# simPODD vs Keyguard Designer

The clearest difference is rating: simPODD at 4.5 against Keyguard Designer's 2.7. simPODD also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months) and ratings volume (21 vs 3). Keyguard Designer's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. simPODD sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $13.99 per month and Keyguard Designer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

simPODD holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: simPODD has 21 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

simPODD ships an update every 2 months, Keyguard Designer every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on September 3, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | simPODD | Keyguard Designer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpodd/id1464489596/reviews)** | [2.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/keyguard-designer/id1520283399/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **21** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 77.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 539 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [AssistiveWare](https://appshunter.io/developer/308368167) | [ProxTalker.com LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/591487518) |

## 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 |


### Keyguard Designer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/keyguard-designer/id1520283399)

Design custom keyguards for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps on iPad. Quickly create and preview personalized layouts with various attachment options. Supports popular AAC applications and allows saving or emailing professional design drawings.

**Highlights:** Custom keyguard design, App-specific settings, Button layout customization, Drag and drop attachment features, Preview final layout, Save or email design drawings, Supports popular AAC apps

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| One-Time Purchase | $149.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is simPODD free?

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

### Is Keyguard Designer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, simPODD or Keyguard Designer?

simPODD is rated higher. simPODD averages 4.5 out of 5 from 21 ratings, while Keyguard Designer averages 2.7 from 3 ratings.

### Do simPODD or Keyguard Designer have ads?

Neither simPODD nor Keyguard Designer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, simPODD or Keyguard Designer?

simPODD ships an update every 2 months, and Keyguard Designer every 5 months. Most recently, simPODD was updated on September 3, 2026 and Keyguard Designer on September 14, 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.*