Comparison

simPODD vs Spkeasy

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Digital PODD page sets
  • Integrated printing interface
  • Streamlined editing
  • SymbolStix integration
  • Multiple text-to-speech voices
  • Regionally specific vocabulary
Features
Read full description

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

About

Spkeasy

This app provides a fun and engaging way for children with communication challenges to develop language skills. It features interactive 3D environments, customizable communication tools, and progress tracking for caregivers and educators.

Highlights
  • Smart AAC communication with color-coded Spklets
  • Interactive 3D environments for vocabulary learning
  • Customizable grid layout and vocabulary access
  • 3D avatar creator for self-expression
  • Mini-activities for vocabulary and language skill building
  • Progress tracking and analytics for caregivers
  • Cloud sync for cross-device progress saving
Read full description

Spkeasy helps children practice communication where life happens. Spkeasy combines a customizable AAC communication system with interactive activities and familiar environments. Children can practice meaningful words and phrases during meals, play, self-care, school, and other everyday routines and use those communication skills in real life. With Spkeasy, communication is not limited to a traditional AAC grid. Children can explore familiar places, interact with everyday objects, and learn how words connect to real situations. Get full access to Spkeasy free through December 31, 2026. No subscription or credit card is required during the free-access period. Key Features: Spkpad: Smart AAC Communication - Our customizable communication system uses color-coded “Spklets” to help children form phrases and express themselves. Word prediction speeds up communication and encourages language development. Command Center - Caregiver Control Made Simple - Parents, caregivers, teachers, and speech-language pathologists can fully customize the Spkeasy experience — from grid layout to vocabulary access — making it easy to adapt the app for home, school, or therapy. Interactive 3D Environments - Children explore a fully interactive 3D environment where touching objects teaches real vocabulary. Open a fridge, flush a toilet, turn on lights — every action reinforces language through natural exploration. 3D Avatar Creator - Let kids express themselves by designing a custom avatar with diverse skin tones, clothes, hairstyles, and accessories. Tons of Mini-Activities - Enjoy quick activities that build vocabulary, early math, and language skills, with gorgeous 3D visuals that make learning fun. Smart Registration - Set preferences during setup to create a personalized experience tailored to each child’s communication level and needs. Core Vocabulary + SymbolStix - Spkeasy builds core vocabulary in context, touch an object, and related AAC spklets appear automatically using SymbolStix icons. Advanced Navigation - Use our Map feature to teleport between rooms and environments, making the app accessible for users with various mobility levels. Word of the Day - Introduce a new vocabulary word daily to encourage growth, especially for non-verbal and emerging speakers. Keyboard Mode - Advanced users can type full sentences directly with our integrated keyboard, so perfect for kids who are ready to expand beyond Spklets. Visual Customization - Adjust Spklet size, spacing, font, background color, and more to match each learner’s sensory needs and preferences. Analytics - Parents, caregivers, teachers and SLPs have the ability to track their children's progress through detailed usage statistics. This allows them to truly understand exactly what their kids may be struggling with. Built with Experts - Spkeasy was developed with input from speech-language pathologists, educators, and special needs professionals to ensure the best possible support for children with autism and other communication disorders. Unlock your child’s voice, one word at a time. Download Spkeasy today and turn communication into a joyful adventure. End-user license agreement (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Spkeasy4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: simPODD at 4.6 against Spkeasy's 4.2. Spkeasy's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and review sentiment (90% vs 78%). On price, ratings volume, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. simPODD sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $13.99 per month and Spkeasy sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

simPODD holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 23 and 17 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 78% of simPODD's written reviews are positive against 90% of Spkeasy's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

simPODD ships an update every 2 months, Spkeasy every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
simPODD versus Spkeasy: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParametersimPODDSpkeasy
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (23 ratings) — better4.2 (17 ratings)
Positive reviews77.8% of reviews90.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings23 — better17
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size539 MB1.8 GB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAssistiveWareAAC Plus, Inc.

Customer experience

simPODD

All ratings21 ratings
Positive90.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative9.5%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive77.8%
Neutral11.1%
Negative11.1%

Spkeasy

All ratings16 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral6.3%
Negative18.8%
Written reviews10 reviews
Positive90.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative10.0%

In-app purchases

4 purchases

simPODD

Subscriptions3
  • Monthly Digital1 Month trial$13.991 Month
  • Yearly Digital + Print$139.991 Year
  • Yearly Digital + Print*1 Month trial$139.991 Year
One-time1
  • One Year Digital$139.99
3 purchases

Spkeasy

Subscriptions2
  • Explorer's Path Monthly1 Month trial$8.991 Month
  • Explorer's Path Annual1 Year trial$85.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Access$299.99

Questions

Is simPODD free?
simPODD is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Spkeasy free?
Spkeasy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, simPODD or Spkeasy?
simPODD is rated higher. simPODD averages 4.6 out of 5 from 23 ratings, while Spkeasy averages 4.2 from 17 ratings.
Do simPODD or Spkeasy have ads?
Neither simPODD nor Spkeasy shows ads.
Which is updated more often, simPODD or Spkeasy?
simPODD ships an update every 2 months, and Spkeasy every 3 weeks. Most recently, simPODD was updated on October 24, 2026 and Spkeasy on October 24, 2026.

Other comparisons