The Best Compass Apps for Android and iOS Smartphones

If you're someone who loves the great outdoors and enjoys traveling, having a compass app on your smartphone is essential. These apps come in handy, especially when you're hiking or exploring remote areas with limited or no signal. Instead of relying on a traditional compass or GPS device, your smartphone can utilize its accelerometer and magnetometer to provide accurate directional information.

Advantages of Compass Apps:

• Cheaper compared to traditional compasses
• Easy to use
• Works offline
• Additional features like altimeter and barometer
• Backlit screen for visibility in the dark

Disadvantages of Compass Apps:

• Slightly less accurate than physical compasses
• Not ideal for use with topographic maps
• Fewer features compared to dedicated GPS devices
• Consumes battery power

Now, let's explore some of the best compass apps available for Android and iOS smartphones:

1. Compass

This open-source and free compass app is simple to use and checks all the necessary boxes. It uses your phone's internal magnetometer to provide accurate magnetic position and geographical coordinates. The user interface is clean and features a large dial in the middle of the screen. While this app is not available on the Play Store, you can download it from F-Droid for Android.

2. Commander Compass Pro (Spyglass)

Commander Compass Pro, also known as Spyglass on the Play Store, is a feature-rich compass app. It allows you to save multiple points and track them with distance, direction, and elevation information. The app even calibrates the compass using the position of the moon and stars for maximum accuracy. The pro version includes additional features like compass map overlay, solar system tracking, and military compliance. It is available for both Android and iOS.

3. Compass Coordinate

Compass Coordinate works seamlessly with Google Maps, making it easier to navigate and retrieve coordinates of specific locations on the map. This app offers various themes and map layouts to choose from, and you can customize the screen settings, text, units, and colors. While it comes with ads, you have the option to remove them through an in-app purchase. Compass Coordinate is available for Android.

4. Speaking Compass

Designed for visually impaired users, Speaking Compass is the only compass app on Android that speaks out the directions. It announces directions multiple times, allowing users to better understand when to turn. The app has a minimalist design without any fancy features, and it is completely free and ad-free.

5. Compass Galaxy

For those who prefer a simple and permission-free compass app, Compass Galaxy is a popular choice. It displays your exact position on a digital compass with degrees and direction. However, it does come with ads that cannot be removed. Calibration is required by drawing an 8 on the screen, which the developer forgot to mention in the instructions.

6. Digital Compass

Digital Compass is an iOS-exclusive app that not only shows the North but also plots it on a map with the desired direction. It offers more than 10 different compass options and provides access to major cities worldwide. Although the app is free with ads, you can remove them through an in-app purchase of $1.99.

7. Compass Steel 3D

Compass Steel 3D is a visually appealing compass app that works in a 3D environment. It displays both magnetic North and true North, tracks the position of the sun and moon, and shows the times of sunrise and moonrise. The app is ad-free and does not include any in-app purchases, but it may require frequent calibration.

8. Compass

Compass is a minimalist app that focuses on simplicity. After calibrating the app by drawing an 8 on the screen, you'll see a large letter indicating the direction and a small font displaying the degree. This iOS app is straightforward and free to use.

9. Marine Compass

Marine Compass is an Android app that offers a 3D compass with GPS support. It ensures that the compass remains parallel to the floor no matter how you move your device. The app also allows you to pinpoint your exact location on a map. Marine Compass is completely free, ad-free, and doesn't require unnecessary permissions.

While these compass apps are excellent choices, it's important to note that they may not be as accurate as physical compass units. If accuracy is crucial, consider using a compass that utilizes both the magnetometer and GPS of your phone.

So, whether you're an avid hiker or simply want a reliable compass on your smartphone, these apps will help you navigate your way through any adventure.