Decodable Readers L2 Sample vs simPODD
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Decodable Readers L2 Sample
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The Decodable Readers Australia books support a systematic approach of learning to read. This approach ensures kids are given the “right-fit” book. Decodable, or phonic readers, only contain words made up of the sounds a child has learnt. Within each level in the Decodable Readers Australia Series, a new group of sounds is introduced. As children move through each level the sounds progress from simple to complex. The Decodable Readers Australia – Level 2 books introduce the sounds m, d, g, o, c, k, ck, e u and r. All the words in each of the 20 books in Level 2 are made up of these sounds and those introduced in Level 1, along with minimal sight words. After having mastered the Level 1 sounds and the basic reading skills of blending and tracking, children should have gained the confidence to read Australian stories with new words and more text on each page. Each story in Level 2 can be enjoyed by listening to the professional audio or read aloud with the support of tapping and hearing the word if required. The audio function can be controlled independently within each page. Both parents and teachers can continue to support children with vocab and comprehension development through using the post-reading activities provided within each story. An addition to the Level 2 readers are the wide range of pre-reading activities that can be used to help set the purpose for reading. Key Features: • listen to each story being read to them using the audio function • use each book to practice reading independently • tap each word to hear the sounds and the word if support is needed • tap to turn each page for individual reading pace • all Australian themes and characters • beautifully illustrated with detail for engagement and enjoyment
simPODD
This app simplifies augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for individuals who cannot speak. It integrates digital PODD page sets with a printing interface, offering streamlined editing and access to various vocabulary options. Designed in collaboration with the PODD system's creator, it aims to make communication more accessible and efficient.
- Digital PODD page sets
- Integrated printing interface
- Streamlined editing
- SymbolStix integration
- Multiple text-to-speech voices
- Regionally specific vocabulary
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simPODD is an app for the popular PODD system that makes communication more simple for those who can’t speak. Built in collaboration with Gayle Porter, it’s the only PODD app for iPad to bring digital page sets and a printing interface into one app. From the makers of Proloquo2Go, this augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app is sure to become a favorite among PODD users, because it's the only PODD app built specifically for their needs. “simPODD’s integration of PODD communication books and electronic page sets in a single product supports people to "say what I want to say, to whoever, whenever and however I choose to say it.” - Gayle Porter, creator of the PODD system Highlights • Access to all PODD digital page sets: 15 Preschool, 15+ Preschool, 15 School, 15+ School, 60 Complex Syntax, 60 Expanded Key Word • Fully integrated printing interface in the app to print direct access individual and group PODD books (with yearly subscription) • Streamlined and simplified editing process • Uses SymbolStix • Regionally specific vocabulary and American, British and Australian voices • 38 natural-sounding text-to-speech voices including genuine children’s voices • Free 1-month trial How it works simPODD makes using PODD much simpler. First, it brings the digital page sets and printing experience into one app. No need to manage different payments and subscriptions, or learn how to use multiple programs. It’s all rolled into one. It’s easy to use, no matter who you are: parent, teacher, speech therapist or PODD user. Customizing and editing digital page sets is also very straightforward with simPODD. Quickly edit the vocabulary, create new buttons and link folders without following a lot of complicated steps. Since we worked closely with PODD users while building the app, we took all of the hassle and frustration out of these processes. The easiest PODD book printing experience The printing function for PODD books is right inside the app. Just select a book and customize. Print the book all at once, instead of page by page. It only takes a few minutes! You can create as many books as you need, and print them for all of the people in a PODD communicator’s life. What is PODD? PODD (Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display) is a popular AAC system created and owned by Gayle Porter. PODD organizes vocabulary around communication function and predicted likely usage to make it more efficient to get something across. PODD's range of books and page sets support language development from first words to complex syntax. The books and page sets for early communicators also include strategies like pragmatic branch starters. This supports more intelligible and varied communication. Comprehensive support We’re there for you every step of the way. Help articles on the website are there to guide you through set up. New to AAC? Our website has background resources in the Learn AAC section. You can also connect directly with our community on our Facebook groups. Questions? Our support team is available 7 days a week. Choose the subscription that’s right for you: Yearly Digital + Print or Monthly Digital. Yearly Digital + Print • Print direct access PODD books right from the app • Full access to all of the digital page sets • Regular updates • Save money - 2 months free compared to the monthly subscription Monthly Digital • Full access to all of the digital page sets • Regular updates • Cancel month to month, so you only pay for what you use • An inexpensive way to try PODD Try the app out with our 1-month free trial! How payment works • Payments will be charged to your Apple ID (after your free trial ends) • Subscriptions renew automatically. Payment is charged 24 hours before the current subscription period ends • Don’t want to renew? Cancel more than 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period • Want to cancel or change your subscription? Manage it in your account settings on the App Store
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Decodable Readers L2 Sample at none against simPODD's 4. Decodable Readers L2 Sample also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (10.2 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence 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
Both are free to download. simPODD sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $13.99 per month. Decodable Readers L2 Sample asks for nothing beyond the download.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 3, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Decodable Readers L2 Sample | simPODD |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 4.5 (21 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 77.8% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 21 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 10.2 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 101 MB | 539 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Decodable Readers Australia | AssistiveWare |
In-app purchases
Decodable Readers L2 Sample
No in-app purchases
simPODD
- Monthly Digital1 Month trial$13.991 Month
- Yearly Digital + Print$139.991 Year
- Yearly Digital + Print*1 Month trial$139.991 Year
- One Year Digital$139.99






