Comparison

+Compass+ vs ZSElmer

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

+Compass+

Features
Read full description

Compass that shows magnetic north as well as true north and GPS location

About

ZSElmer

This app serves as a digital logbook and satellite tracker for amateur radio enthusiasts. It allows users to log contacts, monitor satellite positions, and connect with a global community of radio operators. Designed for both new and experienced users, it facilitates sharing experiences and learning from mentors.

Highlights
  • Real-time satellite tracking
  • Predict satellite passes
  • Quick QSO logging
  • ADIF, Cabrillo, CSV import/export
  • Community sharing features
  • Live antenna pointing data
Features
Read full description

ZSELmer is your modern HAM radio companion – proudly built in South Africa and made for radio amateurs worldwide. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced operator, ZSELmer helps you log QSOs, track satellites, and connect with the global HAM community. Key Features SATELLITE TRACKING Real-time tracking for ISS, FM, and amateur satellites Predict satellite passes days in advance Live antenna pointing data (azimuth & elevation) LOGBOOK Quick QSO logging: callsign, frequency, mode, signal reports, grid locator, and time Auto-fill UTC and location for accuracy Contest-ready with ADIF, Cabrillo, and CSV import/export COMMUNITY Share your HAM radio journey with fellow operators Post photos, videos, and stories Connect globally, make friends, and learn from Elmers (mentors) PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN, MADE FOR THE WORLD “ZS” is the South African callsign prefix. “Elmer” is a trusted HAM mentor – and ZSELmer is yours, guiding you from first QSO to advanced DX. Whether you’re chasing satellites, logging contests, or sharing stories with fellow HAMs, ZSELmer grows with you – from beginner to expert.

Screenshots

+Compass+1 screens
ZSElmer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: ZSElmer at none against +Compass+'s shown. +Compass+'s advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 7 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On price, in-app purchases and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

+Compass+ ships an update monthly, ZSElmer every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
+Compass+ versus ZSElmer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameter+Compass+ZSElmer
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 7 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB96 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMichael ToddAlecia Vermeulen

In-app purchases

None

+Compass+

No in-app purchases

None

ZSElmer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is +Compass+ free?
+Compass+ is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ZSElmer free?
ZSElmer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do +Compass+ or ZSElmer have ads?
+Compass+ shows ads; ZSElmer does not.
Which is updated more often, +Compass+ or ZSElmer?
+Compass+ ships an update monthly, and ZSElmer every 7 months. Most recently, +Compass+ was updated on October 5, 2026 and ZSElmer on October 12, 2026.

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