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The Best Compasses of 2024

Whether hiking, traveling off-grid, or backpacking, having a reliable compass available can help ensure that you'll always find true north.

Even in this technology-filled world, a good outdoors person knows the importance of having the best compass possible when adventuring outside .

Yes, there are compass apps, but phones can break or die and there’s no beating the reliability of a tried and true compass when you head off the beaten path.

The GearJunkie team is composed of arctic explorers, competitive orienteers, and accomplished long-distance thru-hikers. We’ve ventured far beyond the bounds of well-traveled trails and 5G-LTE. We rely on compasses to maintain our bearings and remain in touch with our path of travel in white-out blizzards, dense forests, and barren featureless deserts.

A reliable compass can be the difference between efficient backcountry travel and potential disaster. Through rigorous testing of dozens of compasses, the selections of this list have proven themselves as bonafide navigation tools fit during far-flung adventures.

We’ve found the best compasses to fit every budget and use. Scroll through to see all of our recommendations, or click ahead to the product you’re looking for. For information on compass types, features, and usage tips, check out our comparison table and buyer’s guide . If you still have questions, take a look at our list of frequently asked questions at the end of this article.

Editor’s Note: We updated this article on Decembe r 15, 2023, to dial in our selection of recommended products, provide additional buying guidance, and include new photos of our testing process in the field.

The Best Compasses of 202 4

• Best Overall Compass: SUUNTO M-3 D Leader Compass
• Best Budget Compass: TurnOnSport Orienteering Compass
• Best Compass for Most People: SUUNTO A-10 Compass
• Best Travel Compass: SUUNTO MB-6G Global Compass
• Best Compass for Kids: Coghlan’s Function Whistle
• Best Thumb Compass for Orienteering: SUUNTO AIM-6 NH
• Best Hiking Compass: SUUNTO MC-2 Global Compass

SUUNTO M-3 D Leader Compass

• Weight 1.6 oz.
• Increments 2 degrees
• Dimensions 4.72″ x 2.4″ x 0.55″

• Luminescent markings
• Handy wristlock lanyard
• Small degree markings on the device can be hard to read, especially in low light

As noted, SUUNTO makes a lot of compasses, and the  M-3 D Leader hiking compass  ($65) is a big step up to a powerful navigation tool for those who desire more precision.

Simple yet effective, this compass contains everything you need to find your way and nothing you don’t. Built for hiking, the M-3 D leader is popular with backpackers and hunters for its reliability and toughness.

It sports metric and imperial scales and is balanced for use in the Northern Hemisphere, with 2-degree increments. The adjustable declination orientation is smooth for easy adjustment but is firm enough to keep its orientation while you move.

A baseplate with a magnifying lens and glow-in-the-dark markings make it easy to use on a map, even in low light. And the detachable locking lanyard allows you to keep it handy and prevents drops while moving over rugged terrain. With optimal durability and functionality, the M-3 D Leader is the best compass on the market today.

TurnOnSport Orienteering Compass

• Dimensions ‎ 8.23″ x 3.9″ x 0.67″

• Excellent price
• No declination feature, no direction box

Learning orienteering can be a daunting proposition to the uninitiated, and some of the more feature-rich compasses on this list can be intimidating for someone looking to learn to navigate without GPS devices. For beginners, we recommend a simple and inexpensive option on which you can learn the basics.

This orienteering compass from  TurnOnSport  ($12) has all the features needed for learning compass-and-map navigation without the restrictive cost of higher-end compasses. The durable acrylic baseplate sports an adjustable bearing, a compass ruler, a magnifying glass, and a 1:24,000 scale.

The liquid-filled needle case provides a quick, responsive magnetic north bearing, and the waterproof bearings mean you can use it in any weather.

The TurnOnSport Orienteering Compass is easily the best compass we’ve seen for the price . Offering only the necessary features, it’s equipped to allow you to learn basic navigational skills with minimal investment. At this price, you can upgrade to a more feature-rich compass and keep this as a backup, or buy a dozen and teach a scout troop as a group.

SUUNTO A-10 Compass

• Weight 1.06 oz.
• Dimensions 4.09" x 2.2" x 0.39"

• Easy to use
• No magnification

Finnish company SUUNTO is best known for its GPS fitness watches. It also makes excellent analog navigation devices. The SUUNTO A-10 ($24) is far from the brand’s top-shelf compasses, but for the vast majority of users, this compass does everything they need at a great price.

First, it has a liquid-filled chamber that results in a “quick-damping needle.” This, according to GearJunkie founder and U.S. champion adventure racer Stephen Regenold, is the most important element in a compass. “It means it points north extremely quickly and is solid. Most of the features on a compass are just not really needed for common navigation. You just need to know which way is north.”

And the SUUNTO A-10 will point north reliably, consistently, and quickly. It’s proven reliable over thousands of hours of use. And it’s so affordable, you have no excuse to not put one in every kit to ensure you find your way home every time.

SUUNTO MB-6G Global Compass

• Weight 2 oz.
• Dimensions ‎2.64″ x 1.85″ x 0.87″

• Balanced for use in all hemispheres
• More expensive than others on this list

Balanced for both the Northern and Southern hemispheres,  SUUNTO’s MB-6G  ($115) is built for use wherever your travels may take you. The high-grade steel needle provides specific navigational directions, and the integrated clinometer tells you the steepness of the hill you’re climbing, which comes in handy during avalanche season.

We love the matchbox design, which adds durability by not only protecting the compass from cracks and scratches when tumbling around in your pack or down a rock face but also by doing away with the weak point of the hinges that hold flip-top compasses together.

Additionally, the matchbox features a sighting mirror, which allows you to view the compass dial and the background at the same time, making it easier to take accurate bearings. If global excursions are in your future plans, the SUUNTO MB-6G might be the best compass for you.

Coghlan’s Function Whistle

• Weight 1.75 oz.
• Increments Unknown
• Dimensions ‎‎3.35″ x 1.18″ x 0.98″

• Yellow color makes it easy to find
• Shrill whistle makes your kids easy to find
• No compass features besides finding magnetic north

Keeping an eye on a child while camping is a full-time job.  Coghlan’s Function Whistle  ($7) is a great way to keep your kids safe and teach them the rudimentary aspects of navigation if they wander too far from the campsite.

The body of the compass is a whistle with a small compass on the top, a thermometer on the bottom, and a handy clip on the end. This compass is basic, but it will find magnetic north, allowing you to teach your kids how to figure out which direction is which if they get turned around.

The bright yellow body makes it easy to find if they drop it, and the key clip makes dropping it less likely. Just clip it onto a zipper, and it’ll always be easy to find.

A key function of the Coghlan Function Whistle is the whistle, which makes kids easier to find if they get lost. Just make sure they know to start blasting that whistle, and you’ll be able to zero in on them in no time.

SUUNTO AIM-6 NH

• Weight 0.95 oz.
• Dimensions ‎3.15" x 2.76" x 0.43“

• Attaches to thumb for use on-the-go
• Specialized for racers
• No measurements or sighting tools

For orienteers or other racers, running with a compass means attaching it to your thumb, where you can easily reference your direction with a map. GearJunkie founder Stephen Regenold uses this SUUNTO AIM-6 NH ($70) during his frequent orienteering and adventure races.

While he admits these are a somewhat esoteric navigation tool, they provide a quick-to-read arrow to guide racers or others moving quickly through the landscape.

As with other compasses, you want a quick-damping needle to allow for fast reads. Light, powerful, and easy to read in low light, the  AIM-6 NH  (optimized for the northern hemisphere) is a strong choice for elite users.

