Compass XL vs Traffic Maps
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Compass XL
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.
- Magnetic compass functionality
- Sun compass for direction finding
- Suitable for outdoor activities
- Works on iPad devices
- No magnetic anomaly interference with sun compass
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This application adds the missing compass to the iPad. It either uses the built in magnetic compass (if available) or provides a sun compass (You just have to see the sun and know the time to determine the north direction). Use it for all your outdoor activities whether it's hiking, biking or for a boy scout camp. The sun compass is not affected by magnetic anomalies.
Traffic Maps
Navigate your commute with real-time traffic information displayed on two customizable maps. Track your position, adjust zoom and map size, and choose orientation settings to optimize your driving view. Plan alternate routes to avoid congestion and rush hour.
- Real-time traffic updates
- Dual map display
- Customizable map zoom and size
- Vehicle bearing tracking
- Location centering options
- Pro version with Siri shortcuts and map styles
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Traffic Maps shows the state of the traffic in real time on two maps: - Each map shows and follows your position while you drive - Set the zoom in each map independently, the app will remember it the next time you use it - Set the size of the maps, you can also remove one of them and use just one - Use the button in each map to make it follow the bearing of your vehicle, or to see the map bearing north from above - Choose if the map will be shown in the direction you are moving, or if your location will be placed in the center of the map - Choose if after moving a map, it is centered in your position automatically, manually or after a time With Traffic Maps you can check if your highway exit is jammed and choose another, o change your way if there is a traffic jam ahead. The Pro version does not have ads, has a Siri shortcut and map styles. Note: this app uses your GPS, this can drain your battery quickly.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Traffic Maps at 66% against Compass XL's 0%. Traffic Maps also leads on price (Free vs $0.99) and update cadence (monthly vs every 15 months). Compass XL's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). On device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Traffic Maps is free to download; Compass XL costs $0.99 up front. Traffic Maps sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Compass XL asks for nothing beyond the download.
Compass XL holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Traffic Maps has 6.4K 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 66% of Traffic 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, Traffic Maps monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Compass XL | Traffic Maps |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | 4.7 (6.4K ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | 66.2% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 6.4K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 15 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 25 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Piet Jonas | Little Mouse Software |
Customer experience
Compass XL
Traffic Maps
Bugs and requests
Compass XL
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Traffic Maps
Reported bugs
2 issues- Frequently moves map without prompting
- Slow and inaccurate traffic information
Requested features
3 requests- Widgets for real-time traffic
- Option to disable automatic recenter
- Ability to view local traffic only
In-app purchases
Compass XL
No in-app purchases
Traffic Maps
- Version ProFree
- Version Pro$4.99
- Motivating donation$4.99
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- Inspiring donation$9.99
Questions
Is Compass XL free?
Is Traffic Maps free?
Which has better reviews, Compass XL or Traffic Maps?
Do Compass XL or Traffic Maps have ads?
Which is updated more often, Compass XL or Traffic Maps?
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