The 6 Best Compass Apps of 2024

Go West, young man. Or at least know which way West is!

Updated on January 18, 2024

Rather than purchasing a traditional compass that you must remember to pack or carry, you can download a compass app to your phone. Many choices are available; check out this collection to find a compass app for Android or iOS that meets your needs.

All current iPhones have built-in compasses, which you can access through the Extras folder or the Utilities folder. Follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate the compass when using it for the first time.

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Best Basic Compass App: Compass

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.

If you would like a free compass app for Android for camping, off-roading, or other activities that might require letting others know where you are, this will fit the bill.

Download Compass for Android

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Best for Off-Road: Smart Compass

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 app includes 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.

This Android app is part of the Smart Tools apps collection, which also offers helpful apps such as a metal detector, a level, and a distance-measuring app.

Download Smart Compass for Android

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Best for Boating: Compass Steel 3D

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.

If you install this compass app, don't let the permission request worry you. It requires access to your location coordinates to calculate correctly; you'll want those handy, particularly when you're on a large body of water with your boat.

Download Compass Steel 3D for Android

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Best Customizable App: Compass 360 Pro Free

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.

This free Android app promises to work anywhere in the world, making it ideal for adventuresome globetrotters.

Download Compass 360 Pro Free for Android

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Best for Beginners: Compass Galaxy

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.

Sometimes, you want a simple app that only provides the basics. This Android compass app is easy to use and does not require unnecessary permissions.

Download Compass Galaxy for Android

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Best for Multi-Use: Commander Compass

What We Like

Created in compliance with military 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.

Although the app is not free (it costs $6), it is chock-full of cool features and tools. For some reason, it has a different name on Android.