Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP. Over 36 years experience in AAC. OMazing Kids AAC and app consulting. Creator of several AAC Feature Matching resources (https://omazingkidsllc.com/omazing-kids-aac-resource-links/). Includes info about unique features to support Gestalt Language Processors
Looking for in-depth AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. That post also includes videos comparing AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
In addition to creating communication boards, flip books and true object based icons for non-tech AAC, I look at using whatever tech an individual has and finding a good affordable option to put on that so they have something to use immediately.
These can be helpful to use until an AAC eval can be completed, until a more robust option can be purchased, to meet a short term need or as a secondary tool to offer features that might not be available in their main AAC device, etc.
Or this may be what they use long term. Unfortunately not everyone has access to getting an AAC eval or options for funding more robust AAC so there are individuals who may rely on these affordable devices and apps as their only option.
It is also a reality that not everyone can afford an iPad so that’s why this blog post covers the three main app stores.
This is intended to give you a *general* idea of the overall cost of purchasing AAC for use on Amazon Fire vs. Android vs. iPadin 2025.
Total cost of a good model of tablet + good case with a rotating stand + a robust symbol-based AAC app:
• Amazon Fire: $310.00
• Android: $480.00
• iPad: $520.00
Prices would be $100 less if purchasing the app during a 50% off sale (typically in April and October). Additional savings if purchasing a tablet or iPad during a sale. These prices don’t include any extras like in-app purchases for premium symbols, premium voices, extra pagesets / vocab files, Apple Care, a screen protector or a extremely protective case, etc…
This is a cost comparison based on prices of devices and cases that I purchased and is just a general comparison. Avaz and WeaveChat are used in this comparison since they are the most robust symbol-based AAC apps available across all three platforms (Avaz on Amazon Fire would require side loading the Google Play Store). I am not including CoughDrop in the comparison this time. Unfortunately that app has become increasingly glitchy since it was acquired by Forbes AAC. Prices will vary based on the AAC app and whether or not you wait to purchase during sales.
Amazon Fire Tablet:
Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet, 10.1″, 64GB, with lock screen ads (2023 release, 13th generation): https://a.co/d/5yNpQ04, sale price today: $104.99 (regular price $179.99). I got a better deal during Amazon Prime Days in July 2024 when it was on sale for $84.99. I got a total of $42.00 in incentives (20% off my new tablet = $17 + $25 gift card). A couple of days later I paid $15 to remove the ads. So I only ended up paying $57.99 for this brand new tablet with double the memory, a much better processor and larger screen compared to the Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet, 8″ HD display, 32GB (2020 release) that I traded in.
Total if purchased 3/21/25 with no trade-in: $119.98 (would be less expensive during Amazon Prime Days Sale)
Robust symbol-based AAC app options:
• Avaz (Free app, 2 week free trial, then subscription ($9.99/mo or $99.99/yr look to see what new prices are) or a one time $299.99 purchase), side loaded from Google Play App Store
• Weave Chat AAC: totally FREE
• CoreVoice: $49.99
Total cost of tablet + case + robust symbol-based AAC app:
~ $158.97 – $308.98 (or as low as $113.97 – $163.98 if you get the tablet on sale and get Avaz or CoughDrop when they are 50% off – typically in April & in October).
Android Tablet:
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 10.4″, 64GB: https://a.co/d/07JEMhI, $249.99 (the price has gone down since I purchased mine for $299)
Case with rotating stand (similar to the Pepkoo). I ended up purchasing one on eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/374088538546. Sadly that case is out of stock. I contacted the seller on eBay and they won’t be getting any more). It’s difficult to find cases with this type of rotating stand for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 10.4” Android tablet. I found this one but haven’t seen it in person: https://www.ebay.com/itm/114920453285, $28.99
Total: ~ $278.98
Updated 9/20/22: Looking for an affordable option for pocket-sized AAC? Many users prefer to just add an app to their iPhone or Android phone but some settings don’t allow phones (or it would be a battle to get an exception). The iPod Touch used to be my “go to” option for this. Since the iPod Touch was discontinued I purchased an Android Samsung Galaxy A03s (prepaid TracFone that has NOT been activated for cellular service) on Amazon. Shout out to Karen Erickson for sharing that idea in a comment in the AAC for the SLP group. It was only $59.88 and essentially gives me an Android equivalent to an iPod Touch (which Apple has discontinued) for pocket-sized AAC. I added a $12.99 case that has a tiny ring stand and sliding cover for the camera. So for $72.87 (+ the cost of the app) I have a very affordable pocket-sized AAC device:https://omazingkidsllc.com/2022/09/20/affordable-pocket-sized-android-aac/
