Comparison

iSpeak Button vs Communication Buttons

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

iSpeak Button

Record and play back a single custom message with a large, colorful button. Ideal for beginning communicators and individuals needing a simple, accessible device. Offers text customization and rotation lock.

Highlights
  • Record and play single messages
  • Large, customizable button surface
  • Add custom text to button
  • Choose from twelve color options
  • Rotation lock to prevent screen flipping
  • Over-recordable messages
Features
Read full description

iSpeak Button is a single message talker. It is an affordable single communication button. You can record your own personal message, and play it back with the touch of a button. This is perfect for beginning communicators, and people who require a large button surface. You can record over your message as many times as you need. You can add custom text to your button. You can rotate the button from the settings instead of on-the-fly to prevent screen-flip stimming. Button comes in twelve different color choices. The color can be changed from the settings. Need to speak sequences? Search for "iSpeak Sequences", a single switch that says up to 10 phrases you record. Need a grid of buttons? Search for "iSpeak Grid" for up to 16 buttons per screen. Need a full AAC app? "iVocalize" is a great communication app with loads of features for under $10. How to use iSpeak Button: To configure your iSpeak Button, hit the little (i) symbol in the bottom right corner of your device. From here you can enter your text, choose your button color, and enable rotation. To record a message, hit the "Start Recording" button. The circle to the right of the button will spin, this is how you know it is recording. When you are done with your message simply tap the "Stop Recording" button. Be sure your device is capable of recording sound! iPad and iPad2 have built in microphones. All iPhones have microphones. iPod touches 2nd-3rd generation need you to plug in a mic, and 4th has a built in mic. More help can be found on our website: http://www.goatella.com/

About

Communication Buttons

This app offers a simple way to practice augmentative communication. Customize buttons with pictures and voice recordings to express words, phrases, or even songs. It's designed to demonstrate cause and effect and facilitate spontaneous communication.

Highlights
  • Customizable buttons
  • Picture customization
  • Voice recording
  • Multiple button layouts (1, 2, 4, 6)
  • Cause and effect demonstration
Read full description

Communication Buttons is THE app for simple augmentative communication. Choose 1 button, or sets of 2, 4 and 6 to use for touch communication. Each button can be customized with a picture and will accommodate voice recording. “Hello!” – and you’re spontaneously communicating, demonstrating cause and effect. State “yes,” or “no,” sing a song or tell a story. Keep a lookout for additional versions with special options.

Screenshots

iSpeak Button4 screens
Communication Buttons4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: iSpeak Button at 4.0 against Communication Buttons's 2.5. iSpeak Button also leads on update cadence (every 16 months vs every 37 months) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 11.0). Communication Buttons's advantage is price ($2.99 vs $3.99). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases 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

iSpeak Button costs $3.99 and Communication Buttons $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

iSpeak Button holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 2.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

iSpeak Button ships an update every 16 months, Communication Buttons every 37 months. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
iSpeak Button versus Communication Buttons: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameteriSpeak ButtonCommunication Buttons
Price$3.99$2.99 — better
Rating4.0 (1 ratings) — better2.5 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings12 — better
Update frequencyEvery 16 months — betterEvery 37 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS8.0 — better11.0
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGoatellaPreferred Mobile Applications, LLC

Customer experience

iSpeak Button

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Communication Buttons

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

None

iSpeak Button

No in-app purchases

None

Communication Buttons

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is iSpeak Button free?
iSpeak Button costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Communication Buttons free?
Communication Buttons costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, iSpeak Button or Communication Buttons?
iSpeak Button is rated higher. iSpeak Button averages 4.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Communication Buttons averages 2.5 from 2 ratings.
Do iSpeak Button or Communication Buttons have ads?
Neither iSpeak Button nor Communication Buttons shows ads.
Which is updated more often, iSpeak Button or Communication Buttons?
iSpeak Button ships an update every 16 months, and Communication Buttons every 37 months. Most recently, iSpeak Button was updated on October 1, 2026 and Communication Buttons on October 3, 2026.

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