The best compass apps for iPad from teaching basic directional navigation to finding your way around the world!
Unlike the iPhone, the iPad doesn't come with a built-in Compass app. That might sound fine, since you're more likely to be out and about and in need of finding your way with an iPhone. However, the iPad is a great travel companion as well, whether you're on a business trip, out hiking, or out on the high seas. And if you have it, why not use it? Luckily the App Store is full of great compass apps for iPad, the only problem is figuring out which is the best one for you. That's where iMore comes in! These are my favorite compass apps for iPad!
Compass 54 Pro
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Compass 54 combines both compass and navigational data with current location information such as weather. Compass data can show location, direction, altitude, course, and speed. Basic items you'd expect from a pretty basic compass app. The added data such as weather is where Compass 54 differentiates itself. Weather data can be displayed in both Celsius and Fahrenheit and shows current temperature, humidity, and pressure.
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, Compass 54 is a great option as it combines both navigational information with current weather conditions.
- $0.99 - Download Now (opens in new tab)
CheckIt
CheckIt isn't just your ordinary compass but also a speedometer and scaled down GPS app. Aside from telling you what direction you're heading in, CheckIt can also alert you to your speed. Most of the other compass apps listed here can give speed as well but CheckIt focuses on alerting you when you're traveling over a given speed limit by pulling in data about the roads you're traveling on. I've tried CheckIt on local arounds around me and with the exception of one area, the speed limits were accurate.
If you want a compass app that can also keep your driving habits under control, get CheckIt.
- $0.99 - Download Now (opens in new tab)
Spyglass
If James Bond carried an iPad and needed a compass app, Spyglass would probably be his app of choice. Not only does Spyglass give you general directions and degrees like a regular compass would, it uses augmented reality to show what's around you too. Spyglass' gyrocompass makes it incredibly accurate and similar to what air and marine navigation uses. Not only does Spyglass feature a magnetic compass, you can use the stars as well. Built in is also an optical range finger, tracker, and more. Spyglass literally takes advantage of every sensor your iPad has inside of it.
Anyone who needs a compass app that's just as accurate as it is feature rich needs Spyglass.
- $3.99 - Download Now (opens in new tab)
Compass°
Compass° is probably the most basic compass replacement you're going to find which makes it the easiest to use. Just launch the app and point your iPad in the direction you'd like to check. Compass° tells you what direction you're facing and how many degrees. That's pretty much it. Since Compass° is so simple, it can make for a great learning tool for younger children learning the basics of navigation.
If you want nothing more than degrees and direction and don't mind ads you can't remove, get Compass°.
- Free - Download Now (opens in new tab)
Your picks?
These are my favorite apps when it comes to finding a compass app for iPad. Depending on what exactly you need a compass for, your needs may be different. Whether you picked up one of the above compass apps or use something different, let us know what and why in the comments!
