Comparison

TouchChat HD vs First Categories

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

Head to head
About

TouchChat HD

This app provides a comprehensive communication solution for individuals with speech impairments. It offers customizable vocabulary files, synthesized voices, and various access methods to facilitate expression and interaction. Text generated can be shared via social media, email, or copied to other applications.

Highlights
  • Customizable vocabulary files
  • Built-in voice synthesizer
  • Multiple synthesized and custom voice options
  • Adjustable button activation timing
  • Support for scanning, head tracking, and eye tracking
  • Text sharing via social media, email, and iMessage
  • Import/export vocabulary files
Features
Read full description

TouchChat is a full-featured Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solution for individuals who have difficulty using their natural voice. TouchChat is designed for individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome, ALS, apraxia, stroke, or other conditions that affect a person's ability to use natural speech. TouchChat gives an individual the ability to choose a vocabulary file which consists of pages and buttons that contain words, phrases, sentences, and other functions. Messages are spoken with a built-in voice synthesizer or by playing a recorded message. Various synthesized and custom voice options are available, allowing the user to choose a voice that fits their own personality. Various vocabulary files are included. Visit our website for a full list of options. The Upgrade Store provides additional in-app purchases, including the WordPower® series of AAC vocabularies designed by Nancy Inman. WordPower is a word-based vocabulary that allows for easy and intuitive communication and is available in English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin. The Upgrade Store also provides English vocabularies files (Gateway©, Pixon®60 and Talk About AAC), services, and symbol libraries. Vocabulary files within TouchChat are fully customizable, including pages, grid layout, buttons, messages, and symbols. Select from over 45 button actions and nearly 40,000 Symbolstix® symbols* when creating new buttons. You can also choose to use an existing image or take a photo with the built-in camera. Additionally, gestures can be used to navigate to new pages, speak messages, etc. *Please note: PCS© symbols can only be used in TouchChat after an in-app purchase is completed. Button activation timing can be adjusted to meet the needs and capabilities of the user. Adjustments include button dwell time and button release time. Buttons can also be configured to activate on release. Additional access methods such as scanning, head tracking, and eye tracking may be available based on device model and may require an additional hardware purchase. Text generated with TouchChat can be shared on social media or via iMessage® and email using a wireless connection. Generate a message, push on the text window, and choose a service. Additionally, text can be copied to/from TouchChat and other applications so it can be spoken out loud. Once programming is complete, vocabulary files can be imported and exported through AirDrop, email, iTunes® file sharing, DropBox™ or Google Drive™. TouchChat also enables users to subscribe to iShare and store custom files for safe keeping (not available to customers residing in the European Union). iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. By downloading and using the TouchChat app, the purchaser accepts the PRC-Saltillo TouchChat Software License Terms. The Manufacturer of the iOS application – TouchChat is: Prentke Romich Company dba PRC-Saltillo 1022 Heyl Rd Wooster, OH 44691 USA Tel.: (330) 262-1984 // (800) 262-1984 Fax: (330) 262-4829 Email: info@aacapps.com Web: www.prc-saltillo.com The EU Authorized European Representative for the iOS application – TouchChat is: Prentke Romich GmbH Karthäuserstr. 3 D-34117 Kassel Germany Tel.: (05 61) 7 85 59-0 Fax: (05 61) 7 85 59-29 Email: info@prentke-romich.de Web : www.prentke-romich.de The UK Responsible Person for the iOS application – TouchChat is: Liberator Ltd Glenside Business Park West Pinchbeck, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE11 3SA UK Tel: +44 (0)1733 370470 Email: info@liberator.co.uk Web: www.liberator.co.uk/ The Swiss Authorized Representative for the iOS application – TouchChat is: Inspera GmbH Thunstrasse 64 | CH-3110 Münsingen Phone +41 31 819 74 60 | Mobile +41 79 435 53 09 mail@inspera.ch | www.inspera.ch

About

First Categories

Features
Read full description

The Point To Pictures, & Scan To Pictures (for switch(es)), series are specifically designed to help those that need help understanding the art of communication, or the value/function of an AAC app/system. They are based on the premise that those learners falling in this range need comprehensive work on basic understanding, or, at least, practice in implementing such understanding. First Categories allows simple Branching between simple communication boards.

Screenshots

TouchChat HD4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: First Categories at $1.99 against TouchChat HD's $149.99. First Categories also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.0). TouchChat HD's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 15 months). On ads and device support 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

TouchChat HD costs $149.99 and First Categories $1.99 up front. TouchChat HD sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. First Categories asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TouchChat HD ships an update every 2 months, First Categories every 15 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
TouchChat HD versus First Categories: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTouchChat HDFirst Categories
Price$149.99$1.99 — better
Rating3.9 (36 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews64.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings36 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 15 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPad
Requires iOS18.015.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size2.5 GB36 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPrentke Romich CompanyRJ Cooper & Associates, Inc.

In-app purchases

10 purchases

TouchChat HD

One-time10
  • Talk-About Vocabulary$44.99
  • PCS Symbol Library$49.99
  • Unique Learning System$59.99
Show 7 more
  • iShare Individual 1-Year 2GB Subscription$59.99
  • Pixon® for TouchChat$79.99
  • News-2-You and Unique Service$99.99
  • WordPower Vocabulary$149.99
  • Hebrew Language Pack$149.99
  • Gateway© Vocabulary$149.99
  • iShare Team 1-Year 30GB Subscription$239.99
None

First Categories

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is TouchChat HD free?
TouchChat HD costs $149.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is First Categories free?
First Categories costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do TouchChat HD or First Categories have ads?
Neither TouchChat HD nor First Categories shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TouchChat HD or First Categories?
TouchChat HD ships an update every 2 months, and First Categories every 15 months. Most recently, TouchChat HD was updated on November 6, 2026 and First Categories on October 3, 2026.

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