Robust symbol-based AAC app options:
• Avaz (Free app, 2 week free trial, then subscription ($9.99/mo or $99.99/yr) or a one time $199.99 purchase)
• CoughDrop (Free app, 2 month free trial, then subscription ($6/mo) or one-time purchase ($200). More info about their other subscription options: https://bit.ly/3h8aEC1)
• CoreVoice: $49.99
Total cost of tablet + case + robust symbol-based AAC app:
~ $328.97 – $478.98 (or $378.98 if you get Avaz or CoughDrop when they are 50% off – typically in April & in October)
If you also need a shoulder carrying strap look at the Pepkoo Triple Shockproof Case: https://a.co/d/0RyWDMz, $26.99
Total: ~ $319.99 – $325.99
Robust symbol-based AAC app options:
• Avaz: Free app, 2 week free trial, then $9.99/mo or $99.99/yr subscription or $199.99 one time purchase
• Clicker Communicator: $199.99
• CoreVoice: $49.99
• CoughDrop: Free app, 2 month free trial, then $6/mo subscription or $200 one time purchase. More info about their other subscription options: https://bit.ly/3h8aEC1
• GoTalk Now / GoTalk Now Plus: $99.99 / $169.99
• Grid for iPad: free version with 30 day free trial, then $10.99/mo subscription or $399.99 one time purchase
• LAMP Words for Life: $299.99
• Niki Talk 2 Pro: $89.99
• Proloquo + Proloquo Coach: free app, 30 day free trial, then $9.99/mo or $99.99/yr subscription
• Proloquo2Go: $249.99
• Speak for Yourself: free version with 30 day free trial, then $299.99 one time purchase
• Talk Suite Pro: $199.99
• TD Snap: free version with 60 day free trial, then $49.99 one time purchase
• TouchChat with WordPower: free version with 30 day free trial, then $299.99 one time purchase
Total cost of iPad + case + robust symbol-based AAC app:
~ $369.98 – $725.98 (varies depending on the app, some of these apps are ~50% off twice a year. As a comparison to the Amazon & Android versions, the total if you got Avaz or CoughDrop for 50% off = ~ $419.99
Apple launched the iPad 10th gen today (10/18/22). Unfortunately they changed the size. It’s 10.9” instead of 10.2”.
Which means the cases that we have been using/recommending for the 7th gen/8th gen/9th gen iPads won’t fit the 10th gen.
It might be awhile before case manufacturers get good cases for the 10th gen on the market. Especially cases with the features that we want for AAC users.
Apple also raised the price by $120.
10th gen, 64GB: $449
9th gen, 64G: $329
Amazon currently has the 9th gen, 64GB iPad on sale for $269: Limited-time deal: 2021 Apple 10.2-inch iPad (Wi-Fi, 64GB) – Silver https://a.co/7YHiqTO
<< sigh >> 😢
I had hoped that Apple would continue to leave that base model iPad at the same size and price since we had been having a good multi-year run of Apple leaving the base model iPad specs alone. So on the verge of a recession they decided that it’s time for a $120 price jump and put stress on case manufacturers with the size change. This is why we have lost so many great case options over the years (GripCase, LifeProof Nüüd, etc..). Apple claims to care about accessibility but then is this clueless 🙄😢
If you know someone who was thinking about getting an iPad for AAC, I’d let them know so they can get a good price on the 9th gen before those are no longer available
Windows: The cost would vary greatly depending on the type of tablet or laptop purchased. The Windows tablet that I purchased would not be durable enough for primary use for AAC.
This post is not implying that price should be the sole factor when choosing AAC but it is acknowledging that in real life many folks have to purchase this on their own and price is a factor.
Tips: If you are using an Android tablet & an Amazon Fire Tablet with the Google Play App Store side loaded, be sure to toggle on Family Sharing before making app purchases & make the purchases from the Google Play App Store on your Amazon Fire Tablet. Those have been recognized by Google Play on my Android tablet. The reverse was hit and miss (likely due to the side loading).
Added a new Landing Page to help folks choose which version of this resource you need (a single long page PDF where you can scroll, zoom and search OR a multipage PDF for those who want to print, view it in Adobe Acrobat or on a Mac computer)
Note: CoughDrop is being removed from all of my feature matching resources. See this blog post: https://bit.ly/AACappReliability-AppDeveloperTrustworthiness. The open source Sequoia 15 board set can be imported and used in AsTeRICS Grid but that will have different interface features than CoughDrop did.
Looking for other in-depth AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. That post also includes videos comparing the best AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
Looking for in-depth AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. That post also includes videos comparing the best AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
* Updated with info about new features in apps, updated pricing info and updated lists of free apps.
Those who have previously purchased it on TPT can download the most current version for no additional cost: https://bit.ly/AAC-At-a-Glance.
