# simPODD vs Symbol Overlay Maker

The clearest difference is rating: simPODD at 4.5 against Symbol Overlay Maker's 2.0. simPODD also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (21 vs 2). Symbol Overlay Maker's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. simPODD sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $13.99 per month. Symbol Overlay Maker asks for nothing beyond the download.

simPODD holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: simPODD has 21 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

simPODD ships an update every 2 months, Symbol Overlay Maker every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | simPODD | Symbol Overlay Maker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpodd/id1464489596/reviews)** | [2.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/symbol-overlay-maker/id1510255596/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **21** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 77.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 539 MB | 142 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [AssistiveWare](https://appshunter.io/developer/308368167) | [AbleNet](https://appshunter.io/developer/390532170) |

## What reviewers say

### simPODD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpodd/id1464489596)

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.

**Highlights:** Digital PODD page sets, Integrated printing interface, Streamlined editing, SymbolStix integration, Multiple text-to-speech voices, Regionally specific vocabulary

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Digital | $13.99 | per month |
| Yearly Digital + Print | $139.99 | per year |
| Yearly Digital + Print* | $139.99 | per year |
| One Year Digital | $139.99 | one-time |


### Symbol Overlay Maker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/symbol-overlay-maker/id1510255596)

Easily create printable symbol overlays for communication devices and switches. Supports core words, classroom activities, and home communication with a large symbol library.

**Highlights:** Create printable symbol overlays, Supports speech devices and switches, Includes SymbolStix symbol set, Supports core words and activities, Printable for home and classroom use

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is simPODD free?

simPODD is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Symbol Overlay Maker free?

Symbol Overlay Maker is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, simPODD or Symbol Overlay Maker?

simPODD is rated higher. simPODD averages 4.5 out of 5 from 21 ratings, while Symbol Overlay Maker averages 2.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do simPODD or Symbol Overlay Maker have ads?

Neither simPODD nor Symbol Overlay Maker shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, simPODD or Symbol Overlay Maker?

simPODD ships an update every 2 months, and Symbol Overlay Maker every 6 months. Most recently, simPODD was updated on October 5, 2026 and Symbol Overlay Maker on September 23, 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.*