Comparison

TouchChat HD vs PECSTalk™

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

PECSTalk™

This communication app helps individuals with complex communication needs express themselves using a digital system that mimics a traditional picture exchange book. It offers extensive customization, multiple voice options, and access to a large image library to support users in various settings.

Highlights
  • Digital PECS book with Sentence Strip
  • Access to full Pics for PECS library
  • Customizable user-defined images
  • Multi-language support
  • Backup and restore functionality
  • Universal 'No' capability
  • Bilingual book creation
Read full description

PECSTalk™ is an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) app used by individuals with complex communication needs, including those on the autism spectrum. Designed by the developers of the evidence-based Picture Exchange Communication System® (PECS®), this high-tech option is customizable and easy to use! With access to the full Pics for PECS library, multiple voice output options, and multiple languages, the PECSTalk™ app can be individualized for your learner’s needs. With PECSTalk™, users can construct a multi-picture Sentence Strip™ via a dedicated Sentence Starter™ page and create up to 30 digital PECS book pages for the in-app voice to speak. The digital display is similar in layout to a traditional PECS Communication Book while accommodating the more robust vocabulary of a Speech Generating Device (SGD). The PECSTalk™ app can be used to make requests, respond to questions, comment and ask questions. By converting pictures and text into spoken language, the PECSTalk™ app empowers non-speaking learners to fully participate in their school, home, vocational, and community settings. Languages Available: English, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish Features of PECSTalk™: Looks like a traditional PECS book with colored, tabbed pages with VELCRO® strips and a Sentence Strip so you can create a digital PECS book that looks identical to your learner’s book, accommodates vocabulary growth and grammatical expansion Access to the full Pics for PECS image library Create customized user defined images Backup & Restore- backup your books locally or to the cloud AND share across multiple platforms and devices Scrollable pages Universal No capabilities- rather than hiding or eliminating an image, a universal No symbol can be overlaid on an image indicating the item is not currently available. Capability to build bilingual books Drag and drop pictures from the tabbed pages to the Sentence Strip just like with a traditional PECS book Switch between pages by scrolling between and tapping on different tabs Rearrange pictures on the Sentence Strip without having to delete pictures Clear Sentence Strips with a single button push or clear individual pictures by swiping them back to the book Integrated features from the PECS protocol such as constant time delay for the in-app voice Customize each book: Open or close the dedicated Sentence Starter page with a single touch Create 1-30 tabbed pages (with up to 28 pictures per page), each with 3 scrollable pages Each book can hold up to 2,500 images Customize each tab by number of VELCRO® strips, color, category icon, and/or number of pictures on each page Customize pictures: Use Pics for PECS images (full picture set included) or add images from your photo library and the web Change text on pictures as well as size Put text on top or bottom of pictures, or remove text Search function for the Pics for PECS library included Speech: Use included synthesized speech or record your own speech Incorporate the research-based constant time delay for ‘reading’ the Sentence Strip to create opportunities for the student to speak Select from included profiles or create new profiles to customize: How pictures are moved: tap, drag or both How to clear (reset) the Sentence Strip Visibility of Sentence Starter page Reading Sentence Strip left to right or right to left When to read the Sentence Strip: as each picture is selected or with a single tap of the “Speak” button after the Sentence Strip is completed Track Learner Usage: Day by day list of Sentence Strips constructed by the student Weekly and monthly analysis of most frequently used pictures

Screenshots

TouchChat HD4 screens
PECSTalk™4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: PECSTalk™ at $139.99 against TouchChat HD's $149.99. PECSTalk™ also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 11) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). TouchChat HD's advantage is review sentiment (64% vs 50%). On ads, monetization model, device support and iOS requirement 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 PECSTalk™ $139.99 up front. TouchChat HD sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. PECSTalk™ asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TouchChat HD ships an update every 2 months, PECSTalk™ fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
TouchChat HD versus PECSTalk™: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTouchChat HDPECSTalk™
Price$149.99$139.99 — better
Rating3.9 (34 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews64.3% of reviews — better50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings34 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.015.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size2.2 GB121 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPrentke Romich CompanyPyramid Global Communication Technology LLC

Customer experience

TouchChat HD

All ratings34 ratings
Positive61.8%
Neutral20.6%
Negative17.6%
Written reviews14 reviews
Positive64.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative35.7%

PECSTalk™

Written reviews6 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral33.3%
Negative16.7%

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

PECSTalk™

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is TouchChat HD free?
TouchChat HD costs $149.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is PECSTalk™ free?
PECSTalk™ costs $139.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do TouchChat HD or PECSTalk™ have ads?
Neither TouchChat HD nor PECSTalk™ shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TouchChat HD or PECSTalk™?
TouchChat HD ships an update every 2 months, and PECSTalk™ fortnightly. Most recently, TouchChat HD was updated on September 14, 2026 and PECSTalk™ on September 9, 2026.

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