# aprs.fi vs Pro Compass for Watch

The clearest difference is rating: aprs.fi at 4.7 against Pro Compass for Watch's 4.2. aprs.fi also leads on review sentiment (70% vs 39%) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months). Pro Compass for Watch's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and price ($1.99 vs $6.99). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

aprs.fi costs $6.99 and Pro Compass for Watch $1.99 up front. aprs.fi sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Pro Compass for Watch asks for nothing beyond the download.

aprs.fi holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: aprs.fi has 1.2K ratings behind it against 20, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 70% of aprs.fi's written reviews are positive against 39% of Pro Compass for Watch's.

aprs.fi ships an update fortnightly, Pro Compass for Watch every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | aprs.fi | Pro Compass for Watch |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $6.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aprsfi/id922155038/reviews)** | [4.2 (20 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pro-compass-for-watch/id1480791726/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.2K** | 20 |
| Positive reviews | **70.4% of reviews** | 38.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#27** | #92 |
| Size | 28 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [GainIO](https://appshunter.io/developer/922155037) | [Craig Hunter](https://appshunter.io/developer/286743884) |

## What reviewers say

### aprs.fi

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aprsfi/id922155038)

**Currently charting:** #27 Top Paid · Navigation (US App Store)

Access real-time APRS position data, weather reports, and telemetry graphs globally. Offers route guidance, station tracking, and map filtering. Some advanced features require an in-app subscription.

**Highlights:** Real-time APRS position data, Route guidance and driving directions, Search callsigns and addresses, Track multiple stations, Filter map information, View weather and telemetry graphs, Beacon your position

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Extra features, monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Extra features, yearly | $6.49 | per year |
| Extra features, fair trade | $13.49 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Solid product
- 👍 Works great with external hardware
- 💡 Useful for public service events
- 🚀 Reliable way to participate in APRS network
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Beaconing issues (inconsistent timing, lack of smart beaconing)
- 🔒 Messaging requires subscription
- 💰 Expensive for limited functionality
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🔒 Subscription required for full features

**Reported bugs**

- Beacon not clickable
- Freezing on settings screen
- Incompatible with older iOS versions
- Inconsistent behavior with VOX on radios

**Requested features**

- Offline maps support
- Ability to change nickname without creating new account
- Smart beaconing mode
- Bulk message deletion
- CarPlay support


### Pro Compass for Watch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pro-compass-for-watch/id1480791726)

**Currently charting:** #92 Top Paid · Navigation (US App Store)

This app replicates classic pocket compasses with advanced 3D graphics for realistic operation on your wrist. It provides true/magnetic compass modes, sun/moon positions, GPS, altitude, and a waypoint manager with map integration. Customize settings and color schemes for optimal viewing.

**Highlights:** Realistic 3D compass rendering, True and magnetic compass modes, Sun and moon position tracking, GPS location and altitude display, Waypoint manager with map view, Inclinometer with bubble levels, Customizable settings and color schemes

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Offers mils and grid
- 👍 Great support from developer
- 🌟 Accurate and easy to use
- 💡 Fixes waypoint issue on map
- 💰 One-time purchase, no subscription

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❌ Difficult installation
- 💸 App not received after purchase
- ❓ App not found after purchase
- 📉 UI not polished
- ⚠️ Direction indicator shows NA

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes
- Direction indicator shows NA
- GPS map shows incorrect location
- Compass not available on some devices
- App not found/received after purchase

**Requested features**

- Add BNG as grid reference option
- Add iPhone companion app for waypoint management
- Include Sun Shadow Bearing option
- Increase number of waypoints beyond 5
- Make sun and moon indicators bigger and bolder


## Frequently asked questions

### Is aprs.fi free?

aprs.fi costs $6.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Pro Compass for Watch free?

Pro Compass for Watch costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, aprs.fi or Pro Compass for Watch?

aprs.fi is rated higher. aprs.fi averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.2K ratings, while Pro Compass for Watch averages 4.2 from 20 ratings.

### Do aprs.fi or Pro Compass for Watch have ads?

Neither aprs.fi nor Pro Compass for Watch shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, aprs.fi or Pro Compass for Watch?

aprs.fi ships an update fortnightly, and Pro Compass for Watch every 3 months. Most recently, aprs.fi was updated on November 1, 2026 and Pro Compass for Watch on October 29, 2026.

### Which is more popular, aprs.fi or Pro Compass for Watch?

aprs.fi currently peaks at #27 in the App Store charts, and Pro Compass for Watch at #92. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*