SUUNTO MC-2 Global Compass

• Weight 2.5 oz.
• Dimensions 3.9″ x 2.5″

• Global needle
• Protective case doubles as mirror and sighting notch
• Lid snap takes a good amount of force to lock

Compact and feature-rich, the  MC-2  ($95) is a great compass for hiking thanks to all the perks harnessed into a small package.

The global needle finds magnetic north in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. It’s also a mirrored compass, sporting a large sighting mirror that allows not only better bearing but can also be used for signaling if you manage to get lost.

A liquid-filled capsule provides stability for the needle, while the clinometer indicates incline and elevation within 2 degrees. The luminescent bezel, orientation markings, and direction of travel make it easier to read in low light, and the clear red direction arrow makes it easy to see your way when moving fast.

At only 2.5 ounces and very compact, the MC-2 is the best compass for thru-hikers, or anyone who spends a lot of time in the backcountry.

Compass Comparison Table

How we tested compasses.

The GearJunkie team is composed of hunters, anglers, climbers, backpackers, and paddlers. When our adventures take us away from the beaten path, reliable compasses become an essential tool. And our founder, Stephen Regenold, is one of the top adventure racers in the country and an avid orienteer. As such, he uses map-and-compass navigation extensively during race scenarios and has experience with many compasses.

We tested the compasses on this list while recreating in the field. Like all compass users, we prefer models that are accurate, durable, and intuitive. While roaming between waypoints and hugging long-distance bearings through featureless terrain, we paid careful attention to each compass’ precision, durability, versatility readability, and overall value. The compasses on this list held up to our scrutiny with flying colors. They’re the best of the best.

As new compasses hit the market in future seasons, we’ll be sure to test them in consideration for this product roundup. And if you’re wanting to get more digital with your navigation solutions, check out our guide on the Best Handheld GPS units .

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Compass

Compass types.

There are three main types of compasses: the basic compass, the sighting compass, and the baseplate (or orienteering) compass. Some compasses contain elements of all three.

The basic compass has only one feature: a needle that points toward the magnetic north. It’s handy for any situation in which you only need to know your approximate direction. They tend to be inexpensive as well, so they can be useful for keeping as a spare.

Sighting compasses have flip-up lenses that allow users to get bearings from a distant object like a nearby peak. Put simply, use the sight notch to identify your desired location, adjust the bezel to align with the needle to identify the direction you need to go to get there, and then follow the heading.

Orienteering (baseplate) compasses are designed to be used with a map, as the base lays directly on the map for easy triangulation and orienting.

Many compasses combine a baseplate for map navigation and sighting accessories to combine the two types. This allows for whatever navigation method is most useful at any time.

How to Use a Compass

The short lesson on compasses is very simple: The compass needle always points to magnetic north. With that knowledge, you can maintain a consistent direction of travel relative to north.

The longer version of compass use is much more nuanced and complicated. Check out our full explainer on how to use a compass here .

Basic Compass Features

By definition, a compass will have a magnetic needle that always points to the magnetic north. Beyond that, compasses can sport a bevy of features, from liquid-filled needle casings and rotating bezels to whistles and thermometers (some are more useful than others), generally depending on the price range.

For general direction-finding, a basic compass will do. But for more in-depth orienteering, you’ll want a compass with the following features:

A magnetic needle that always points north is the most basic and essential feature of any compass. One of the more important features of a good compass is a quick but stable needle that finds north fast and consistently.

The mounting case holds the needle. It’s often filled with liquid to allow the needle to float freely and find magnetic north quickly. The liquid also dampens the motion of the needle.

The mounting for the compass housing, a baseplate is generally printed with tools that help find direction and distance. It provides a straight edge for identifying your location via triangulation.

A rotating ring that surrounds the housing, the bezel is printed with direction indicators (N, S, E, W) and varying points in between.

Orienting Lines

Fixed within the compass housing, these lines are designed to align with the vertical grid lines on maps.

Orienting Arrow

Also fixed within the compass housing, the orienting arrow aligns to the magnetic north.

Direction-of-Travel Arrow

Fixed parallel to the sides of the baseplate, the direction-of-travel arrow shows the direction you want to travel.

Fixed on the bezel. The index line is an extension of the direction-of-travel arrow. It marks the direction you set via rotating the compass housing.

Many baseplates feature a small magnifying lens for easier map reading.

Compass Scale

Located on the edges of the baseplate, the compass scale allows you to measure the distance on maps.

Key Features & Considerations

Besides the basic features mentioned above, these additional features can serve to make navigation easier or more accurate. They allow you to measure height and slope and to find north on any part of the globe.

Declination Adjustment

Declination adjustment allows you to adjust your compass for the varying difference between magnetic north and true north. Magnetic north (where a compass needle points) follows the direction of north in the Earth’s magnetic lines, and true north represents the direction of the North Pole.

Magnetic declination varies from place to place due to the changing nature of the Earth’s core. To compensate, many compasses allow you to adjust your compass readings to accommodate the magnetic declination for your location.

Sighting Mirror

Sighting mirrors are mirrors on a hinged lid that attach to the compass body. They allow you to see a direction or an object and your compass capsule at the same time. This allows you to orient your direction to a location and maintain that direction even when you can’t see the marker.

Clinometers measure the angle of elevation, the slope, or the height from the ground. Clinometers measure the height of objects and the steepness of hills (useful in avalanche terrain). They also gauge the height of your bear hang when you’re setting up camp.

Global Needle

Because the Earth’s magnetic field varies in different locations on the planet, a compass needle that balances well in one location may dip and drag or stick in a different location, making it completely useless. A compass with a taller dial allows the needle to tilt without hitting the casing, preventing that drag.

Compass Storage

In the past, caring for a compass would just mean not dropping it or crushing the casing. Now, people need to consider the plethora of electronic devices that can threaten a compass’s lifespan. Be sure to store your compass away from computers and other electronic devices — the magnetic fields can damage it.

The speakers in these devices can demagnetize the needle, rendering it useless. Also, keep it away from fires, heaters, and other hot places like a hot car. Any warping of the casing can affect the needle’s accuracy.

The most accurate compass depends on several factors. Most importantly, you should know how to use it. Every compass can find north, but it’s up to you to know what to do with that information.

Your ability to read your bearings and follow them, or transfer a compass’s information to a map to find your location and put it to use accurately, is paramount. For more information on how to get the most out of your compass, check out our article on orienteering basics .

A good compass can cost anywhere from $10 for a simple compass with basic orienteering features to over $100 for a compass with a global needle, clinometer, mirror sight, and a plethora of other features. Consider the features you need versus what you’re willing to pay when choosing the best compass for you.

In addition to the standard needle and rotating bezel, look for a cover with sighting wire and luminous lighting dots for evening navigation, a flip-up sighting slot and lens (or rear sight), and a thumb loop for stability while sighting your visual marker.

Although a good lensatic compass is great for finding bearings, we prefer one that also incorporates the features of a baseplate compass. Look for a compass that combines the two to give you several methods of finding your way.

While compass apps may be less accurate than traditional compasses and rely on a battery, they’re very convenient. Most people already have their phones with them on adventures, and smartphones can sport a wide range of features that a traditional compass does not, like barometers, altimeters, and, of course, GPS.

We’re fans of the Gaia GPS app (free for iOS and Android ) because of its map integration, which allows you to use topo maps, aerial photos, or a hybrid of the two. It also shows your altitude, allows you to share that data to keep others informed of your location in case you get lost, and tracks data like speed, time, location, and direction. It can also estimate your GPS accuracy to let you know if you start going off course.

Remember, if you’re relying on an app for navigation, you’re also counting on the performance of the technology. We recommend always having a traditional compass on hand in case your phone ends up at the bottom of a lake.

The Best Handheld GPS of 2024

There’s no need to rely on your smartphone or smartwatch for navigation. We rounded up the best handheld GPS devices for finding your way.

