Comparison

SoundingBoard vs Grid for iPad

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

Head to head
About

SoundingBoard

Create custom communication boards quickly using pre-made symbols or your own words. This app provides a powerful tool for individuals needing alternative communication methods. It supports switch access for enhanced usability.

Highlights
  • Customizable communication boards
  • AbleNet symbol integration
  • User-added words
  • Switch access support
  • Compatible with AbleNet Blue2 Switch
Features
Read full description

SoundingBoard transforms your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad into the latest in communication technology. In just minutes, you can create custom boards using AbleNet symbols or your own words. Perfect for children in special education, persons on the autism spectrum, and adults with disabilities. SoundingBoard includes switch access and is compatible with the AbleNet Blue2 Switch.

About

Grid for iPad

This app provides a comprehensive Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solution for individuals with diverse communication needs. It offers flexible tools, evidence-based resources, and customizable features that adapt as users' needs evolve.

Highlights
  • Evidence-based AAC resources
  • Online community grid sets
  • In-app and remote editing
  • AI-powered design tools
  • Multiple symbol libraries
  • Multilingual support
  • Pre-built communication resources
Features
Read full description

Grid for iPad is a complete Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solution designed for people of all ages and communication needs. It offers a range of resources, flexible communication tools, and options that can be adapted over time. Try it FREE for 30 days - voices included! Key features: ► A range of included content for people who need symbol or text based AAC, including Super Core, Voco Chat, and Text Talker ► Suitable for use with touch access or switches. ► Evidence-based symbol AAC vocabularies, created by experienced speech and language therapists and education professionals, with a focus on vocabulary for communicating within everyday routines and activities. ► Includes SymbolStix, PCS and Widgit symbols – choose the symbol library that is most suitable, to match the symbols already being used in the environment, or to support transition from other AAC systems. ► Voices and grid sets for over 20 languages to support communication in a range of languages. Ideal for multilingual families or classrooms. Why families and professionals choose Grid for iPad for children and adults with communication difficulties: ► In-app editing – Fast, intuitive editing makes it easy to add new words, personalise vocabulary, and adapt layouts to the needs of the individual. ► Remote Editing – SLTs, teachers and families can edit any time, without needing the device in their hands. ► Powerful voice technology – Choose from a range of voices, including the latest AI powered multilingual voices from ElevenLabs, or for those who are able to, record your own voice messages. ► AI Powered Tools - Make use of optional tools to correct typing errors, or support the user to change the tone or wording of their message. ► Talk to your Smart Speaker – Use Grid for iPad to speak instructions to smart home devices, request music, hear the latest news and weather, play games and ask questions. ► Online Grids – Do even more with Grid for iPad by searching and downloading FREE ready-made grid sets created by clinicians, educators, and the Grid community. What’s included: ► Super Core - Evidence-based core vocabulary focused on communication within everyday routines and activities. Designed for supporting AAC learners from single words to building full sentences. Available in 30‑cell and 50‑cell sizes, with simpler 12 and 20 cell learning grids for those just starting out. ►Voco Chat – Designed to enable users to communicate for a wide range of reasons, with supported message pathways and carefully chosen vocabulary, for fast and efficient symbol communication. ► Alpha Core - Offers a range of text-based layouts to support the communication of people with changing physical abilities, with quick access to predictive text and common phrases, alongside a keyboard of your choice. ► Text Talker - Enabling people to say what they want to say in the moment, or prepare and save messages in advance for faster conversations. ►Aphasia Duo - Designed specifically for people with aphasia and their communication partners to support participation in everyday life, including a range of word-finding and conversational supports, and whiteboard for writing and drawing. ► PODD (in-app purchase) - Created by Australian Speech Pathologist Gayle Porter, PODD organises language according to the reason for communication, designed to support spontaneous communication in any situation. ► And MUCH more - Grid for iPad also includes a range of interactive learning activities (just try Dilbert the Dog!), animated communication from Symoji, and educational resources. Simple, flexible pricing: Grid for iPad is available through a monthly subscription with a 30-day FREE trial or as a one-off purchase. You can cancel your subscription at any time. Contact our tech support experts any time at support@thinksmartbox.com For more details on our evidence-based vocabularies, visit the Smartbox Hub.

Screenshots

SoundingBoard4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Grid for iPad at fortnightly against SoundingBoard's every 3 months. SoundingBoard's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume 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. SoundingBoard sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Grid for iPad sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $10.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.5 for SoundingBoard against 3.6 for Grid for iPad. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 34 and 18 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 48% of SoundingBoard's written reviews are positive against 50% of Grid for iPad's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SoundingBoard ships an update every 3 months, Grid for iPad fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
SoundingBoard versus Grid for iPad: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSoundingBoardGrid for iPad
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.5 (34 ratings)3.6 (18 ratings) — better
Positive reviews48.2% of reviews50.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings34 — better18
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPad
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size26 MB1.4 GB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAbleNetSmartbox Assistive Technology

Customer experience

SoundingBoard

All ratings32 ratings
Positive59.4%
Neutral6.3%
Negative34.4%
Written reviews56 reviews
Positive48.2%
Neutral16.1%
Negative35.7%

Grid for iPad

All ratings18 ratings
Positive61.1%
Neutral5.6%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews12 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

10 purchases

SoundingBoard

One-time10
  • Mealtime_MaleFree
  • Mealtime_FemaleFree
  • Getting Dressed_MaleFree
Show 7 more
  • Getting Dressed_FemaleFree
  • General Conversation_MaleFree
  • General Conversation_FemaleFree
  • Fast Food Restaurant_MaleFree
  • Fast Food Restaurant_FemaleFree
  • Movies_MaleFree
  • Movies_FemaleFree
4 purchases

Grid for iPad

Subscriptions1
  • Grid for iPad Subscription1 Month trial$10.991 Month
One-time3
  • Metacom Symbol Library$49.99
  • PODD for Grid (English)$99.00
  • Grid for iPad full licence$299.99

Questions

Is SoundingBoard free?
SoundingBoard is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Grid for iPad free?
Grid for iPad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, SoundingBoard or Grid for iPad?
Grid for iPad is rated higher. SoundingBoard averages 3.5 out of 5 from 34 ratings, while Grid for iPad averages 3.6 from 18 ratings.
Do SoundingBoard or Grid for iPad have ads?
Neither SoundingBoard nor Grid for iPad shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SoundingBoard or Grid for iPad?
SoundingBoard ships an update every 3 months, and Grid for iPad fortnightly. Most recently, SoundingBoard was updated on September 18, 2026 and Grid for iPad on September 14, 2026.

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