🗺️ Inaccurate map placement
- 💰 Expensive maps
- 🔋 Battery drain
- 🤔 Confusing interface

**Reported bugs**

- Maps disappearing after updates
- Airdrop functionality issues
- Compatibility problems with newer devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to stitch/overlay multiple maps
- Apple CarPlay integration
- Improved map search and discovery
- Easier map management and organization
- Ability to export/share recorded tracks


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Compass XL free?

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

### Is Avenza Maps free?

Avenza Maps is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Compass XL or Avenza Maps?

Compass XL is rated higher. Compass XL averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Avenza Maps averages 4.8 from 128K ratings.

### Do Compass XL or Avenza Maps have ads?

Neither Compass XL nor Avenza Maps shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Compass XL or Avenza Maps?

Compass XL ships an update every 15 months, and Avenza Maps every 2 months. Most recently, Compass XL was updated on October 13, 2026 and Avenza Maps on October 27, 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.*