The Best Satellite Messengers of 2024

Failure isn’t an option when it comes to choosing a satellite messenger. When you absolutely need to get the word out, here are the best sat messaging devices in 2024.

Austin Beck-Doss is a Staff Writer at GearJunkie. Austin has been writing about climbing, hiking, and snowsports for 6+ years. Prior to that, Austin worked as a rock climbing and wilderness guide.

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The best compasses to keep you on target no matter what

"The magnetic compass was the first technological invention after the wheel to change the world." — Amir D. Aczel, 'The Riddle of the Compass'

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Why do I need to know which is the best compass when I’ve got a GPS? That’s a great question, and I have a great and simple answer: technology breaks and batteries die. But even if the polar ice caps melt away completely and Las Vegas becomes the finest post-apocalyptic beachfront resort left in the world, the magnetic poles of the Earth will still be magnetic. 

We are lucky to live in a time when most of our navigation needs can be solved by the little supercomputer most of us carry in our pockets these days. They can tell you where you are, how to get where you’re going, where there are traffic jams along the way, and where to find the best craft cocktails or authentic street tacos when you get there. But sometimes, that device is no longer an option.

Suunto M-3 Compass

In the world of hiking and orienteering, Suunto is navigation royalty. Founded in 1936 by a Finnish surveyor, the company is mostly known today for its high-end multifunction wrist watches with GPS, altimeter, and compass functions, and their scuba gear. But they never left behind their legacy as a creator of high-quality, reliable magnetic compasses.

I was first introduced to Suunto in 1991 during a land navigation course taught by a Special Forces 18B, or weapons sergeant. During the course, he pointed out that even though he relies on his military-issued compass and GPS, he always kept a Suunto compass in his shirt pocket because when everything went bad or he was separated from his kit, he had a readily accessible orientation on-hand that weighed next to nothing and took up no significant space. I took this advice to heart and started carrying a Suunto in the field. He was not wrong. It got me out of a couple of tight spots over the years.

The Suunto M-3 is a lightweight baseplate compass with a high-grade steel needle encased in liquid with a jewel bearing. The M-3 is functional from minus 22 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It has imperial scales of 1:24,000 miles and 1:50,000 miles and metric scales of 1:20,000 km, 1:25,000 km, and 1:50,000 km.

The Suunto M-3 has an adjustable declination correction feature, which allows the user to adjust the declination between true north and magnetic north. This allows the user to navigate without making that adjustment as they go, which can keep you on track more easily.

The Suunto M-3’s clear plastic base plate allows you to place the compass directly on a map to help orient yourself. It has an ergonomically rounded back end, which helps to hold it comfortably in your hand and minimizes accidentally holding it backwards.

One big complaint about the Suunto M-3 is the tool required to adjust the declination correction. The tool itself isn’t an issue, but the Suunto M-3 has no convenient place to hold it. Some users attach it to the lanyard which comes with the compass, which keeps the tool easily accessible.

Some folks don’t care for the lanyard. It is a bright red cord, which makes a great “dummy cord” to tie your compass to a pocket or onto your kit, but it isn’t quite long enough to comfortably wear the compass around your neck — the preferred carry method for a lot of people when orienteering or navigating.

Overall, this is a great compass that is reliable and accurate, and available at a reasonable price.

• Weight: 1.62 ounces
• Material: Plastic
• Type: Baseplate

Available in Northern Hemisphere and Global models

Adjustable declination correction

Lightweight and flat design makes it easy to pack/carry

Ergonomically rounded back end for easy hold

Requires tool to adjust the declination

Lanyard is too short

Luminous markings fade relatively quickly

TruArc3 Baseplate Compass

The TruArc3 baseplate compass is something of a powerhouse in the features you get for a budget-priced compass. First and foremost, for under $20, you get a global compass that can be used equally well in the southern hemisphere as the northern hemisphere. Most other compass models will charge extra for that. The other great feature this model brings is a tool-free declination adjustment, which is a huge benefit since the tools used to adjust the declination in most compasses are small and easy to lose.

This is an excellent beginner’s compass or a backup compass. Its shortcomings include a lack of luminous materials on the bezel and the needle, making it a challenge to use in low-light settings. The baseplate measurements are in inches and centimeters rather than being scaled for map grids, meaning you would have to do good math before stepping off the X. It’s a minor inconvenience, but an inconvenience just the same.

Overall, this is a very solid instrument. It doesn’t quite have all the features we would like to see, but you get a serious compass for the price.

• Weight: 1.3 ounces

Tool-free declination adjustment

Global needle suitable for use in both the northern and southern hemispheres

Economically priced

Both standard and metric measurements

Baseplate is too small for use as a straightedge on a map

No luminescent materials on the bezel

No magnifying lens on the baseplate

Suunto MC-2

The Suunto MC-2 is one of the most versatile and useful compasses on the market. By now, you’ve probably noticed Suunto features heavily in this guide and there is a good reason — they consistently put out a solid product. The MC-2 is no exception.

The MC-2 has several useful features including a clinometer to measure slope and degree of the terrain, an adjustable declination measure, and exceptional luminous markings for easy visibility in low-light conditions. The MC-2 is functional from minus 22 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The sighting hole and notch in the mirrored lid allow the user to get extremely precise directional measurements.

In addition to providing excellent directional measurements, the lid helps protect the compass while you are moving. The mirror can, in a pinch, be used to signal for help. If you are serious about hiking, cross country skiing, mountaineering, trekking, or hunting, this is the compass you want to carry.

The Suunto MC-2 has measurements in inches and centimeters and is available in a Global version suitable for use in the Southern Hemisphere.

• Weight: 2.61 ounces
• Type: Mirror

Adjustable declination setting

Available in Northern Hemisphere and global

Includes clinometer

Luminous markings

Suunto logo on face can interfere with bearing reading

Cammenga Lensatic Compass

If you ever served a day in the Army or the Marine Corps, you are likely intimately familiar with the Cammenga Lensatic Compass. This is the green metal folding compass you used to learn land navigation and map reading — also known as the M-1950 3H lensatic compass. There is a pretty high chance you had one attached to your field kit. Since 1992, Cammenga has held the DoD contract for lensatic compasses.

Those familiar with the military lensatic compass know it was not only what you used to get you safely from your rucksack to the spot you dug your cathole and back to your rucksack, but also a potential improvised weapon. This slightly bulky hunk of metallic navigation could probably kill or stun a Florida panther if swung with the correct combination of angle and velocity. Seriously, though, the Cammenga lensatic compass was probably the single most durable item of kit issued by the military. Damn close to indestructible.

Despite all the cool guy wazoo stuff other compasses offer, the thing about the lensatic compass is they are durable in just about any weather or condition and they are dead on balls accurate (it’s an industry term).

Several companies make military-style lensatic compasses, but when you put your hard-earned money down on something that could potentially save your life, you go for the real deal. Cammenga is the real deal.

• Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Material: Aluminum
• Type: Lensatic

Reliable from minus 50 degrees to 150 degrees Fahrenheit

Nostalgia — this is the compass most of us learned on and served with

Compass lid locks azimuth in place when not in use

Tritium microlights provide visibility at night

Bulkier than most compasses

Risk of bad memories from basic training/OCS/ROTC

Coghlan’s Deluxe Map Compass

The Coghlan’s Deluxe Map Compass is a very good basic and everyday compass. The compact design was made for beginners. There is an integrated magnifier in the baseplate and scales in millimeters and 1:25,000 making it ideal for orienteering and general map reading. The compass comes with an instruction book.

This is not the compass you want to take on a trekking expedition across the Alaskan wilderness, but it is the perfect compass to teach your kids a useful lifelong skill like map reading and navigation. It’s also a great compass for an easy, casual hike not too far into the deep, dark wilderness, either as a primary or backup compass.

