Comparison

Scan vs Talking Typer

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

Head to head
About

Scan

Features
Read full description

The "lite" version of our large-print, early academic program for beginning to advanced letter users using switch-assisted input. It uses an errorless learning method. Scan-A-Word works on identification, spelling, & word recognition (for reading). Scaffolding (as much help as needed but as little as possible) is embedded so as to help those with significant cognitive challenges. The full version allows you to easily enter lists of spelling words/phrases for the learner to practice and be tested on. WordLists consisting of hundreds of words/sounds/pictures are available from the developer's website at no charge. Scan-A-Word has built-in scanning capabilities, as well as special feedback for blind learners.

About

Talking Typer

This accessible typing program helps students improve their keyboarding skills through lessons and a fun game. It is designed for blind and visually impaired students but is beneficial for all learners, offering progress tracking and customizable lessons.

Highlights
  • 35 built-in typing lessons
  • Customizable lessons for teachers/parents
  • Progress tracking for speed and accuracy
  • Hurry Scurry typing game
  • Self-voicing and VoiceOver accessible
  • Supports refreshable braille displays
Read full description

Talking Typer finally makes its way to iOS. Help students make typing progress with this fun-to-use self-voicing app! Talking Typer An accessible typing and computer keyboard tutorial app with a keyboard game to help increase speed and accuracy in a fun environment! Learn to type or improve your skills with drills, practice lessons, keyboard explorer, and an entertaining game. It is designed for blind and visually impaired students, but can be used by sighted students too. This makes it a great tool for the whole class. 35 Built-in Lessons Talking TyperTM for iOS devices comes with 35 built-in lessons at levels 1-10. Teachers and parents can create new lessons, edit lessons, and assign lessons to individual students or groups. Speed, accuracy, and typing level can also be set for individual students or groups. The app saves the results of each drill allowing students, teachers, and parents to monitor improvement. Hurry Scurry Game The app also includes the exciting game Hurry Scurry, where students earn points by typing letters before the ball drops. It’s fun for all ages and skill levels! Self-Voicing and Apple® VoiceOver Accessible The app is both self-voicing and accessible with Apple’s VoiceOver. The onboard keyboard of your device can be used with Talking Typer, but an external keyboard is recommended. The app can also be used with a refreshable braille display, like APH’s Refreshabraille 18TM Bluetooth®-enabled device, making it accessible for students who are deafblind as well. Recommended ages: All.

Screenshots

Talking Typer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Talking Typer at none against Scan's 1. Talking Typer also leads on device support (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads 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

Both are free to download. Scan sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Talking Typer asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Scan ships an update every 6 months, Talking Typer every 11 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Scan versus Talking Typer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterScanTalking Typer
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.0 (11 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—11 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 months — betterEvery 11 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS11.0 — better12.0
Further details — not scored
Size47 MB18 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRJ Cooper & Associates, Inc.American Printing House for the Blind (APH)

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Scan

One-time1
  • Upgrade to Full Version of Scan-A-Word$4.99
None

Talking Typer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Scan free?
Scan is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Talking Typer free?
Talking Typer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Scan or Talking Typer have ads?
Neither Scan nor Talking Typer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Scan or Talking Typer?
Scan ships an update every 6 months, and Talking Typer every 11 months. Most recently, Scan was updated on October 26, 2026 and Talking Typer on October 24, 2026.

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