5 best compass apps for Android!
Compass apps haven’t changed much over the last ten or so years. They use your device’s accelerometer to detect direction. They sometimes need calibration and magnetic cases can mess with them. However, by and large, they do the job pretty well. They are useful for hikers, boaters, and many other outdoor activities. We tested each compass app on the list for accuracy. It would not be here if we couldn’t get it to work right. Let’s take a look at the best compass apps for Android!
Compass 360 Pro is a simple, functional compass app. It features both decimal and cardinal bearings for quick and (mostly) accurate direction. You can also find both magnetic north and true north with this app. The app also supports multiple languages, requires no Internet connection, and it's fairly easy to calibrate. Like most, your device needs a magnetic sensor in order for it to work appropriately. We recommend checking your device's spec sheet just to be sure. Otherwise, it's a rock solid app without any real problems.
Compass by Fulmine Softawre is another solid option for compass apps. It works without an Internet connection and it can work without a GPS signal as well. Some of the other features include magnetic and true north, support for degrees, mils, and grads, and more. There is even a map you can navigate with coordinates instead of a GPS signal. Some reviewers complain about jittery behavior with the actual compass graphics. We did not experience that, but we also didn't have the devices those people had. We did quite like the UI, theme, and navigation. Everything about this one is super simple.
Compass by PixelProse SARL is one of the few free compass apps with no advertising in its free version. The app uses GPS for its best accuracy readings. Some other features include install-on-SD support, altitude readings, a compass specifically for Qilba, sunrise and sunset times, and reasonably decent accuracy after calibration. Like most, it's sensitive to magnetic cases and its calibration is a bit weaker than most. You really do need GPS to get best results with this one. Otherwise, it's not a bad free option.
Compass Steel 3D is one of the best looking compass apps on the list. It has a wide range of themes for customization purposes and that separates it a bit from the pack. Some of the other features include sunrise and sunset times, true and magnetic north, a sun direction indicator, moon-rise and moon-set times, and a moon direction indicator. This one is better for hikers and boaters more than any other activity. Its self-calibration tool is mostly hit with a little miss, but we don't have any other complaints. It's difficult to criticize a free app with no in-app purchases that just works.
Digital Compass is a simple app with both a compass and a map. It supports longitude, latitude, and direct addresses. In addition, the app includes true and magnetic north headings, a magnetic strength meter, a slope level meter, and sensor status. This developer specifically asks that you not use magnetic covers and to make sure the device has magnetic sensors. Otherwise it will not work well. Some Google Play reviews complain of calibration troubles, but we didn't notice any during our testing.
Compass Galaxy is our wildcard pick for this list. It works quite well and has a simple, minimal UI. It uses no unnecessary permissions and it's relatively easy to use. It has a calibration tool as well as some other functions. However, the headline here is ease, simplicity, and the lack of permissions. It was accurate during our testing and most Google Play reviews say so as well. The only potential problem is the app hasn't received an update since 2017. We are not sure if this app is abandoned or not. Thus, use at your own risk.
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If we missed any great compass apps for Android, tell us about it in the comments! You can also click here to check out our latest Android app and game lists!
from Android Authority http://bit.ly/2IuIbZF
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