Best Compasses of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Compasses are essential tools for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, or orienteering. These small handheld devices help you navigate your way through unfamiliar terrain by pointing you in the right direction. With a range of styles and sizes available, there is a compass suitable for every need. Whether you are a seasoned explorer or a beginner, a compass is a reliable and practical tool to advise and stabilise your route.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Trekrite Explorer Compass for Navigation Cover #TOP 1
Trekrite Explorer Compass for Navigation
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Rhinocerosdance Military Compass for Navigation Cover #TOP 2
Rhinocerosdance Military Compass for Navigation
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Silva Expedition 4 Navigation Compass for Adventurers Cover #TOP 3
Silva Expedition 4 Navigation Compass for Adventurers
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Compasses

#TOP 1

Trekrite Explorer Compass for Navigation

CP003
Transparent
11 x 6 x 1 cm
Trekrite Explorer Compass for Navigation Cover
Trekrite Explorer Compass for Map Reading and Navigation

The Trekrite Explorer Compass is a reliable tool for map reading and navigation, perfect for both beginners and seasoned adventurers. With a sturdy base plate, magnifier, and easy-to-rotate bezel, you can easily stay on track during your hikes. The ultra-safe navigation feature includes a lanyard break-off safety and luminous markings, ensuring you can navigate even in low visibility conditions. It operates efficiently in extreme temperatures, making it a durable option for any outdoor situation. This compass also offers various scales and rulers, enhancing your navigation experience.

What We Like
Easy to use for beginners
Safe for night-time navigation
Durable in extreme temperatures
Multiple scales for navigation

Rhinocerosdance Military Compass for Navigation

compass
Green
Rhinocerosdance Military Compass for Navigation Cover
Compass Military Compass Army Compass Waterproof Shockproof with Carrying Bag, Used for Navigation, Aiming, Hunting, Hiking, Camping, Outdoor, Distance Calculation, Mountain Climbing

The Rhinocerosdance Military Compass is designed to guide you accurately, whether you are camping, hiking, or engaged in outdoor adventures. Its multi-functional design features rulers for topographic maps, helping you plot your route with ease. Constructed from high-strength engineer metal, this compass is durable and reliable in extreme weather conditions. Additionally, it is waterproof and shake-resistant, ensuring that you can navigate confidently, even in challenging situations or at night, thanks to its fluorescent glow.

What We Like
Durable engineer metal construction
Waterproof and shake-resistant
Fluorescent for night use
Multi-functional for various activities
Portable with carrying options
#TOP 3

Silva Expedition 4 Navigation Compass for Adventurers

35692-1011
Transparent
Silva Expedition 4 Navigation Compass for Adventurers Cover
Silva compass navigation - EXPEDITION 4 - Scale 1:25k 1:40k 1:50k mm & inches - Navigation compass for advanced users and rescue professionals - Rotatable compass housing - Compass hiking

The Silva Expedition 4 Compass is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and rescue professionals seeking advanced navigation tools. Its multiple map scales of 1:25k, 1:40k, and 1:50k allow for precise measurements, enhancing your navigation experience. The compass features GPS functionality and declination adjustment, making it ideal for challenging terrains. Built to withstand harsh weather, its robust materials ensure durability. Additionally, the compass includes a magnifying lens for detailed map reading, helping you navigate with confidence.

What We Like
Multiple map scales for precision
Durable in harsh weather
GPS and declination adjustment
Magnifying lens for detailed navigation
Luminous markings for night use
#TOP 4

Dragon Eight Waterproof Luminous Compass

Copper
Dragon Eight Waterproof Luminous Compass Cover
Dragon Eight Clamshell Compass Camping Gear Survival Gear Waterproof Luminous Compass

The Dragon Eight Compass is a reliable outdoor navigation tool designed for adventurers like you. Its durable copper shell ensures sturdiness, while the noctilucent function allows for easy use at night, helping you find your way even in low light. With its ability to distinguish directions and fix your position, you can confidently explore new terrains. Additionally, the portable design makes it convenient to carry, allowing you to take it on hiking, camping, or any outdoor activities with ease.

What We Like
Durable copper shell
Noctilucent function
Portable design
Great for outdoor activities
Helps with navigation
#TOP 5

Silva Classic Navigation Compass for Beginners

37718
Brown
Silva Classic Navigation Compass for Beginners Cover
Silva Compass Navigation - Classic - Beginner & Kids Compass - 1:25k & 1:50k - Navigation Compass

The Silva Classic Compass is perfect for beginners, including schoolchildren and youth groups. Its base plate features map-measuring scales of 1:50k and 1:25k, making it compatible with most maps, which enhances your navigation experience. The compass is designed with a detachable safety-release lanyard for easy carrying. Its rotatable housing, filled with anti-static liquid, allows for quick needle settling and accurate readings, ensuring you can navigate with confidence in any outdoor setting.

