Smata vs Visuals2Go Next
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
Smata
This app helps educators observe and record student learning data through photos, videos, and notes. It visualizes this 'small data' to build a comprehensive picture of student progress, informing teacher planning and supporting a learner-centered pedagogy.
- Capture photos, video, and audio of learning moments
- Link observations to specific students and learning areas
- Visualize learning data with graphs
- Track student strengths, gaps, and areas for growth
- Inform teacher planning with visual data
- Review past observations for deeper understanding
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Designed for teachers, Smata supports the cycle of observing, noticing and responding to learning that is central when embracing a learner centred pedagogy. By capturing and visualising small data, Smata builds a fuller picture of student learning. How does Smata work? Teachers take photos, video or audio of learning moments, and make teacher notes, which they then link to students and learning areas. Teachers decide whether what they have captured is evidence of emerging or rich learning in that area or areas. This captured small data is graphed to show learning strengths, gaps and areas for increased richness. This informs teacher planning. Teachers are able to review past observations to deepen their understanding of student and class learning. The Benefits of Using Smata: Place observation at the centre of your practice. Capture small data in the moment of observing and noticing, which can be reviewed later to inform responsive teacher actions. Make the curriculum, not assessment, the focus of learning. Because Smata enables the capture of small data related to specific learning areas, a picture of curriculum linked learning is built for the class and each student. Easily keep track of learning. Teachers decide the learning areas they want to keep track of. Smata graphs the captured small data to provide a visual representation of the learning teachers are noticing and its degree of richness. Plan for responsive teacher actions. View either whole class or individual student graphs. Instantly see where learning is rich, where it is emerging, or where no learning has been noticed. Review previously captured moments, including teacher notes. Spotlight questions generated by Smata highlight interesting points of reflection unique to the class. Supports a growth focused, learner centred pedagogy. A barrier to the adoption of a learner centred pedagogy is the difficulty teachers experience keeping track of who is doing what. Smata solves that problem. The emerging to rich scale orientates planning on the growth focused question, βWhat can I do to add richness to student learning?β Simple, intuitive and fast. Smata is designed for ease of use. Observation information is captured in the moment of learning, in a matter of seconds, minimising the need to enter learning data after the fact. The graph makes learning instantly visible and the planning focus clear.
Visuals2Go Next
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Visuals2Go Next β Empowering Every Voice AAC and visual support app designed specifically for iPhone and iPad users, supporting individuals with autism, speech delays, and developmental disabilities. Visuals2Go Next is a flexible communication and learning tool created for parents, teachers, and therapists to foster functional communication, literacy, and independence. Developed by a special educator in collaboration with speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, behaviour therapists, school counsellors, and families, itβs trusted globally for real-life support on iOS devices. FREE TO DOWNLOAD: Core AAC and visual support features are included at no cost. Create picture cards, build sentences, and use essential communication tools with a free account. KEY FEATURES (included with free download) β’ Expanded core vocabulary and AAC-aligned folders β’ Tap-to-talk sentence strips and customizable visual cards β’ Swipe-to-scroll lanyard mode for portable, quick communication β’ Printable visuals, schedules, and basic templates β’ Built-in video card builder for personalized visual supports β’ Request custom cards and albums directly from the team PREMIUM FEATURES (separate auto-renewable subscription required): Some features require an optional paid subscription purchased through the App Store. Plan name, length, and price are shown in the app before you buy: β’ Unlimited cards and longer sentence strips (Cards Only or Premium) β’ Full online library and premium albums (Premium subscription required) β’ All premium print templates and unlimited printing (Premium subscription required) β’ Cloud backup and restore (Premium subscription required) β’ Premium fonts, editing tools, and ad-free experience (Premium subscription required) Subscription options include Cards Only (Yearly), Premium (Monthly), and Premium (Yearly). A 14-day free trial may be available for eligible Premium plans. Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel anytime in Settings β Apple ID β Subscriptions. Questions or feedback? Contact us at support@visuals2go.com Privacy Policy: https://www.visuals2go.com/privacy-policy/ Terms of Use: https://www.visuals2go.com/terms/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Smata at none against Visuals2Go Next's 3. Smata also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.4). Visuals2Go Next's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 days vs monthly). On price and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Visuals2Go Next sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.00 per year. Smata asks for nothing beyond the download.
Smata ships an update monthly, Visuals2Go Next every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Smata | Visuals2Go Next |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | β |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 2 days β better |
| Ads | Yes | No β better |
| In-app purchases | No β better | Yes |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | β |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod β better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 β better | 16.4 |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 68 MB | 75 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Point Zero Limited | Bo Innovations |
In-app purchases
Smata
No in-app purchases
Visuals2Go Next
- Visuals2Go$3.001 Year
- Visuals2Go14 Days trial$7.991 Month
- Visuals2Go14 Days trial$49.991 Year









