Comparison

Spell Tap vs Grovalin

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

Head to head
About

Spell Tap

This communication tool is designed for nonspeaking individuals who use spelled communication. It offers a simple interface with a stencil-like layout for easy selection of letters and numbers, and utilizes text-to-speech for spoken output. The app is fully functional offline and free of ads and in-app purchases.

Highlights
  • Stencil-like layout for easy input
  • