Comparison

TouchChat HD vs First Then Visual Schedule HD

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
Currently charting
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 Then Visual Schedule HD

Create and use a variety of visual supports, including schedules, task analyses, and social stories, all within a single application. This tool offers multiple ways to add images and customize viewing options to suit individual needs.

Highlights
  • Create visual schedules
  • Task analyses
  • Social stories
  • Choice boards
  • Video models
  • Multiple image import options
  • Customizable viewing formats
Features
Read full description

The visual supports you can create and use with First Then Visual Schedule (FTVS) HD have proven to be especially beneficial for the following populations: Typically developing children Those learning English as a second language People with developmental disabilities like Autism and Down Syndrome Individuals with learning disabilities like dyslexia People affected by anxiety or attention deficits Anyone with language, hearing or auditory processing deficits Individuals affected by aphasia after a stroke And many more... So, as a parent, teacher, therapist or adult who could benefit from visual supports you want to try them but may be frustrated by how many different apps you seem to need in order to do so? FTVS HD lets you easily and quickly create and use ALL these visual supports in just one app: First Then boards Visual schedules Task analyses Social stories Choice boards Video models FTVS HD is designed to be used anywhere and everywhere with everything you need easily accessible from within the app: It's universal so it will work on any iDevice FTVS HD gives you FIVE different options for adding images: take a picture using your device's camera or grab one from the camera roll, use the Internet search feature to look for an image, use one of the stock images in the app or access one of 10,000 Smarty Ears symbols. All the stock images and Smarty Ears symbols are searchable by name. Set a timer for either an entire schedule or for individual steps within it. Attach a choice board or video to any step. There are FIVE different viewing options: Look at one single image at a time (great for the visually impaired), view two images in a First Then board format, scroll through a checklist, drag and drop an image to another column once a step is complete or drag and drop an image from a strip and put it in an envelope. FTVS HD makes it easy to create, customize and share schedules. You can copy the templates that come with the app or create your own from scratch. Easily edit, move, delete or hide steps within schedules. You can print your schedules and share them with other users via email. Due to size constraints you can currently only email one choice board and cannot email videos. Good Karma Applications are dedicated to providing apps that are powerful, easy to use and affordable. If you have any feedback or questions in relation to any of our apps, please contact us at support@goodkarmaapplications.com

Screenshots

TouchChat HD4 screens
First Then Visual Schedule HD4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: First Then Visual Schedule HD at $14.99 against TouchChat HD's $149.99. First Then Visual Schedule HD also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 11) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 18.0). TouchChat HD's advantage is rating (3.9 vs 3.2) and chart position (#192 vs unranked). On ratings volume, update cadence, ads and monetization model 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 Then Visual Schedule HD $14.99 up front. TouchChat HD sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. First Then Visual Schedule HD asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

TouchChat HD holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 36 and 25 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of TouchChat HD's written reviews are positive against 53% of First Then Visual Schedule HD's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TouchChat HD ships an update every 2 months, First Then Visual Schedule HD every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
TouchChat HD versus First Then Visual Schedule HD: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTouchChat HDFirst Then Visual Schedule HD
Price$149.99$14.99 — better
Rating3.9 (36 ratings) — better3.2 (25 ratings)
Positive reviews64.3% of reviews — better52.8% of reviews
Number of ratings36 — better25
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationPaidPaid
Best chart rank#192 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.09.3 — better
Further details — not scored
Size2.5 GB84 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPrentke Romich CompanyGood Karma Applications, Inc

Customer experience

TouchChat HD

All ratings36 ratings
Positive61.1%
Neutral22.2%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews14 reviews
Positive64.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative35.7%

First Then Visual Schedule HD

All ratings25 ratings
Positive52.0%
Neutral4.0%
Negative44.0%
Written reviews36 reviews
Positive52.8%
Neutral2.8%
Negative44.4%

In-app purchases

11 purchases

TouchChat HD

One-time11
  • Enable Acapela French Voices$11.99
  • Talk-About Vocabulary$44.99
  • PCS Symbol Library$49.99
Show 8 more
  • Unique Learning System$59.99
  • 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 Then Visual Schedule HD

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is TouchChat HD free?
TouchChat HD costs $149.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is First Then Visual Schedule HD free?
First Then Visual Schedule HD costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, TouchChat HD or First Then Visual Schedule HD?
TouchChat HD is rated higher. TouchChat HD averages 3.9 out of 5 from 36 ratings, while First Then Visual Schedule HD averages 3.2 from 25 ratings.
Do TouchChat HD or First Then Visual Schedule HD have ads?
Neither TouchChat HD nor First Then Visual Schedule HD shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TouchChat HD or First Then Visual Schedule HD?
TouchChat HD ships an update every 2 months, and First Then Visual Schedule HD every 3 months. Most recently, TouchChat HD was updated on October 18, 2026 and First Then Visual Schedule HD on October 19, 2026.

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