# Compass vs 指南针

The clearest difference is ads: 指南针 at none against Compass's shown. 指南针 also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and review sentiment (91% vs 68%). Compass's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Compass sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and 指南针 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

指南针 holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 25 and 40 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of Compass's written reviews are positive against 91% of 指南针's.

Compass ships an update every 2 weeks, 指南针 every 3 months. Both last shipped on September 21, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Compass | 指南针 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (25 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-gps-altimeter/id6446232128/reviews) | **[4.8 (40 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gps/id6446302179/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 25 | **40** |
| Positive reviews | 68.4% of reviews | **90.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 9 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [伟 雷](https://appshunter.io/developer/1347765042) | [智平 刘](https://appshunter.io/developer/1125861933) |

## What reviewers say

### Compass

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-gps-altimeter/id6446232128)

Navigate with precision using this stylish app that shows your direction, altitude, coordinates, and barometric pressure. Explore two distinct visual themes for an immersive experience, ideal for any outdoor or urban journey.

**Highlights:** Accurate direction display, Real-time altitude and elevation, Latitude/longitude coordinates, Barometric pressure readings, Movement speed tracking, Two visual themes

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| life member | $0.99 | one-time |
| VIP | $0.99 | one-time |


### 指南针

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gps/id6446302179)

This app provides real-time environmental data including altitude, pressure, and GPS coordinates. It offers customizable display modes and supports both GPS and phone altimeter data sources. Designed for simplicity and efficiency, it ensures a clean, ad-free user experience.

**Highlights:** Altitude, pressure, and GPS data display, Switchable GPS or phone altimeter sources, Dark and light mode support, UI customization, Ad-free experience, Minimal resource usage

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 指南针PLUS 永久买断会员 | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Compass free?

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

### Is 指南针 free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Compass or 指南针?

指南针 is rated higher. Compass averages 4.6 out of 5 from 25 ratings, while 指南针 averages 4.8 from 40 ratings.

### Do Compass or 指南针 have ads?

Compass shows ads; 指南针 does not.

### Which is updated more often, Compass or 指南针?

Compass ships an update every 2 weeks, and 指南针 every 3 months. Most recently, Compass was updated on September 21, 2026 and 指南针 on September 21, 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.*