Widgit Writer vs DocsPlus Universal
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Widgit Writer
This app assists users in writing documents with integrated speech feedback and visual symbol support. It offers over 14,500 symbols to enhance understanding as you type, with additional symbol packs available for purchase.
- Speech feedback for written text
- Visual symbol support for words
- Over 14,500 symbols available
- In-app purchases for symbol packs
- Symbol support via Widgit Online account
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Widgit Writer is an app where you can write simple documents and have the support from speech feedback using the voices available in the iPad. You can also get the support from symbols showing the meaning of the words in your document as you type. You can buy the symbols as an In App Purchase, or get the symbol support via an account on Widgit Online. The Widgit Symbols includes more than 14.500 symbols.
DocsPlus Universal
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FOR STUDENTS AGED 11-ADULT DocsPlus is a specially designed word processor with an adult look and feel, yet provides extensive writing support through high quality speech, powerful word prediction and our acclaimed Wordbars. REVIEW WRITING WITH CLEAR SPEECH As students write, their work is read back to them as each sentence is completed. Research shows this active engagement with text encourages students to find and correct errors for themselves. DEVELOP VOCABULARY AND SPELLING WITH WORD PREDICTION The intelligent predictor suggests words that fit the context of students’ writing. It’s easily customized to the right reading level, helping students to use good vocabulary and create flowing text with accurate spelling. BUILD WRITING CONFIDENCE WITH WORDBARS The unique Wordbars provide tabbed vocabulary support for any subject or topic – just click a word to add it to the document. Make your own Wordbars in a flash to support any topic, or get free, ready-made ones from our LearningGrids site within the app which covers a range of curriculum topics. CHECK WORDS BEFORE THEY ARE USED Learners can listen to words before they write them, helping them to find the word they want and achieve writing success. Any word in the predictor, spell checker or Wordbar can be heard before it is used so students can be sure of their selection. ADD VOICE NOTES Voice Notes are a simple yet highly effective way for students to add their own prompts so they don’t forget their train of thought – add them to the document at any time. ORGANIZE IDEAS WITH WORKSPACE Organizing ideas is a vital first step in the writing process, and one that many learners struggle with. WorkSpace is a user-friendly mind mapping area that makes it easy to capture and organize thoughts using words, Voice Notes, and pictures. It takes seconds to create a WorkSpace, and you’ll find hundreds of free, ready-made ones on all kinds of curriculum topics on LearningGrids, available directly from the app. ACCESS CURICULUM CONTENT The integrated Document Reader reads aloud any PDF or Word document, providing equal access to worksheets, exam papers and more. Worksheets sit alongside the document being written for easy access. SIT EXAMS INDEPENDENTLY Students who qualify for additional access arrangements in exams can use DocsPlus instead of a human scribe or reader – it’s better for self-esteem and saves time and money. Students can even enter answers directly onto the exam paper if it’s provided as an editable PDF. USE IT YOUR WAY Choose between male and female American English voices (British and Australian voices also provided), and customize font and colors to suit the individual. Work with documents from your iPad, iCloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive. MS Word and PDF formats are supported, and DocsPlus works anywhere, whether or not you have an Internet connection. PART OF CRICK SOFTWARE’S FAMILY Based in the UK and US, Crick Software has a worldwide reputation for quality educational software for students of all abilities. To find more apps, search for Crick Software in the App Store.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Widgit Writer at every 2 months against DocsPlus Universal's every 6 months. Widgit Writer also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17). On price, ads and in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Widgit Writer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and DocsPlus Universal sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Widgit Writer ships an update every 2 months, DocsPlus Universal every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and May 17, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Widgit Writer | DocsPlus Universal |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (3 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 62.5% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 6 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 17 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 346 MB | 177 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Widgit Software Ltd | Crick Software Ltd |
In-app purchases
Widgit Writer
- Symbols in English$35.99
DocsPlus Universal
- DocsPlus Universal full$350.00
Questions
Is Widgit Writer free?
Is DocsPlus Universal free?
Do Widgit Writer or DocsPlus Universal have ads?
Which is updated more often, Widgit Writer or DocsPlus Universal?
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