# Compass vs NESW

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: NESW at none against Compass's 1. Compass's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 8 months vs every 57 months). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Compass sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. NESW asks for nothing beyond the download.

Compass ships an update every 8 months, NESW every 57 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Compass | NESW |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-pro/id551376288/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| Positive reviews | **33.3% of reviews** | 25.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 8 months** | Every 57 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 9 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Savvas Petrou](https://appshunter.io/developer/480311109) | [Solaz Dazen srl](https://appshunter.io/developer/802275887) |

## What reviewers say

### Compass

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-pro/id551376288)

This navigation tool uses your device's gyroscope for enhanced accuracy. Simply point your device at an object and tap the screen to freeze the compass bearing. It's useful for travel and outdoor activities.

**Highlights:** Gyroscope enhanced accuracy, HD Retina display, Universal App support, Tap to freeze compass, Read compass bearing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $0.99 | one-time |


### NESW

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nesw-tactical-compass/id1174329659)

A simple, easy-to-read compass app showing heading, cardinal direction, and magnetic north. It also features a flashlight toggle for convenience during outdoor activities.

**Highlights:** Heading and cardinal direction indicator, Magnetic North pointer, Large font degree heading, Rotating compass rose, Background color change for North, Integrated flashlight toggle

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Compass free?

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

### Is NESW free?

NESW is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Compass or NESW have ads?

NESW shows ads; Compass does not.

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

Compass ships an update every 8 months, and NESW every 57 months. Most recently, Compass was updated on October 7, 2026 and NESW on October 6, 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.*