# Grid for iPad vs FirstPaint

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: FirstPaint at none against Grid for iPad's 3. FirstPaint also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (11.4 vs 15.0). Grid for iPad's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 11 months). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

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

Grid for iPad ships an update fortnightly, FirstPaint every 11 months. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Grid for iPad | FirstPaint |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.6 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grid-for-ipad-aac/id1064332378/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **18** | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 11 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 1.4 GB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **11.4** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Smartbox Assistive Technology](https://appshunter.io/developer/1064332377) | [Sensory App House Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1361994084) |

## What reviewers say

### Grid for iPad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grid-for-ipad-aac/id1064332378)

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:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Grid for iPad Subscription | $10.99 | per month |
| PODD for Grid (English) | $99.00 | one-time |
| Grid for iPad one-off purchase | $299.99 | one-time |


### FirstPaint

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/firstpaint/id1535214752)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Game Controller support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Grid for iPad free?

Grid for iPad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is FirstPaint free?

FirstPaint is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Grid for iPad or FirstPaint have ads?

Neither Grid for iPad nor FirstPaint shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Grid for iPad or FirstPaint?

Grid for iPad ships an update fortnightly, and FirstPaint every 11 months. Most recently, Grid for iPad was updated on November 2, 2026 and FirstPaint on November 3, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*