Comparison

iMean vs Spell Tap

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

Head to head
About

iMean

This app transforms your device into a text-based communication tool with large keys and word suggestions. It's designed to aid individuals with autism and stroke in expressing themselves and formulating thoughts through text.

Highlights
  • Large, easy-to-read keys
  • Word suggestions for speed and reading practice
  • Dedicated text-based communication
  • Large YES/NO buttons
  • Text-to-speech functionality
  • Multiple keyboard layouts (alphabetical, QWERTY)
  • Editing and copy functions
Features
Read full description

iMean turns iPad and now iPhone into a letterboard with large easy-to-read keys and word suggestions. I developed it to help my autistic son communicate and formulate his thoughts and for us it has been a huge success (he was 15 when we launched this app and he is now in college). Richie Meade-Miller did the programming. My son enjoys the word suggestions not just for speed but because they make him read. Our customers include many typers living with nonspeaking autism, as well as people with stroke. We have found iPad makes it easy to switch into this app from reading or watching a video so we can discuss what we are studying and then switch back again. Unlike icon-based systems this app is dedicated to text and the subtleties of expression and immense developmental potential that using text and formulating abstract thoughts offers many people on the autistic spectrum. The app saves what's been spelled and features large YES and NO buttons in the main view. iMean's word prediction offers up to three possible word suggestions as the user is typing. These can be selected with one tap of the finger. This speeds communication and also fosters visual scanning and reading as the user looks at the words and considers whether they are what she or he is trying to spell. There are four views, a large keyboard in alphabetical order, a full-screen qwerty keyboard, a numeric view for entering numbers and an editing view that makes use of the standard iPad QWERTY keyboard as well as the Apple-built edit, select and copy functions which can be used to transfer the text to other applications such as word processing and mail. iMean has the ability to speak the text that is entered. Comments and feature requests are welcome via info@burgeonandflourish.com.

About

Spell Tap

This communication tool is designed for nonspeaking individuals who use spelled communication. It offers a simple interface with a stencil-like layout for easy selection of letters and numbers, and utilizes text-to-speech for spoken output. The app is fully functional offline and free of ads and in-app purchases.

Highlights
  • Stencil-like layout for easy input
  • Automatic Text to Speech
  • Offline functionality
  • No ads or in-app purchases
  • Simple user interface
  • Separated typing and history boxes
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Spell Tap is what we like to think of as a laminate on the go, designed for and tested by nonspeaking individuals with autism who utilize spelled communication. **Utilizing Apple's built in TTS** Fully functional on iPad and iPhone Community driven Key Features: -No Ads -No internet connection is required to use the app, ensuring accessibility in various settings and situations. -No In-App Purchases, Enjoy all the features of the app without the hassle of additional costs or hidden charges. - Stencil like layout for numbers, letters, and special characters - Automatic Text to Speech with 7 voice options -Separated typing box and conversation history -Simple UI. Introducing Spell Tap – a thoughtful and user-friendly communication tool specifically designed for those who face challenges with fine motor skills. This innovative app offers a seamless and accessible way to communicate by utilizing a unique style interface that allows users to easily select letters, numbers, and common special characters without the need for intricate hand movements. The primary aim of this application is to provide a simple, yet effective alternative means of communication across a wide range of devices, enabling nonspeaking individuals to stay connected with ease. Whether you’re in need of assistance or simply looking for a more efficient method of expressing yourself, this app serves as an inclusive solution. Your feedback and suggestions are important to us – and we encourage you to share your thoughts. Our roadmap for future updates and features can be found here: https://github.com/AndImCurtis/Spell_Tap/blob/main/README.md . For any suggestions or inquiries, feel free to reach out via email at: benderson927@gmail.com. We’re excited to help you communicate more effortlessly and effectively, and we look forward to hearing from you as we continue to improve and evolve the app. Note from developer: I wanted to create a tool for nonspeaking individuals to have access to communication no matter where they were. No more searching for laminates or letterboards… We put the letterboard on the devices that we already carry with us everywhere. While this app is still in its early stages, I am open to all feedback to help shape this into an application suited for everyone who can use it.

Screenshots

iMean3 screens
Spell Tap2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is chart position: Spell Tap at #170 against iMean's unranked. Spell Tap also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 92%). iMean's advantage is price ($4.99 vs $5.99) and iOS requirement (12.4 vs 18.0). On rating, ratings volume, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

iMean costs $4.99 and Spell Tap $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for iMean against 5.0 for Spell Tap. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 2 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 92% of iMean's written reviews are positive against 100% of Spell Tap's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

iMean ships an update every 3 months, Spell Tap every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
iMean versus Spell Tap: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameteriMeanSpell Tap
Price$4.99 — better$5.99
Rating5.0 (3 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews91.7% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings3 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
Best chart rank—#170 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.4 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB72 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBurgeon & Flourish, LLCCurtis Bender

Customer experience

iMean

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews12 reviews
Positive91.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative8.3%

Spell Tap

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

iMean

No in-app purchases

None

Spell Tap

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is iMean free?
iMean costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Spell Tap free?
Spell Tap costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, iMean or Spell Tap?
iMean and Spell Tap are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 3 and 2 ratings respectively.
Do iMean or Spell Tap have ads?
Neither iMean nor Spell Tap shows ads.
Which is updated more often, iMean or Spell Tap?
iMean ships an update every 3 months, and Spell Tap every 2 months. Most recently, iMean was updated on September 26, 2026 and Spell Tap on October 8, 2026.

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