# Paper vs Compass and tools App

The clearest difference is ads: Paper at none against Compass and tools App's shown. Paper also leads on iOS requirement (7.0 vs 15.0). Compass and tools App's advantage is rating (4.0 vs 3.7). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Paper sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Compass and tools App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Compass and tools App holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 2 respectively.

Paper ships an update every 3 months, Compass and tools App every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Paper | Compass and tools App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paper/id474402870/reviews) | **[4.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-and-tools-app/id1585633743/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 9.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 14 MB | 23 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Orgajja Co Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/368955015) | [Yalintech](https://appshunter.io/developer/1530568426) |

## What reviewers say

### Paper

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paper/id474402870)

This versatile application offers a digital canvas for a multitude of uses. Capture thoughts, sketch ideas, or simply doodle with ease. It provides a flexible space for your creative and organizational needs.

**Highlights:** Digital memo taking, Drawing capabilities, Scribbling functionality, Versatile use cases

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Paper Upgrade | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 🎨 Good for quick sketching
- 💡 Useful for jotting down ideas

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes frequently
- 🚫 Limited color and brush options
- 💸 Ads not removed even after paid upgrade
- 🔍 Laggy and unresponsive
- 📵 Doesn't work well with screen protectors

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on startup
- Black blobs appearing on new pages
- Inability to draw curved lines properly

**Requested features**

- More color and brush options
- Ability to save and export drawings
- Landscape mode support
- Improved responsiveness and reduced lag
- Reliable autosave and undo/redo functionality


### Compass and tools App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-and-tools-app/id1585633743)

This app offers a suite of utility tools including a digital compass, level, metal detector, and flashlight. It provides easy access to device information and settings, with support for multiple languages.

**Highlights:** Digital compass with True North, Device level and slope angle, Metal detector with vibration alarm, Flashlight and brightness control, Access to device information (model, data usage, WiFi), Quick access to device settings

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $1.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $6.49 | per year |
| One time purchase | $8.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Paper free?

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

### Is Compass and tools App free?

Compass and tools App is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Paper or Compass and tools App?

Compass and tools App is rated higher. Paper averages 3.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Compass and tools App averages 4.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Paper or Compass and tools App have ads?

Compass and tools App shows ads; Paper does not.

### Which is updated more often, Paper or Compass and tools App?

Paper ships an update every 3 months, and Compass and tools App every 5 months. Most recently, Paper was updated on October 14, 2026 and Compass and tools App on October 10, 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.*