# Custom Boards Elite vs simPODD

The clearest difference is rating: simPODD at 4.5 against Custom Boards Elite's 1.6. simPODD also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and review sentiment (78% vs 56%). Custom Boards Elite's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Custom Boards Elite sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and simPODD sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $13.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

simPODD holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 1.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 21 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 56% of Custom Boards Elite's written reviews are positive against 78% of simPODD's.

Custom Boards Elite ships an update every 7 months, simPODD every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Custom Boards Elite | simPODD |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.6 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/custom-boards-elite/id489935586/reviews) | **[4.5 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpodd/id1464489596/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **21** |
| Positive reviews | 55.6% of reviews | **77.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 880 MB | 539 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Smarty Ears](https://appshunter.io/developer/348779167) | [AssistiveWare](https://appshunter.io/developer/308368167) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### simPODD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpodd/id1464489596)

This app simplifies augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for individuals who cannot speak. It integrates digital PODD page sets with a printing interface, offering streamlined editing and access to various vocabulary options. Designed in collaboration with the PODD system's creator, it aims to make communication more accessible and efficient.

**Highlights:** Digital PODD page sets, Integrated printing interface, Streamlined editing, SymbolStix integration, Multiple text-to-speech voices, Regionally specific vocabulary

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Digital | $13.99 | per month |
| Yearly Digital + Print | $139.99 | per year |
| Yearly Digital + Print* | $139.99 | per year |
| One Year Digital | $139.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Custom Boards Elite free?

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

### Is simPODD free?

simPODD is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Custom Boards Elite or simPODD?

simPODD is rated higher. Custom Boards Elite averages 1.6 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while simPODD averages 4.5 from 21 ratings.

### Do Custom Boards Elite or simPODD have ads?

Neither Custom Boards Elite nor simPODD shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Custom Boards Elite or simPODD?

Custom Boards Elite ships an update every 7 months, and simPODD every 2 months. Most recently, Custom Boards Elite was updated on September 24, 2026 and simPODD on September 3, 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.*