What We Like
Ideal for beginners and kids
Compatible with most maps
Lightweight and portable design
Quick and accurate readings
Includes safety lanyard
#TOP 6

Silva 3NL 360 Allround Navigation Compass

37583
Transparent
only size
Silva 3NL 360 Allround Navigation Compass Cover
Silva compass navigation - 3NL 360 - Allround navigation compass with rotatable compass housing - Scale 1:25k and 1:50k - Compass hiking

The Silva 3NL Compass is an excellent choice for basic outdoor activities. Its rotatable housing allows for compatibility with the Silva 1-2-3 navigation system, making navigation straightforward. The compass is filled with anti-static liquid, ensuring clear readings and quick needle settling, which enhances accuracy. With a stable needle and clear north-south lines, you can easily and safely orient yourself. Additionally, the built-in clinometer enables you to measure slope inclinations, providing further assistance during your adventures.

What We Like
Clear and quick readings
Durable and transparent material
Built-in clinometer
Easy to grip baseplate
Detachable safety lanyard
#TOP 7

SUNGOOYUE Brass Hollow Hiking Compass

SUNGOOYUEe62gftyix4
SUNGOOYUE Brass Hollow Hiking Compass Cover
SUNGOOYUE Hiking Compass, Shockproof Waterproof Brass Hollow Camping Survival Tools for Navigation Outdoor

The SUNGOOYUE Hiking Compass is a beautifully crafted brass compass designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Its hollowing design enhances sensitivity and accuracy, ensuring you can navigate with confidence. The compass is fully sealed, making it shockproof and waterproof, so you can rely on it in any weather conditions. Its compact size allows for easy portability, and the keyhole design means you can attach it to a lanyard or key chain, preventing loss during your adventures.

What We Like
Accurate navigation
Waterproof and shockproof
Compact and portable
Ideal for outdoor activities
#TOP 8

Mebamce Multifunctional Waterproof Navigation Compass

MPU742-MBEB
Mebamce Multifunctional Waterproof Navigation Compass Cover
Mebamce Multifunctional Waterproof Navigation Compass Map Ruler Magnifier for Explorer Hiking Map Reading and Navigation with Adjustable Lanyard

The Mebamce Navigation Compass is designed for adventurers who value precision and convenience. Its luminous direction arrow allows you to easily identify directions in low light conditions, ensuring you never lose your way at night. The compass is crafted from high-quality acrylic, making it both sturdy and reliable for your outdoor activities. Additionally, the adjustable lanyard provides a comfortable fit, allowing you to wear the compass around your neck or attach it to your backpack with ease. This makes it an essential companion for trekking, hiking, and mountaineering.

What We Like
Luminous direction arrow
High-quality durable material
Adjustable lanyard for convenience
Lightweight and portable
#TOP 9

CMP-20 Compass Necklace with Luminous Dial

CMP-20 Compass Necklace with Luminous Dial Cover
CMP-20 Compass Necklace. Rugged and reliable navigation aid with precision luminous dial. UK-made.

The CMP-20 Compass Necklace is a rugged and reliable navigation aid, perfect for day and night use in any weather. Its shockproof, military-grade design features a precision luminous dial, allowing you to check directions quickly and easily, even in low light. Lightweight and ergonomic, it can be worn comfortably around your neck, making it almost unnoticeable. Its oil and seawater resistant construction ensures durability, providing a reliable backup to larger navigation devices that may fail in extreme conditions.

What We Like
Rugged and reliable design
Luminous dial for easy reading
Lightweight and ergonomic
Durable in extreme conditions
Convenient neck-wear for navigation
#TOP 10

Silva Compass 4 with GPS Functionality

35692-1511
Grey
standard size
Silva Compass 4 with GPS Functionality Cover
Silva Compass Navigation - Compass 4 - Graduated in Mils & Degrees - Scale 1:25k 1:40k 1:50k mm & in - Navigation Compass for Professionals - Rotatable Compass Housing - Military Compass Hiking

The Silva Compass 4 is a premium navigation tool, trusted by NATO forces, designed for experienced users like outdoor enthusiasts and rescue workers. Its advanced GPS functionality and declination adjustment ensure you can tackle challenging terrains with confidence. The compass features graduated scales in mils and degrees, allowing for precise navigation using various map types. Additionally, the rotatable compass housing enhances usability, making it compatible with the Silva 1-2-3 navigation system. With these features, you can navigate accurately and efficiently in any environment.

What We Like
Trusted by NATO forces
Advanced GPS functionality
Graduated in mils and degrees
Compatible with Silva navigation system
Suitable for night navigation
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are compasses?

Magnetic compass. Modern compasses usually use a magnetized needle or dial inside a capsule completely filled with a liquid (lamp oil, mineral oil, white spirits, purified kerosene, or ethyl alcohol are common).

2. What is the difference between compass and compasses?

A compass, more accurately known as a pair of compasses, is a technical drawing instrument that can be used for inscribing circles or arcs. As dividers, it can also be used as a tool to step out distances, in particular, on maps. Compasses can be used for mathematics, drafting, navigation and other purposes.

3. What is compasses used for?

A compass is a device that indicates direction. It is one of the most important instruments for navigation. This compass was used by Robert Peary to reach the North Pole, allegedly the first person to do so. A compass is a device that indicates direction.

Editor's Notes

During our compass research, we found 138 compass products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 26,112 customer reviews through our big data system to write the compasses list. We found that most customers choose compasses with an average price of £12.89.

The compasses are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of compasses, including Trekrite, Rhinocerosdance, Silva, Dragon Eight, SUNGOOYUE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 350 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.