Comparison

SymbolSupport Lite vs ChatterBee

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

Head to head
About

SymbolSupport Lite

This app allows users to read, listen to, and print documents created with a companion app. It automatically adds symbols to text as it's typed or pasted, aiding comprehension. Users can customize symbols and share documents in various formats.

Highlights
  • Read and print symbolized documents
  • Automatic symbol addition to text
  • Text-to-speech with word highlighting
  • Symbol customization and image import
  • Document sharing via AirDrop, email, cloud
Read full description

Note: SymbolSupport Lite is a free app. It can receive, read aloud, and print documents that have been created with the SymbolSupport app. SymbolSupport Lite cannot create or edit documents. It can be upgraded to the full version through the in-app Store. SymbolSupport is an iPad utility app that effortlessly adds symbols to text. As textis typed, symbols are automatically added above it. Text can also be copied from pre-existing written materials and pasted into SymbolSupport where symbols are instantly added. Documents are read with a high-quality text-to-speech voice and include word-by-word highlighting. This support helps students better understand class assignments.Symbols from Slater Literacy Support Pictures™ and Attainment’s Image Library are included. Plus, there is easy access to your camera roll and a built-in internet image search.Easy-to-use editing tools include changing auto-assigned symbols to other symbols or imported images and removing symbols from text to reduce the number of symbols on a page. SymbolSupport is designed to create symbolized text quickly and easily. Sharing these documents is equally important. Share documents via AirDrop, email, or send to any cloud storage setup on the iPad. Documents can be sent as a PDF for studentportfolios or shared with parents. Documents can also be sent as a SymbolSupport file which can be opened by SymbolSupport or SymbolSupport Lite apps.

About

ChatterBee

Features
Read full description

ChatterBee™ is an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) app designed for individuals who benefit from symbol and voice output based communication while keeping parents and caregivers connected every step of the way. Unlike traditional AAC apps, ChatterBee combines simple, accessible communication tools with real time caregiver notifications, helping families and support teams stay informed, celebrate progress, and reinforce communication throughout the day. FEATURES CHATTERBEE BASIC • AAC Communication System A simple, symbol based communication board featuring a fixed core phrase row, intuitive categories, and clear visuals designed for everyday communication. CHATTERBEE PRO — $2.99/month • Real Time Notifications Receive instant alerts when a user communicates using ChatterBee. Stay connected to important moments, celebrate communication successes, and stay informed throughout the day. • Linked Caregiver Accounts Connect parent, teacher, and therapist accounts directly to a user's profile. Linked caregivers can customize communication boards, symbols, images, and settings while staying aligned across home, school, and therapy environments. • BuddyBee Encouragement An optional encouragement feature that celebrates communication success. When a user builds and speaks a sentence, BuddyBee can provide positive feedback to help build confidence, motivation, and engagement. • Visual Routines Support independence with image based routines, step by step task guidance, labels, and voice prompts that help users navigate daily activities. • Advanced Customization Personalize images, symbols, voices, colors, categories, and encouragement settings to create a communication experience tailored to each user. PRIVACY & SAFETY ChatterBee is designed with the safety and privacy of its users in mind. Children's accounts are managed by a parent or authorized caregiver. We do not sell personal data or use personal information for advertising purposes. Every voice deserves to be heard. Download ChatterBee today and experience AAC communication with real time caregiver connection.

Screenshots

SymbolSupport Lite3 screens
ChatterBee4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: SymbolSupport Lite at 12.0 against ChatterBee's 15.6. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. SymbolSupport Lite sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and ChatterBee sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SymbolSupport Lite ships an update every 6 weeks, ChatterBee monthly. The most recent releases landed on June 8, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
SymbolSupport Lite versus ChatterBee: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSymbolSupport LiteChatterBee
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.3 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size304 MB31 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAttainment Company, Inc.ChatterBee, LLC.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

SymbolSupport Lite

One-time1
  • Upgrade to Full Version$59.99
2 purchases

ChatterBee

Subscriptions2
  • Explorer Pro Monthly3 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Explorer Pro Annually7 Days trial$29.991 Year

Questions

Is SymbolSupport Lite free?
SymbolSupport Lite is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ChatterBee free?
ChatterBee is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do SymbolSupport Lite or ChatterBee have ads?
Neither SymbolSupport Lite nor ChatterBee shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SymbolSupport Lite or ChatterBee?
SymbolSupport Lite ships an update every 6 weeks, and ChatterBee monthly. Most recently, SymbolSupport Lite was updated on June 8, 2026 and ChatterBee on September 16, 2026.

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