# Compass vs Compass Retro

The clearest difference is rating: Compass Retro at 5.0 against Compass's 2.0. Compass Retro also leads on update cadence (every 8 days vs every 14 months). Compass's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Compass Retro holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

Compass ships an update every 14 months, Compass Retro every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Compass | Compass Retro |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-direction-and-degree/id6503246217/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-retro/id6758898828/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | **Every 8 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 12 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Krzysztof Gwiazda](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546740383) | [akira ohmachi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1338624340) |

## What reviewers say

### Compass

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-direction-and-degree/id6503246217)

This app provides accurate direction and degree measurements with a clear, intuitive interface. It's perfect for outdoor activities, travel, or everyday orientation, offering real-time tracking and customizable themes.

**Highlights:** Digital compass with responsive needle, Real-time direction tracking in degrees, Precise degree display, Interactive rotating compass dial, Built-in magnifying glass, Customizable color themes, Simple and intuitive design

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Compass Retro

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-retro/id6758898828)

Experience a photorealistic retro compass that transforms your device into an intuitive navigation tool. It offers a full-screen analog display with smooth needle alignment to true north. Choose between light and dark themes for a visually appealing experience.

**Highlights:** Full-screen photorealistic display, Smooth true north alignment, Intuitive analog instrument feel, Light and dark theme support, Purpose-built for reliable navigation

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Compass free?

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

### Is Compass Retro free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Compass or Compass Retro?

Compass Retro is rated higher. Compass averages 2.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Compass Retro averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Compass or Compass Retro have ads?

Compass Retro shows ads; Compass does not.

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

Compass ships an update every 14 months, and Compass Retro every 8 days. Most recently, Compass was updated on November 8, 2026 and Compass Retro on November 3, 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.*