# First Phrases Lite vs Custom Boards Elite

The clearest difference is rating: First Phrases Lite at 3.7 against Custom Boards Elite's 2.2. First Phrases Lite also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and review sentiment (86% vs 56%). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Custom Boards Elite sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. First Phrases Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.

First Phrases Lite holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 2.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 6 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 86% of First Phrases Lite's written reviews are positive against 56% of Custom Boards Elite's.

First Phrases Lite ships an update every 4 months, Custom Boards Elite every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | First Phrases Lite | Custom Boards Elite |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-phrases-lite/id460291615/reviews)** | [2.2 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/custom-boards-elite/id489935586/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **6** |
| Positive reviews | **86.0% of reviews** | 55.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | **Paid** | Subscription |
| Size | 612 MB | 880 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hamaguchi Learning & Development, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/460288922) | [Smarty Ears](https://appshunter.io/developer/348779167) |

## What reviewers say

### First Phrases Lite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-phrases-lite/id460291615)

This app helps toddlers and children learning basic English phrases to develop language skills. It uses interactive animations and audio to teach verb-noun combinations, encouraging both listening and speaking practice.

**Highlights:** Interactive animations, Audio and visual learning, Record and playback speech, Verb + noun phrase practice, Speech therapy support, Early literacy development

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Custom Boards Elite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/custom-boards-elite/id489935586)

Create custom visual support materials using a vast library of symbols or your own photos. Design boards, schedules, and worksheets for communication and learning. Print, save, or email your creations directly from the app.

**Highlights:** Activity creation center, 21,000+ built-in symbols, Add custom photos, Template library (120+), Print, save, and email, Organize with folders

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $9.99 | per month |
| Six months Access | $49.99 | per 6 months |
| Yearly Access | $59.99 | per year |
| The ant | $0.99 | one-time |
| Placemat | $0.99 | one-time |
| Tech talk | $0.99 | one-time |
| Weekly | $0.99 | one-time |
| Orderly | $0.99 | one-time |
| Story Board | $0.99 | one-time |
| Purchase 10,000 Smarty Symbols | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is First Phrases Lite free?

First Phrases Lite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Custom Boards Elite free?

Custom Boards Elite is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, First Phrases Lite or Custom Boards Elite?

First Phrases Lite is rated higher. First Phrases Lite averages 3.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Custom Boards Elite averages 2.2 from 6 ratings.

### Do First Phrases Lite or Custom Boards Elite have ads?

Neither First Phrases Lite nor Custom Boards Elite shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, First Phrases Lite or Custom Boards Elite?

First Phrases Lite ships an update every 4 months, and Custom Boards Elite every 7 months. Most recently, First Phrases Lite was updated on October 23, 2026 and Custom Boards Elite on October 24, 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.*