The Coghlan’s Deluxe Map Compass is a very inexpensive, basic compass perfectly designed for kids and novices. It’s a great learning tool for someone looking to enjoy the world of map reading and navigation.

• Weight: 0.96 ounces

Why you should trust us

I was first introduced to compasses and navigation as a young Army private in the mid-1980s. I have done navigation training in a variety of settings — as a candidate for the Army’s Expert Field Medical Badge, during various military leadership schools and military exercises, and as a student in the now-defunct U.S. Army Jungle Warfare Course in the Panamanian jungles. I’m an avid hiker and camper, and even one of those weirdos who has done orienteering as a sport. 

In short, I have been using compasses for a very long time. Moreover, as a gear reviewer for Task & Purpose, I earn my keep by poring through pages and pages of professional reviews, customer reviews, speaking to experts, and field-testing gear on my own. Prior to joining the Task & Purpose team, I have relied heavily on reviews for purchases of kit from inexpensive knives to expensive camera equipment. I understand how important it is to be able to rely on getting accurate and up-to-date information from a review, so I make it my mission to bring you the best of the best.  

Through Task & Purpose, I work with a team of assorted subject matter experts (think “Guardians of the Galaxy,” but with tactical gear) whom I can rely on to steer me in the right direction when I need some additional information or background. 

Types of compasses

Baseplate compass.

The baseplate compass is the most common type of compass today. It allows for easy reading of the map because the baseplate is usually made of clear plastic with orienting arrows and lines throughout to make it easier to align the compass with your map and plot points. The baseplate usually includes an integrated magnifier to help read small print and terrain features on a map. 

Lensatic compass

The lensatic compass is a type of sighting compass. The lensatic compass has a small magnifying lens on the near side — in fact, the term lensatic comes from the presence of this lens. The lensatic compass is commonly used similarly to a baseplate compass –— level hold and eyeball the degrees — but they are designed to be used for more precision sighting. The cover of a lensatic compass has a long, vertical notch that lines up with the bezel and the magnifying lens to allow the user to get a very specific and precise directional alignment. 

Mirror compass

A mirror compass has a lid that goes over the face of the compass. The underside of the lid has a mirror with a long, vertical notch. This allows the user to view their landmark through the notch while using the mirror to accurately view the magnetic needle and bezel. The result can be a more accurate azimuth towards your destination. 

Global compass

A global compass is a compass that can be used in both the northern and southern hemispheres. This is particularly useful to those who travel extensively, like the ski bums I met in Bariloche, Argentina, who fled the northern hemisphere in the summer to ski in the Andes Mountains when the seasons reverse. 

Thumb compass

Thumb compasses are small compasses designed to be attached to the thumb for more rapid bearings while on the move. They are not commonly used as a primary navigation device, but as a readily accessible backup. They help competitors stay on course without stopping to acquire their azimuth with the more traditional compass. They are similar to the small compass attachments you can attach to your watch strap or embed in the top of your wooden walking stick. 

Key features of compasses 

Magnetized needle.

The magnetized needle — the needle that constantly points to magnetic north — is the core of the compass. Typically, the end of the needle that points north is colored red and the needle is encased in damping fluid to help steady the movement of the needle. Damping fluid is also resistant to freezing in extreme temperatures. 

Rotating bezel 

The rotating bezel, which is also known as the azimuth ring, is a bezel ring around the outer edge of the capsule in which the magnetized needle is encased. The bezel is marked with degrees from zero to 360. During orienteering, this needle can (and should) be turned to the designated azimuth so the north tip of the magnetized needle lines up with the zero-degree point on the bezel. This creates a visual reference for the navigator to stay on course. The bezel and needle tip are usually equipped with luminous markings to make the lined-up markings visible in low light and darkness. 

The baseplate is a flat surface on which the compass needle and fluid compartment are housed. The baseplate is commonly clear plastic and often contains features such as rulers, orienting arrows and lines, an integrated magnifier to help see small map features, and luminescent indicators.  

Reliability

The biggest benefit of a compass is the reliance on magnetic poles instead of battery power. Unless you break it somehow, a compass always works. Even a compass that has been sitting in the bottom of a gear bag for months will work on demand. There are, of course, considerations to be taken, e.g., your Northern Hemisphere compass isn’t going to do you much good if you get lost hiking in Argentina. Overall, though, they are ready to go when you are. 

As a society, we have become very used to instant gratification via electronics. Music on demand. Information on demand. Even navigation on demand. Modern navigation apps available on smartphones will usually immediately tell you where you are and the best way to get where you’re going. When you and a friend are having trouble meeting up, you can just send your friend a pin drop of your location so they can navigate to you. With a compass, you get to engage your brain again and focus on a task. There is a satisfaction that comes from doing something for yourself, especially in this world of instant gratification. Have you ever eaten something you hunted, caught, or grew yourself? Using a compass can give you the same sense of fulfillment. 

Portability

Most compasses weigh only a couple of ounces. Most are small and flat, so they take up minimal space in your bag or pocket. They add almost no weight to your gear but can be a literal lifesaver in a bad situation. 

Pricing considerations for compasses

You can pick up a good compass for under $20. There are several very good models that come with the basic needs to navigate and find your way from point to point. These are great for beginners and kids. They are excellent choices if you need to buy several because you want to teach a class in navigation or start an orienteering club. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good, quality compass. 

There are many great compasses ranging in price from $20 to $50. They come with numerous features and are made with high-quality materials. In fact, most of the compasses the average person wants to look at fall into this range. They are high-quality and reliable and make great additions to your kit. Many of them are solidly built and can take a beating out in the wilderness on a long hike or cross-country ski trip. 

Once you go over the $50 price tag, you are getting into the best of the best. These are the compasses that are the most durable and the most accurate. It is rare to see a compass tilt the scales past $150, so overall, these are affordable toys (ask your photographer friends or shooting enthusiasts). With premium compasses, you will also see a higher caliber of materials. Your luminous materials will hold their glow longer and your magnetic needles will move more smoothly and with more accuracy. 

How we chose our top picks

Selecting products for this review was a combination of reading what the experts had to say on the subject, comparing their conclusions, and looking at everything through the prism of my own experience with compasses and navigation. 

In addition to expert reviews, I like to deep dive into the experiences of consumers. In other words, I feel I can make a more accurate assessment when I have access to 100 consumer reviews in addition to my own experiences. To round the process off, I like to reach out to others who have had first-hand experience with a product type or with a particular brand.

Luckily, this is a topic I have enough hands-on experience with that I have a pretty good idea of what makes sense and what doesn’t. As always, I wish I had six months to field-test dozens of products and make my own first-hand assessments, but that just isn’t reality. 

FAQs on compasses

You’ve got questions, Task & Purpose has answers.

Q. Who invented the compass?

A. Historians believe the magnetic navigational compass was invented by the Chinese, possibly as early as the 11th or 12th century. Pre-navigational compasses were invented during the Han Dynasty sometime between the 2nd century BCE and the 1st century CE. 

Q. I’m a new Army lieutenant; what compass should I carry?

A. Two good squad leaders: a jaded corporal, and a platoon sergeant. 

Q. What are the best accessories for a compass?

A. The very best accessory you can have for your compass is a map. Without a map, your compass isn’t useless, per se, but you’re extremely limited in your ability to navigate beyond a panic azimuth. Other good accessories are a case of some sort to keep it from getting damaged or beat up. and maybe a length of paracord for a tie-down. 

Q. What compass does the U.S. military use?

A. The military typically uses lensatic compasses, which are more durable and rugged than most. Since 1992, the contract for all military compasses has been with Cammenga, whose lensatic compass we named as our pick for Most Durable. 

