Comparison

TouchChat HD vs PECS IV+

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

PECS IV+

This communication app is no longer available for new users, with a successor app recommended. Current users will receive a final update and migration instructions to the new app, with a limited free trial period for the new service.

Highlights
  • Augmentative and alternative communication
  • Speech and language development
  • Communication aid
  • Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Features
Read full description

PECS IV+ is no longer available to purchase for new users!! New users should purchase our latest communication app, PECSTalk™. In the coming weeks, an updated and final version of PECS IV+ will be released to current PECS IV+ users along with step-by-step instructions on how to transition from PECS IV+ to PECSTalk. Those that are interested will have the opportunity to migrate to Pyramid’s newest communication app, PECSTalk, at no charge for 90 days. After the 90 days, users will still be able to migrate to the new app, but a small fee will be charge. PECS IV+ users that do not transition to PECSTalk will continue to have use of the PECS IV+ app on their device, but Pyramid will no longer release future updates.

Screenshots

TouchChat HD4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: PECS IV+ at $139.99 against TouchChat HD's $149.99. PECS IV+ also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and iOS requirement (10.3 vs 18.0). TouchChat HD's advantage is rating (3.9 vs 3.5) and ratings volume (36 vs 12). On review sentiment, 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 PECS IV+ $139.99 up front. TouchChat HD sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. PECS IV+ asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

TouchChat HD holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 36 and 12 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of TouchChat HD's written reviews are positive against 60% of PECS IV+'s.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
TouchChat HD versus PECS IV+: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTouchChat HDPECS IV+
Price$149.99$139.99 — better
Rating3.9 (36 ratings) — better3.5 (12 ratings)
Positive reviews64.3% of reviews — better60.0% of reviews
Number of ratings36 — better12
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPad
Requires iOS18.010.3 — better
Further details — not scored
Size2.5 GB263 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPrentke Romich CompanyPyramid Global Communication Technology LLC

Customer experience

TouchChat HD

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

PECS IV+

All ratings12 ratings
Positive58.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative41.7%
Written reviews15 reviews
Positive60.0%
Neutral13.3%
Negative26.7%

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

PECS IV+

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is TouchChat HD free?
TouchChat HD costs $149.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is PECS IV+ free?
PECS IV+ costs $139.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, TouchChat HD or PECS IV+?
TouchChat HD is rated higher. TouchChat HD averages 3.9 out of 5 from 36 ratings, while PECS IV+ averages 3.5 from 12 ratings.
Do TouchChat HD or PECS IV+ have ads?
Neither TouchChat HD nor PECS IV+ shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TouchChat HD or PECS IV+?
TouchChat HD ships an update every 2 months, and PECS IV+ every 2 months. Most recently, TouchChat HD was updated on November 6, 2026 and PECS IV+ on November 11, 2026.

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