The 6 Best Compass Apps of 2024 (2024)

Tricia Goss

01

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What We Like

• Uses network or GPS location coordinates to calculate true north.

• Supports magnetic north and shows the magnetic field strength so that you can check for any interference.

• You can copy, share, and view your coordinates in a map.

What We Don't Like

• Not available for iOS devices.

• If you hold your phone in landscape mode, you are unable to see all of the icons or view directions to calibrate the compass.

• The app requires frequent recalibration.

02

of 06

What We Like

• Features telescope, night, digital and Google Maps modes, with both street map and satellite maps available in the latter.

• Standard mode uses your phone's camera for a real-life view of the direction.

• The appincludes a GPS speedometer as well as a screen capture tool.

What We Don't Like

• Not available for iOS devices.

• If you don't want ads on the screen, you'll have to upgrade to the premium version.

03

of 06

What We Like

• As you turn and tilt your phone, this realistic compass appears to move in 3D, as though you were holding a traditional compass in your hand.

• Both magnetic and true north are available (the app automatically processes the variation) and no internet or phone service is required for the compass to work properly.

What We Don't Like

• May require frequent calibration.

• Not available for iOS devices.

04

of 06

What We Like

• Highly customizable with several skins and setup languages from which to choose.

• You can opt to add a vertical and horizontal line for the appearance of a lensatic compass; view your latitude, longitude, and altitude; switch between true north and magnetic north; and add magnetic field levels as a progress bar.

What We Don't Like

• Not available for iOS devices.

• The (free) app contains ads and there is currently no premium ad-free version available.

05

of 06

What We Like

• You will receive a notification if it requires calibration, which you can perform by turning the device in a figure 8 gesture.

• Does not use ads and requires minimal phone memory.

What We Don't Like

• Not available for iOS devices.

• Requires frequent calibration.

06

of 06

What We Like

• Created in compliance withmilitary specs, letting you use it both in your vehicle and off the road. You can use it to find and even track the sun, moon and stars, bearings or multiple locations, all in real time.

• You can overlay compass maps to visualize the direction you are facing and even store locations, from your favorite camping spot to a geocache to where you parked your car at the mall.

What We Don't Like

• The app uses a great deal of battery life.