Q. How do you pick a good compass?

A. The most important thing is to assess your needs. Are you teaching your child orienteering as a family weekend activity, or are you solo trekking across the Pacific Northwest? After that, factor in your budget and your skill level — both your current level and the level you wish to achieve. Make sure your compass has a few basics, such as good luminous markings, a solidly fluid encased magnetic needle, and readable markings. 

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Paul O’Leary is an Army veteran and tactical nerd. He’s served multiple tours in Atropia and other theaters and once ate a Norwegian reindeer MRE. He fancies himself a connoisseur of good bourbon, wine, and cigars. He also writes for Duffel Blog.

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The 5 Best Compasses for Hiking of 2024

One of the essentials of hiking, a compass is a necessary tool to plan a route, find points of interest, and self-rescue in an emergency

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The best compass is one that you know how to use and have with you. It can help you take a bearing of a distant object, follow a route through wilderness, and orient yourself on a map. Even if you prefer digital navigation aids, like a handheld GPS , you should always have a compass on hand to ensure you never lose your bearings if the GPS runs out of battery power. Whether you are a novice to the world of orienteering or looking to level up, here are some things to consider before making your purchase of the best compass for hiking.

• Best Overall: Silva Ranger 2.0
• Best Budget: Survive Outdoors Longer (S.O.L.) Sighting Compass with Mirror
• Most Durable: Cammenga 3H Cammenga G.I. Military Lensatic Compass
• Best for Kids and Beginners: Silva Starter 1-2-3
• Best for Travel: Suunto MC-2G Global Compass

How We Picked the Best Compasses for Hiking

As an avid hiker and wilderness adventurer, I recognize that the compass is one of the most important essentials in my backpack. Even though it’s packed most of the time, I know it could easily save my life someday if I become lost, disoriented, or forced to maneuver off trail.

My compass expertise sharpened over the years I taught orienteering courses for Appalachian Mountain Club’s Mountain Classroom program. I gained experience by teaching compass skills and setting up compass orienteering challenge courses in the woods. I have spent many seasons getting to know my way around a compass.

In choosing the best compass for hiking, I looked at a few main criteria:

• Quality: There are plenty of affordable plastic compasses out there, but in a real bind, you want to have the assurance that your instrument will get you to where you need to go. If it’s a matter of life or death, the best compass is the one that will be reliable and trustworthy.
• Features: While a beginner needs few features so they can learn the basics, an experienced orienteer should choose a compass with features that make their instrument a multi-use tool. Mirrors, rulers, magnifying glass, and lanyards can have other uses in the field for first aid, survival, and hygiene.
• Durability: If you’re throwing your compass into your hiking backpack for the day, it’s important that it’s durable enough to survive the trek. I looked for compasses that were waterproof, protected, and proven industry leaders.

Best Compasses for Hiking: Reviews and Recommendations

Silva Ranger 2.0 Silva

• Type: Mirrored baseplate
• Weight: 3.88 oz
• Dimensions: 5 x 11 x 2 in
• Materials: Plastic
• Sighting mirror
• Lanyard with distance measurements
• Declination adjustment with included tool
• Complicated features not good for beginner

The Silva Ranger 2.0 is a quality mirrored baseplate compass that is the perfect fit for hiking, bushwhacking, hunting, or forestry. If you are comfortable with mirrored baseplate compass use, it is the best compass for hiking.

This compass includes a mirror for sighting. By tilting the mirror at 45° angle, the user can keep an eye on the needle by looking at the bezel in the mirror while sighting the direction. This is especially helpful over long distances.

In addition, the Ranger comes with a magnifying glass, luminous markings, and a separate “slope card”. Experienced hikers can use the slope card to measure grade on a map or assess avalanche risk.

The lanyard of the Ranger 2.0 is unique in that it has four scales of measurement to help the hiker measure distances on a map. Since it is soft, it’s more useful than a straightedge when tracing a path on a map.

The adjustable declination of this compass allows the hiker to adjust the compass to their location. This saves time as well as reducing the possibility of user error when adjusting for declination with each bearing.

While the bells and whistles of this compass are sweet, they can also be overwhelming. If you are new to orienteering and looking for something the same quality but less overwhelming, try the Silva Explorer . It’s a quality baseplate compass that will help a hiker with basic orienteering.

Survive Outdoors Longer (S.O.L.) Sighting Compass with Mirror S.O.L. Survive Outdoors Longer

• Weight: 3.53 oz
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.94 x 0.79 in
• Low light visibility
• Less Durable

If you’re looking for an affordable compass that still comes with the bells and whistles of its higher price competitors, the Survive Outdoors Longer (S.O.L) Sighting Compass with Mirror is the best budget compass.

This is a mirrored baseplate compass that is great for hiking or bushwhacking. Some of the notable features include a mirror, rulers in both millimeter and inches, and magnifying glass. Luminous markings on the orienting arrow, needle, and direction of travel marking glow in the dark after briefly being exposed to a light (like your flashlight).

The SOL compass also has a clinometer on the baseplate that allows you to measure a slope angle.

One of the most useful features of this compass is the ability to adjust declination. A small tool comes with the compass that allows you to fine-tune the bezel to compensate for declination and calculate your bearing with the proper offset for your region every time.

Although this compass has held up well, its materials appear far less durable than its Silva and Suunto counterparts. My only real complaint is that I find the bezel ring a little tough to spin. Nevertheless, this compass is great value. The fold down mirror protects the compass when not in use so you don’t have to worry about it being destroyed in your pack.

Cammenga 3H Cammenga G.I. Military Lensatic Compass Cammenga

• Type: Lensatic
• Weight: 7.04 oz
• Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 6 in
• Materials: Aluminum
• Low light capability
• No declination adjustment capability

Similar to the compass used by the US military, the Cammenga Lensatic Compass is great for shooting a line to a distant object using a sight wire. This is helpful for tracking a route back to your car after a day in the woods or crossing wilderness using azimuth.

This model has some serious benefits that make it a favorite of military and civilians alike. The tough aluminum casing means it is durable and easy to toss into your pack. The housing is air filled which means the needle is more sensitive to movement but will not develop bubbles in the housing.

Perhaps most importantly, this compass comes with tritium lighting — a radioactive phosphorescence that glows in the dark (don’t worry, it’s not harmful with the amount used). This makes the Cammenga the best compass for night use as well.

While this compass is great for finding and following a sight bearing, it’s challenging to use with a map. There are no magnetic declination adjustments which makes it difficult to account for actual north. The main measurement of this compass is in Mils (short for mili-radians) whereas most hikers prefer degrees. Also, it doesn’t have grid lines like the baseplate compasses so it is challenging to line up with the grid. Still, it’s hard to argue that there is a more durable field compass on the market. If the price tag has you sweating, consider the more affordable 9077 Lensatic Military-Style Compass from Brunton .

Silva Starter 1-2-3 Silva

• Type: Baseplate
• Weight: 1.4 oz
• Dimensions: 2 x 3 x 0.4 in
• Easy to use
• Lightweight

If you are looking for a simple and sleek starter compass, the Silva Starter 1-2-3 is your best bet. The compass is small and light with an easy-to-read housing. It’s also waterproof which makes it a durable choice to bring into the field.

This starter compass is high quality with few bells and whistles. This helps beginners focus on the basics and not get overwhelmed by features on mirrored baseplate counterparts. There are mm and inch ruler markings on the side of the baseplate and clear degree parks on the bezel.

The bezel ring is fairly large and turns really smoothly. This is perfect for children and others learning the basics, easily putting “red in the shed” and orienting the compass.

Being so simple, this compass does not come with declination adjustment capacity so users pairing this with a map would need to adjust each bearing for declination. Overall, it is exactly what it’s supposed to be: a great starter compass.

