Free · No download · Works offline · Privacy-first
Real Online Compass.
A real-time compass that runs entirely in your browser. No app, no tracking, no nonsense.
Tap to activate your device sensors
Open on your phone
Desktop computers lack the magnetometer sensor needed for a live compass. Scan a QR code or visit realonlinecompass.com on your smartphone.
8 more tools
More navigation & celestial tools.
Sun Position
Live solar direction, altitude, sunrise, sunset, and day length from your GPS location.
Moon Position
Moon direction, altitude, moonrise, moonset, phase, illumination, and distance from Earth.
Sun Compass
A compass needle that points at the sun — with golden hour timing and solar noon.
Star Compass
Points toward Polaris (true north), shows magnetic declination, and lists tonight's bright stars.
Moon Phase Tracker
Full monthly phase calendar, illumination %, moon age, and next full/new moon countdown.
Altitude Meter
GPS elevation in metres and feet with terrain category, air pressure, and boiling point.
Spirit Level
2D bubble level using your accelerometer. Shows roll and pitch angles. Turns teal when level.
Inclinometer
Slope angle, grade %, roof pitch (X/12), and rise/run ratio. Tap Hold to lock a reading.
Built for accuracy and privacy.
Zero tracking
Sensor and location data never leave your device. No cookies, no analytics, no telemetry — ever.
Works offline
Once loaded, every tool — including all celestial calculations — works with no internet.
Any device
Optimised for smartphones with magnetometers and accelerometers. Fully responsive on all screens.
Frequently asked questions.
Does my device have a compass sensor?
Most smartphones made after 2013 include a magnetometer. Desktop computers typically do not. The inclinometer and spirit level use the accelerometer, which is also present on most phones.
Do I need to install anything?
No. Every tool runs directly in your browser. No app download, no sign-up, no payment.
Is my location data stored?
No. GPS coordinates and sensor readings are used only inside your browser. Nothing is sent to any server.
The compass is inaccurate — what can I do?
Wave your phone in a figure-8 pattern a few times to calibrate the magnetometer. Keep it away from metal objects, speakers, and electronics.
How accurate are the celestial calculations?
We use standard Jean Meeus astronomical algorithms. Sun and moon position accuracy is within ±0.5° and rise/set times are accurate to within 1–2 minutes.
Free Online Compass — Find Your Direction Instantly
Welcome to Real Online Compass, the most accurate and reliable free online compass tool available directly in your browser. Whether you need to find north on a hike, check your bearing while travelling, or simply orient yourself in an unfamiliar city, our online compass gives you a real-time live heading using your device's built-in magnetometer sensor — no app download, no registration, and no cost.
What Is an Online Compass?
An online compass is a digital tool that reads the magnetic sensor inside your smartphone or tablet and displays your current heading in degrees along with the corresponding cardinal direction — North, South, East, or West. Unlike a traditional magnetic compass, an online compass tool runs entirely inside your web browser. There is nothing to install and it works on any device that has a magnetometer, including most Android phones and iPhones made after 2013.
Our free online compass shows your bearing from 0° to 360°, highlights the cardinal and intercardinal points (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW), and updates in real time as you turn. It is the digital equivalent of having a compass in your pocket — always available, always free.
How to Use the Free Online Compass Tool
Using the online compass is straightforward. Open this page on your smartphone, tap Allow when your browser asks for motion and orientation access, and the compass needle will immediately point toward magnetic north. Hold your phone flat and parallel to the ground for the most accurate reading. If the needle seems to drift or spin, wave your phone in a slow figure-8 pattern — this calibrates the magnetometer and stabilises the reading within seconds.
The online compass live view updates continuously, so you can walk or rotate and always see your current direction. It is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, orienteering, photography, and travel, as well as practical everyday tasks like hanging a picture or aligning furniture to the sun.
Online Compass Directions Explained
The compass rose divides the full 360° circle into the four cardinal directions and four intercardinal directions. North is 0° (or 360°), East is 90°, South is 180°, and West is 270°. Our online compass directions display shows you both the numeric degree and the named direction simultaneously, so whether you prefer to say "heading 045°" or "Northeast", you always have both at a glance.
It is worth noting that the compass points to magnetic north, not geographic (true) north. The difference between the two is called magnetic declination and varies depending on your location on Earth. If you need to find true north precisely — for navigation, map-reading, or astronomy — use our companion Star Compass tool, which locates Polaris and accounts for magnetic declination automatically.
Why Choose Real Online Compass?
There are many online compass tools available, but Real Online Compass stands apart for three reasons. First, it is completely free — no subscription, no in-app purchases, and no paywalled features. Second, it is privacy-first: your GPS coordinates and sensor data never leave your device, and we use zero tracking cookies or analytics. Third, it works offline — once the page has loaded, the compass continues to function even if you lose your internet connection, making it a dependable companion in remote areas.
Beyond the core compass, we also offer a full suite of navigation and celestial tools including Sun Position, Moon Position, Sun Compass, Star Compass, Moon Phase Tracker, Altitude Meter, Spirit Level, and Inclinometer — all free, all running locally in your browser.
Compatible With Any Device
Our free online compass tool works on iOS (Safari), Android (Chrome, Firefox), and any modern desktop browser. On mobile and tablet devices with a magnetometer, it delivers a live, sensor-driven compass reading. On devices without a sensor — such as most laptops and desktop computers — the heading display is unavailable, but all other tools on the site continue to work using GPS or manual location input.
Bookmark this page or add it to your home screen for instant access to a free online compass whenever you need it. No app, no hassle — just open the page and go.