# TouchChat HD vs First Categories

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | TouchChat HD | First Categories |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $149.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | **[3.9 (36 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/touchchat-hd-aac/id398860728/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **36** | — |
| Positive reviews | 64.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 15 months |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Size | 2.5 GB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Prentke Romich Company](https://appshunter.io/developer/474446992) | [RJ Cooper & Associates, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/412790299) |

## What reviewers say

### TouchChat HD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/touchchat-hd-aac/id398860728)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Talk-About Vocabulary | $44.99 | one-time |
| PCS Symbol Library | $49.99 | one-time |
| Unique Learning System | $59.99 | one-time |
| iShare Individual 1-Year 2GB Subscription | $59.99 | one-time |
| Pixon® for TouchChat | $79.99 | one-time |
| News-2-You and Unique Service | $99.99 | one-time |
| WordPower Vocabulary | $149.99 | one-time |
| Hebrew Language Pack | $149.99 | one-time |
| Gateway© Vocabulary | $149.99 | one-time |
| iShare Team 1-Year 30GB Subscription | $239.99 | one-time |


### First Categories

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-categories-point-to-pics/id1339979107)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*