# SoundingBoard vs Pathways for Core First

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SoundingBoard at 48% against Pathways for Core First's 0%. SoundingBoard also leads on rating (3.5 vs 3.2) and device support (3 vs 1). Pathways for Core First's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SoundingBoard sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Pathways for Core First asks for nothing beyond the download.

SoundingBoard holds the better App Store score, 3.5 against 3.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 34 and 9 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 48% of SoundingBoard's written reviews are positive against 0% of Pathways for Core First's.

SoundingBoard ships an update every 3 months, Pathways for Core First monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SoundingBoard | Pathways for Core First |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.5 (34 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/soundingboard/id390532167/reviews)** | [3.2 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pathways-for-core-first/id1187433636/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **34** | 9 |
| Positive reviews | **48.2% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 26 MB | 206 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **9.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [AbleNet](https://appshunter.io/developer/390532170) | [Tobii Dynavox LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/446210474) |

## What reviewers say

### SoundingBoard

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/soundingboard/id390532167)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mealtime_Male | Free | one-time |
| Mealtime_Female | Free | one-time |
| Getting Dressed_Male | Free | one-time |
| Getting Dressed_Female | Free | one-time |
| General Conversation_Male | Free | one-time |
| General Conversation_Female | Free | one-time |
| Fast Food Restaurant_Male | Free | one-time |
| Fast Food Restaurant_Female | Free | one-time |
| Movies_Male | Free | one-time |
| Movies_Female | Free | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Highly customizable boards
- 💡 Ability to use own photos
- 🗣️ Record own voice
- 🔗 Link boards together
- 🆓 Free to try/use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashing on startup
- 🐛 Boards disappearing/not saving
- 🐛 Edit lock not working
- 🐛 Inconsistent icon activation
- 🐛 Poor UI/UX for creation

**Reported bugs**

- App crashing on startup after purchase
- Folders not saving changes
- Created boards disappearing
- Edit lock not working, student can edit pictures
- Cannot record voice over preloaded boards

**Requested features**

- Large button icons for board selection
- Login system to save boards across platforms
- Ability to log in and save boards across devices
- User login system for shared boards
- Ability to erase pre-made boards


### Pathways for Core First

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pathways-for-core-first/id1187433636)

This app provides expert guidance, lesson plans, and real-world videos to help parents, teachers, and therapists effectively use a communication system. It offers tools for skill assessment, progress tracking, and customizing communication components.

**Highlights:** Expert advice and best practices, Lesson plans and scripts, How-to videos, Interactive goals grid for assessment and tracking, Skill-building resources, Customization guides for communication components, Top tips for effective use

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SoundingBoard free?

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

### Is Pathways for Core First free?

Pathways for Core First is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SoundingBoard or Pathways for Core First?

SoundingBoard is rated higher. SoundingBoard averages 3.5 out of 5 from 34 ratings, while Pathways for Core First averages 3.2 from 9 ratings.

### Do SoundingBoard or Pathways for Core First have ads?

Neither SoundingBoard nor Pathways for Core First shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SoundingBoard or Pathways for Core First?

SoundingBoard ships an update every 3 months, and Pathways for Core First monthly. Most recently, SoundingBoard was updated on October 23, 2026 and Pathways for Core First on October 26, 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.*