Suunto MC-2G Global Compass SUUNTO

• Weight: 2.65 oz
• Dimensions: 2.56 x 3.98 x 0.71 in
• Materials: Plastic and stainless steel
• Global needle

Compasses are usually created to work in their specific hemisphere (north or south). However, Suunto’s “global needle” works in both, so whether you’re trekking through a U.S. national park, climbing a peak in New Zealand, or crossing glaciers in Patagonia, this compass will do the job. This makes the Suunto MC-2G Global Compass the best compass for travel. 

This instrument also comes with all the extras. The signing mirror, ruler, clinometer, and magnifying lens are all useful tools that a seasoned compass-user will find valuable. Another feature that makes navigating on a hike much easier is the ability to adjust declination to the area. The lanyard has a small adjustment key attached so you can adjust your declination to every new location traveled. This compass also comes with luminous points and bezel for low light navigation.

While the MC-2G is about as loaded with features as you can get, it is a tool for an experienced user and could easily overwhelm a newbie. If you are looking for a simpler model that can still take on both hemispheres (and half the cost), consider the Silva Ranger Global Compass . It can be used in all three magnetic zones and has the same simple features you see on the Silva Starter.

What to Consider When Choosing a Compass for Hiking

Types of compasses.

Before you look at brands or features on a compass, it’s important to know the types available . There are three main types of hiking compasses: baseplate, mirrored baseplate, and lensatic. All can be used to orienteer through wilderness. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Baseplate Compass: A baseplate compass is great for hiking since it pairs well with a map. As the name implies, a liquid filled housing contains the needle and sits on a clear baseplate. The liquid allows the needle to move slowly and smoothly. The clear baseplate permits you to see through to the map to set waypoints and align the compass to north. The plate usually has a straightedge on the side for drawing lines between waypoints and a ruler to determine distances.
• Mirrored Baseplate Compass: The addition of the mirror on a traditional baseplate compass adds versatility, allowing the user to see the compass dial and the background at the same time. The mirror opens with the hinge at the direction-of-travel arrow, and there is usually a v-notch on the base of the mirror that the user can use as a sight for finding objects in the field. By keeping the mirror at a 45° angle, you can align the compass to a target by looking through the notch then by looking at the mirror align the orienting arrow to the north arrow. This adds accuracy but can also add challenge. Therefore, a typical baseplate compass is better for beginners.
• Lensatic Compass: Also known as the military compass, the lensatic compass is a great companion to those who know how to use it. They are usually air-filled, which results in a faster moving needle and more durable compass. This compass type is mainly used to get a site bearing and are more challenging to use with a map. However, the military lensatic compass is durable, has night capacity, and greater precision than its baseplate companions.

Features to Look For

Most compasses come with the same basic features including a needle that points to magnetic north, direction of travel arrow, and moveable bezel ring. However, the best compasses for hiking add a few more features that make them a multi-use tool. Here are some additional items that will make the compass even better.

• Mirror: As mentioned above, some baseplate compasses come with a mirror. While it can help with accuracy, the mirror can also double as a signaling device as well as serving as a hygiene mirror for first aid in the wilderness.
• Magnifying Lenses: Some baseplate and lensatic compasses come with a small magnifying lens. This is helpful when reading fine print on a map and can be used as a tool for fire starting.
• Glow in the Dark Indicators: Luminescent markings are usually made from strontium-alumina based pigments and can help you make your way in the dark.
• Declination Adjustment: Gridlines on maps are aligned to geographic north while the compass is oriented to magnetic north. If you don’t account for this difference, you’ll be off course. Some baseplate compasses come with a declination screw that can be adjusted to match that of your region. This allows the user to change the declination to match the area. It’s very useful for backcountry navigation with a map.
• Clinometer: A small moving arrow in the liquid-filled housing allows the user to measure slope and steepness.
• Global Needle: If you plan to take your compass into the southern hemisphere, be sure to get one with a global needle that is designed for both hemispheres.

Q: Is a liquid filled compass better?

A liquid filled compass isn’t necessarily better, but it does have its benefits. Most baseplate compasses are liquid filled, which means the needle is rotating through a liquid. This slows the needle, making it less sensitive to movement in your hand. But aggressive movements, such as bumping around in your bag or drops, can develop bubbles in the liquid or create leaks which will impede the accuracy of the compass. Some liquid filled compasses are also sensitive to temperature extremes.

Q: What should I look for in a hiking compass?

If you are new to hiking compasses, you should look for a user-friendly design that’s easy to use. Make sure your basic hiking compass has: ●  A clear baseplate for seeing a map underneath ●  Easily moveable bezel ring ●  Clearly marked direction of travel arrow ●  Needle that orients to magnetic north ●  Orienting arrow and lines

Q: How much does a good compass cost?

Compass price varies wildly depending on quality and features. A good compass can cost anywhere from $15 to $100. A solid, reliable hiking compass like the Silva Explorer or Suunto A-30 fall into the $20 to $30 range. If taken care of, these can last for a lifetime of adventures.

Q: Do compasses lose accuracy?

It is possible for the needle in your compass to demagnetize over time if you store it near a strong magnet. However, the most likely need for a new compass is wear and tear from being crammed into a backpack, falling onto rocks, or tolerating extreme swings in temperature. If taken care of, a good compass could easily last a lifetime.

Best Compasses for Hiking: Final Thoughts

Whether you are headed into the woods on a hunt, staying on a hiking route, picking out a peak on a map, or following a course – the best compass is one you know how to use and keep on your person. Make sure one is tucked into your bag on every adventure.

Why Trust Us

For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.

Lindsey Lapointe is an avid outdoor adventurer. Her favorite activities include hiking, backpacking, camping, kayaking, and canoeing. She also spends time rock-climbing, skiing, and fishing. She’s worked as a freelance adventure writer for multiple sites and publications. She enjoys testing outdoor gear and passing her expertise to Field & Stream readers.

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Compass Travel Company specializes in creating customized, one-of-a-kind trips around the world. Whether you are looking for a river or ocean cruise, a romantic honeymoon at an all-inclusive resort, a multi-generational vacation to a theme park, an outdoor adventure at a national park or a train trip visiting multiple international countries, we can help get you there. Our expert travel advisors listen to your ideas and use their experience to handcraft the perfect vacation to meet or beat your expectations.

Your dedicated Travel Advisor is with you every step of the way. We start by learning your likes, dislikes, travel preferences and budget to create a unique itinerary designed around you. Once you review your itinerary, you can give your feedback and we will make any adjustments necessary. From the first stages of planning all the way through to your return home, your Travel Advisor is there to ensure you have the best vacation possible.

Our Travel Advisors not only love to plan vacations, they have a passion for travel as well. They have traveled around the globe to personally experience some of the world’s most popular destinations. This experience translates into unique perspectives and the expertise to help plan every detail of your trip.

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Health New England Medicare Advantage PPO Plans

Compass ppo & compass premier ppo plans.

Flexibility matters. Whether only spending part of the year in western Massachusetts, or simply looking for a plan that lets you see any provider who accepts Medicare, it’s important to pick a plan that not only travels with you – it’s important to pick a plan that covers all of your health care needs, no matter where you are.

Similar to Medicare Supplement plans, our Medicare Advantage Compass PPO plans let you visit any provider in the country who accepts Medicare. But unlike our Medicare Supplement plans, our PPO plans feature monthly premiums as low as $0, comprehensive medical coverage, built-in prescription drug coverage and over $600 in additional benefits.

You have two PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan options to choose from.  See all plan details here .    