Looking for in-depth AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. That post also includes videos comparing the best AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
A voice is a very personal thing. It represents the essence of who we are and how we are heard. All AAC users should have the opportunity to be involved in choosing a voice for their AAC system, adjusting it (rate, pitch and volume), adding intonation or tone, and choosing different voices for different situations.
Watch the preview video:
The 34 page printable PDF includes:
Basic info about why this is important.
Options for custom personalized voices and ways to add intonation and tone of voice.
Use of unique accents.
Visual supports for choosing the age of voice, speed, pitch & volume.
Visual supports for choosing child, teen and adult USA English voices (Acapela, Almagu, Cereproc, Ivona & iOS). Includes all voice choices on one page for each age category and larger cards that can be cut apart and used on choice boards.
Visual support for choosing another type of English voice for those who may prefer a unique voice with a UK, Australian or Canadian accent.
Tips for use + a link to a 6 minute unlisted YouTube video where I do an overview of the resource and give additional ideas for involving AAC users.
Notes: This resource is specifically about voices and options available for USA English in robust iOS AAC apps available in the USA App Store. This printable resource does NOT contain any sound or voice output. It is intended to be used as a visual support alongside an AAC device or AAC app as you explore voice options and voice customization settings with that AAC user. Please keep that individual’s preferences in mind as to whether or not visuals would be helpful.
Looking in-depth AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. That post also includes videos comparing the best AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
Have you ever considered using AAC on an Apple Watch but weren’t sure about the options or how to set it up? I’ve made it simple.
Check out my brand new resource “Feature Matching Basics & Tips: AAC Apps for the Apple Watch”: https://bit.ly/AppleWatchAAC.
This resource contains a 6 page PDF handout & exclusive access to three unlisted YouTube videos with easy to understand information about :
An overview of things to consider when deciding to use AAC apps on an Apple Watch
How to pair the Apple Watch with a wearable Bluetooth speaker (simple demo video)
How to use the Apple Watch app on a paired iPhone to set up apps on the Apple Watch
How to find info about setting up an Apple Watch for a family member who doesn’t have their own iPhone, tech safety considerations & parental controls
Two recommended watch face options well-suited for AAC users (using one app or using multiple apps)
Apple Watch face “Complications” made simple: What these are on an Apple Watch and how to set them up (simple tutorial video)
Basic info about features of 33 apps and features available for the Apple Watch (8 apps and a feature specifically designed for AAC + 25 AAC-related apps and features that can be used to communicate in a variety of creative ways… including some that allow you to play short video and audio clips. Particularly helpful for Gestalt Language Processors)
✅ Designation of particularly helpful apps as “top picks”
🔎 Designation of AAC apps that are robust with many more features when used on an iPhone or iPad
Exclusive access to an unlisted YouTube video where I demo these “top picks” and show what the robust apps look like on an Apple Watch
9 other apps that I explored and reasons that I ruled those out
Exclusive access to those three unlisted YouTube videos (2:30 min, 3:18 min, 48:27 min – with time stamped chapters to quickly jump to info)
The PDF handout is formatted to be printed or viewed on a PDF reader or in the Apple Books app where you can tap on blue underlined text that links directly to additional or related information.
The 48:27 demo video of the “top picks” and robust AAC apps has time-stamped chapters to help you quickly jump to the info about a particular app.
See my list on AppRaven: AAC and AAC related apps for Apple Watch
Looking for other in-depth AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. That post also includes videos comparing the best AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
Updated Resource 8/5/24: AAC Apps and Features At-a-Glance (Single Page Handouts):https://bit.ly/AAC-At-a-Glance. This 90 page PDF resource has been updated to add Weave Chat AAC, to reflect new features in apps and to update info about pricing. See the new Table of Contents: https://bit.ly/-TOC-AACAppsandFeaturesAt-a-Glance. Those who have previously purchased it on TPT can download the most current version for no additional cost: https://bit.ly/AAC-At-a-Glance.
Looking for other in-depth AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. That post also includes videos comparing the best AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
Resource Updated: The Feature Matching Chart for the Top 13+ iOS Symbol Based AAC Apps (6/12/24).
It includes information about new features in several apps + info related to the changes in TD Snap becoming a subscription-based app.
The “Unique Features in Symbol-Based AAC Apps to Support Gestalt Language Processors” supplemental handout linked within it has also been updated.
I also updated the Table of Contents in the TPT resource description for those who want more info about the types of things covered: https://bit.ly/TOC-iOSaacSBfmc-06-12-24.
Those who have previously purchased this resource on TPT can download the newest version for no additional cost: https://bit.ly/SymbolBasedAACapps.
Looking for other in-depth AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. That post also includes videos comparing the best AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
Looking for other in-depth AAC feature matching resources? See this blog post: https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources. That post also includes videos comparing the best AAC apps on various devices on various platforms.
OMazing Kids AAC Consulting 