Comparison

IVS Beam vs Grid for iPad

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

IVS Beam

Easily record and live stream video content on the go. This app integrates with a server solution for secure, scalable video management, allowing you to use mobile devices and IP cameras as video endpoints.

Highlights
  • HD video capture up to 1080p
  • Automatic or on-demand video uploading
  • Simple, easy-to-use interface
  • Live streaming capabilities
  • Integration with VALT server
Features
Read full description

BEAM (Mobile Capture) makes recording and managing video content easier than ever. Our application gives users an easy way to capture and live stream events on the go as they happen. The Beam application fully integrates with our flagship VALT server software providing the users with a secure, scalable mobile video management solution. Our VALT server allows users to leverage iPad’s and iPhone’s as mobile video endpoints and Axis IP Network cameras as fixed video endpoints. Some of the key features of our mobile recording platform include: HD Video Capture up to 1080p Automatic or on demand uploading of videos to VALT Server Simple easy to use interface BEAM (Mobile Capture) is available for iPhone, and iPad, smartphones and tablets.

About

Grid for iPad

This app provides a comprehensive Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solution for individuals with diverse communication needs. It offers flexible tools, evidence-based resources, and customizable features that adapt as users' needs evolve.

Highlights
  • Evidence-based AAC resources
  • Online community grid sets
  • In-app and remote editing
  • AI-powered design tools
  • Multiple symbol libraries
  • Multilingual support
  • Pre-built communication resources
Features
Read full description

Grid for iPad is a complete Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solution designed for people of all ages and communication needs. It offers a range of resources, flexible communication tools, and options that can be adapted over time. Try it FREE for 30 days - voices included! Key features: ► A range of included content for people who need symbol or text based AAC, including Super Core, Voco Chat, and Text Talker ► Suitable for use with touch access or switches. ► Evidence-based symbol AAC vocabularies, created by experienced speech and language therapists and education professionals, with a focus on vocabulary for communicating within everyday routines and activities. ► Includes SymbolStix, PCS and Widgit symbols – choose the symbol library that is most suitable, to match the symbols already being used in the environment, or to support transition from other AAC systems. ► Voices and grid sets for over 20 languages to support communication in a range of languages. Ideal for multilingual families or classrooms. Why families and professionals choose Grid for iPad for children and adults with communication difficulties: ► In-app editing – Fast, intuitive editing makes it easy to add new words, personalise vocabulary, and adapt layouts to the needs of the individual. ► Remote Editing – SLTs, teachers and families can edit any time, without needing the device in their hands. ► Powerful voice technology – Choose from a range of voices, including the latest AI powered multilingual voices from ElevenLabs, or for those who are able to, record your own voice messages. ► AI Powered Tools - Make use of optional tools to correct typing errors, or support the user to change the tone or wording of their message. ► Talk to your Smart Speaker – Use Grid for iPad to speak instructions to smart home devices, request music, hear the latest news and weather, play games and ask questions. ► Online Grids – Do even more with Grid for iPad by searching and downloading FREE ready-made grid sets created by clinicians, educators, and the Grid community. What’s included: ► Super Core - Evidence-based core vocabulary focused on communication within everyday routines and activities. Designed for supporting AAC learners from single words to building full sentences. Available in 30‑cell and 50‑cell sizes, with simpler 12 and 20 cell learning grids for those just starting out. ►Voco Chat – Designed to enable users to communicate for a wide range of reasons, with supported message pathways and carefully chosen vocabulary, for fast and efficient symbol communication. ► Alpha Core - Offers a range of text-based layouts to support the communication of people with changing physical abilities, with quick access to predictive text and common phrases, alongside a keyboard of your choice. ► Text Talker - Enabling people to say what they want to say in the moment, or prepare and save messages in advance for faster conversations. ►Aphasia Duo - Designed specifically for people with aphasia and their communication partners to support participation in everyday life, including a range of word-finding and conversational supports, and whiteboard for writing and drawing. ► PODD (in-app purchase) - Created by Australian Speech Pathologist Gayle Porter, PODD organises language according to the reason for communication, designed to support spontaneous communication in any situation. ► And MUCH more - Grid for iPad also includes a range of interactive learning activities (just try Dilbert the Dog!), animated communication from Symoji, and educational resources. Simple, flexible pricing: Grid for iPad is available through a monthly subscription with a 30-day FREE trial or as a one-off purchase. You can cancel your subscription at any time. Contact our tech support experts any time at support@thinksmartbox.com For more details on our evidence-based vocabularies, visit the Smartbox Hub.

Screenshots

IVS Beam4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: IVS Beam at 5.0 against Grid for iPad's 3.6. IVS Beam also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and device support (3 vs 1). Grid for iPad's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 months) and ratings volume (18 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Grid for iPad sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $10.99 per month. IVS Beam asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

IVS Beam holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Grid for iPad has 18 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

IVS Beam ships an update every 5 months, Grid for iPad fortnightly. Both last shipped on November 2, 2026.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
IVS Beam versus Grid for iPad: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterIVS BeamGrid for iPad
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better3.6 (18 ratings)
Positive reviews—50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings118 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size53 MB1.4 GB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperIntelligent Video Solutions LLCSmartbox Assistive Technology

Customer experience

IVS Beam

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Grid for iPad

All ratings18 ratings
Positive61.1%
Neutral5.6%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews12 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

None

IVS Beam

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Grid for iPad

Subscriptions1
  • Grid for iPad Subscription1 Month trial$10.991 Month
One-time2
  • PODD for Grid (English)$99.00
  • Grid for iPad one-off purchase$299.99

Questions

Is IVS Beam free?
IVS Beam is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Grid for iPad free?
Grid for iPad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, IVS Beam or Grid for iPad?
IVS Beam is rated higher. IVS Beam averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Grid for iPad averages 3.6 from 18 ratings.
Do IVS Beam or Grid for iPad have ads?
Neither IVS Beam nor Grid for iPad shows ads.
Which is updated more often, IVS Beam or Grid for iPad?
IVS Beam ships an update every 5 months, and Grid for iPad fortnightly. Most recently, IVS Beam was updated on November 2, 2026 and Grid for iPad on November 2, 2026.

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