PPO Plan Highlights

• Comprehensive medical and prescription drug coverage
• No medical deductibles
• No referrals
• See any provider who accepts Medicare
• Special travel benefit (more info below)
• Worldwide emergency coverage

Special PPO Travel Benefit

Our PPO plans offer a Travel Benefit should you need care outside of the Health New England provider network. You can use your Travel Benefit anywhere in the United States, outside of Massachusetts. When you get medical services outside of Massachusetts, you pay the same copayment/coinsurance as you would if you received those services from in-network providers. (Out-of-network costs apply when services are obtained from out-of-network providers within the state of Massachusetts.)

Extra Value Benefits

Although premiums and copayments/coinsurance may vary among our HMO and PPO plans, you still get over $600 in extra value benefits with both types of plans, including: 

• Over-the-counter items quarterly allowance
• Preventive hearing exams
• Hearing aid benefit from TruHearing ®
• Preventive vision exam and eyewear allowance from EyeMed ®
• Dental services reimbursement
• Fitness center/weight management programs/acupuncture/activity tracker reimbursement
• Nutritional education sessions with a nutritionist
• Teladoc® medical care telehealth services

Read about these comprehensive additional benefits here .

HMO vs. PPO—Similarities & Differences

The chart below explains the similarities and differences between our Medicare Advantage PPO plans and our HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans:

For more information about our PPO plans and to enroll, click here >

Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are under no obligation to treat Health New England Medicare Advantage members, except in emergency situations. Please call our Member Services number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the cost sharing that applies to out-of-network services.

Although a primary care provider is not required for PPO plans, having one is highly recommended for continuity of care.

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Last updated: 10/1/23

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Travel Insurance

Cheapest travel insurance of April 2024

Mandy Sleight

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“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 9:52 a.m. UTC April 11, 2024

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WorldTrips is the best cheap travel insurance company of 2024 based on our in-depth analysis of the cheapest travel insurance plans. Its Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans offer affordable travel insurance with high limits for emergency medical and evacuation benefits bundled with good coverage for trip delays, travel inconvenience and missed connections.

Cheapest travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of travel insurance experts analyzes hundreds of insurance products and thousands of data points to help you find the best travel insurance for your next trip. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content . You can read more about our methodology below.

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Best cheap travel insurance

Top-scoring plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, medical evacuation limit per person, why it’s the best.

WorldTrips tops our rating of the cheapest travel insurance with two plans:

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheaper travel insurance plan of the two, with $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage and an optional upgrade to primary coverage. It’s also our pick for the best travel insurance for cruises .
• Atlas Journey Premier costs a little more but gives you $150,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage . This is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority.

Pros and cons

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheapest of our 5-star travel insurance plans.
• Atlas Journey Premier offers $150,000 in primary medical coverage.
• Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Each plan offers travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
• 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Cheap travel insurance for cruises

Travel insured.

Top-scoring plan

Travel Insured offers cheap travel insurance for cruises and its Worldwide Trip Protector plan gets 4 stars in our rating of the best cruise travel insurance .

• Worldwide Trip Protector offers $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and a rare $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits, which means you won’t have to file medical claims with your health insurance first.
• Cheap trip insurance for cruises.
• Offers a rare $150,000 for non-medical evacuation.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person only available for cruises and tours.

Best cheap travel insurance for families

Travelex has the best cheap travel insurance for families because kids age 17 are covered by your policy for free when they’re traveling with you.

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• $2,000 travel delay coverage per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Only $50,000 per person emergency medical coverage.
• Baggage delay coverage is only $200 and requires a 12-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for seniors

Evacuation limit per person

Nationwide has the best cheap travel insurance for seniors — its Prime plan gets 4 stars in our best senior travel insurance rating. However, Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan ranks higher in our best cheap travel insurance rating.

• Cruise Choice has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion. It also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay, for cruises or tours. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.
• Coverage for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade available.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person is only for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for add-on options

AIG offers the best cheap travel insurance for add-on options because the Travel Guard Preferred plan allows you to customize your policy with a host of optional upgrades.

• Travel Guard Preferred upgrades include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings. There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million.
• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your affordable travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Best cheap travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe has the best cheap travel insurance for missed connections because coverage is not limited to cruises and tours, as it is with many policies.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of the best cheap travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage available.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

Cheapest travel insurance comparison

How much does the cheapest travel insurance cost.

The cheapest travel insurance in our rating is $334. This is for a WorldTrips Atlas Journey Preferred travel insurance plan, based on the average of seven quotes for travelers of various ages to international destinations with a range of trip values.  

Factors that determine travel insurance cost

There are several factors that determine the cost of travel insurance, including:

• Age and number of travelers being insured.
• Trip length.
• Total trip cost.
• The travel insurance plan you choose.
• The travel insurance company.
• Any add-ons, features or upgraded benefits you include in the travel insurance plan.

Expert tip: “In general, travelers can expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 10% of their total prepaid, non-refundable trip costs,” said Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip.

Is buying the cheapest travel insurance a good idea?

Choosing cheaper travel insurance without paying attention to what a plan covers and excludes could leave you underinsured for your trip. Comparing travel insurance plans side-by-side can help ensure you get enough coverage to protect yourself financially in an emergency for the best price. 

For example, compare these two Travelex travel insurance plans:

• Travel Basic is cheaper but it only provides up to $15,000 for emergency medical expense coverage. You’ll also have to pay extra for coverage for children.
• Travel Select will cost you a bit more but it covers up to $50,000 in medical expenses and includes coverage for kids aged 17 and younger traveling with you. It also offers upgrades such additional medical coverage, “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage and an adventure sports rider that may be a good fit for your trip.

Reasons to consider paying more for travel insurance 

Make sure you understand what you’re giving up if you buy the cheapest travel insurance. Here are a few reasons you may consider paying a little extra for better coverage. 

• Emergency medical. The best travel medical insurance offers primary coverage for emergency medical benefits. Travel insurance with primary coverage can cost more than secondary coverage but will save you from having to file a claim with your health insurance company before filing a travel insurance claim.
• Emergency evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote location or planning a boat excursion on your trip, look at travel insurance with a high medical evacuation insurance limit. If you are injured while traveling, transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility could cost in the tens to hundreds of thousands. It may make sense to pay more for travel insurance with robust emergency evacuation coverage. 
• Flexibility. To maximize your trip flexibility, you might consider upgrading your travel insurance to “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage . This will increase the cost of your travel insurance but allow you to cancel your trip for any reason — not just those listed in your policy. The catch is that you’ll need to cancel at least 48 hours before your trip and will only be reimbursed 50% or 75% of your trip expenses, depending on the plan. 
• Upgrades. Many travel insurance plans have optional extras like car rental collision and adventure sports (which may otherwise be excluded from coverage). These will cost you extra but may give you the coverage you need. 

How to find the cheapest travel insurance

The best way to find the cheapest travel insurance is to determine what you’re looking for in a travel insurance policy and compare plans that meet your needs.

 “Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every trip is different, and every traveler has different needs, wants and concerns. This is why comparison is key,” said Morrow.

Consider the following factors when comparing cheap travel insurance plans.

• How often you’re traveling. A single-trip policy may be the most cost-effective if you’re only going on a single trip this year. But a multi-trip travel insurance plan may be cheaper if you’re going on multiple international trips throughout the year. Annual travel insurance policies cover you for a whole year as long as each trip doesn’t exceed a certain number of days, usually 30 to 90 days. 
• Credit card has travel insurance benefits. The best credit cards offer perks and benefits, and many offer travel insurance-specific benefits. The coverage types and benefit limits can vary, and you must put the entire trip cost on the credit card to use the coverage. If your trip costs more than the coverage limit on your card, you can supplement the rest with a cheaper travel insurance plan.
• The coverage you need. When looking for the best travel insurance option at the most affordable price, only buy extras and upgrades you really need. A basic plan may only provide up to $500 in baggage insurance, but if you only plan to take $300 worth of clothes and accessories, you don’t need to pay more for higher coverage limits.

Is cheap travel insurance worth it?

Cheap travel insurance can be worth it, as long as you understand the plan limitations and exclusions. Taking the time to read your policy, especially the fine print, well before your trip can ensure there won’t be any surprises about what’s covered once your journey begins.

“If a traveler is looking for coverage for travel delays, cancellations, interruptions, medical and baggage — a comprehensive travel insurance policy will provide the most bang for their buck,” said Morrow. But if you’re on a tight budget and are only worried about emergency medical care and evacuation coverage while traveling abroad, stand-alone options are cheaper.

Before buying travel insurance, you should also consider what your health insurance will cover. 

“Most domestic health insurance plans, including Medicare, will not cover medical bills abroad,” said Morrow. Even if you’re staying stateside, you may find value in an affordable travel insurance plan with medical coverage if you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). 

A cheap travel insurance plan is better than none at all if you end up in a situation that would have covered some or all of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance . From those top-scoring travel insurance plans, we chose the most affordable for our rating of the cheapest travel insurance.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• Cost: 40 points. We scored the average cost of each travel insurance policy for a variety of trips and traveler profiles.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

Cheapest travel insurance FAQs

When buying travel insurance, cheapest is not always the best. The most affordable travel insurance plans typically offer fewer coverages with lower policy limits and few or no optional upgrades. Add up your total nonrefundable trip costs and compare travel insurance plans and available features that cover your travel expenses. This strategy can help you find the cheapest travel insurance policy that best protects you from financial loss if an unforeseen circumstance arises.

Get the coverage you need: Best travel insurance of 2024

According to our analysis, WorldTrips , Travel Insured International and Travelex offer the best cheap travel insurance. Policy coverage types and limits can vary by each travel insurance provider, so the best way to get the cheapest travel insurance plan is to compare several policies and companies to find the right fit for your budget.

A good rate for travel insurance depends on your budget and coverage needs. The most comprehensive travel insurance plan is usually not the cheapest. But cheap trip insurance may not have enough coverage or the types of coverage you want. Comparing different levels of coverage and how much they cost can help you find the best cheap insurance for travel. 

The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% to 6% of your total travel expenses for one trip, according to our analysis of rates. However, you may find cheaper travel insurance if you opt for a plan with fewer benefits or lower coverage limits. How much you pay for travel insurance will also depend on the number of travelers covered, their ages, the length of the trip and any upgrades you add to your plan.

Travel insurance covers nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs — up to the policy coverage limits — when your trip is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason outlined in your plan documents. Even the cheapest travel insurance policies usually provide coverage for:

• Medical emergencies.
• Trip delays.
• Trip interruption.
• Trip cancellation.
• Lost, stolen or damaged luggage.

However, if you’re looking to save on travel insurance, you can shop for a policy that only has travel medical insurance and does not include benefits for trip cancellation .

Even when you buy cheap travel insurance, you can often use upgrade options to customize your policy to meet your specific needs. 

Some common travel insurance add-ons you may want to consider include:

• Rental car damage coverage. 
• Medical bundle.
• Security bundle.
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Adventure sports bundle.
• Pet bundle.
• Wedding bundle.
• “Cancel for work reasons” coverage.
• “Interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage.
• “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage .

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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Delta Air Lines posts a narrow Q1 profit and says travel demand remains strong despite flight scares

FILE - A Delta Air Lines plane lands at Logan International Airport, Jan. 26, 2023, in Boston. Delta reports earnings on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)

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Delta Air Lines eked out a narrow first-quarter profit and said Wednesday that demand for travel is strong heading into the summer vacation season, with travelers seemingly unfazed by recent incidents in the industry that ranged from a panel blowing off a jetliner in flight to a tire falling off another plane during takeoff.

Delta reported the highest revenue for any first quarter in its history and a $37 million profit. It expects record-breaking revenue in the current quarter as well. The airline said that second-quarter earnings will likely beat Wall Street expectations.

CEO Ed Bastian said Delta’s best 11 days ever for ticket sales occurred during the early weeks of 2024.

If travelers are worried about a spate of problem flights and increased scrutiny of plane maker Boeing , “I haven’t seen it,” Bastian said in an interview. “I only look at my numbers. Demand is the healthiest I’ve ever seen.”

A slight majority of Delta’s fleet of more than 950 planes are Boeing models, but in recent years it has bought primarily from Airbus , including a January order for 20 big Airbus A350s. As a result, Delta will avoid the dilemma facing rivals United Airlines and American Airlines, which can’t get all the Boeing planes they ordered. United is even asking pilots to take unpaid time off in May because of a plane shortage.

“Airbus has been consistent throughout these last five years (at) meeting their delivery targets,” Bastian said.

Delta does not operate any Boeing 737 Max jets, the plane that was grounded worldwide after two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, and which suffered the panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight this year. However, the Atlanta-based airline has ordered a new, larger version of the Max that still hasn’t been approved by regulators. Bastian said Delta will be happy to use the Max 10 when they arrive.

While Delta has largely dodged headaches caused by Boeing, it faces other obstacles in handling this summer’s crowds.

Delta is lobbying the federal government to again allow it to operate fewer flights into the New York City area. Otherwise, Delta could lose valuable takeoff and landing slots.

The Federal Aviation Administration granted a similar request last summer and even extended it until late October . The FAA said the relief helped airlines reduce canceled flights at the region’s busy three main airports by 40%.

Peter Carter, an executive vice president who oversees government affairs, said Delta and other airlines need another waiver permitting fewer flights this summer because the FAA still doesn’t have enough air traffic controllers.

“Absent the waiver, I think we would have, as an industry, some real challenges in New York,” Carter said.

Airlines for America, a trade group of the major U.S. carriers, is also pushing for a waiver from rules on minimum flights in New York. The FAA said it would review the request.

Delta customers will see another change — a new system for boarding planes . Instead of boarding by groups with names such as Diamond Medallions, Delta Premium Select and Sky Priority, passengers will board in groups numbered one through eight. The airline says it will be less confusing.

“When you have a number and you’re standing in line, we are all trained to know when it’s our turn,” Bastian said.

The change won’t alter the pecking order of when each type of customer gets to board. Those with the cheapest tickets, Basic Economy, will still board last.

Delta’s first-quarter profit follows a $363 million loss a year ago, when the results were weighed down by spending on a new labor contract with pilots.

“We expect Delta to be one of the few airlines to report a profit in the March quarter,” TD Cowen analyst Helane Becker said even before Delta’s results were released.

Delta said that excluding special items, it earned 45 cents per share. Analysts were expecting 36 cents per share, according to a FactSet survey.

The airline forecast second-quarter earnings of $2.20 to $2.50 per share. The Wall Street consensus was $2.22 per share. The company stood by its forecast of full-year earnings between $6 and $7 per share.

First-quarter revenue rose 8%, to $13.75 billion. Putting Delta’s Pennsylvania refinery aside, operating revenue was slightly more than analysts predicted. The airline said second-quarter revenue will be 5% to 7% higher than a year ago.

The airline reported that large corporate customers — who were slower than leisure travelers to resume flying after the coronavirus pandemic — are spending more on travel, including firms in technology and financial services.

Delta has boosted profit by focusing more on premium passengers who pay the highest fares, and raking in money from a credit-card partnership with American Express.

Costs could rise too, however. Jet fuel is higher than it was a year ago, following a run-up in oil prices, and Delta is spending more on aircraft maintenance this year.

Shares of Delta Air Lines Inc. fell 2.3% by the end of regular trading Wednesday.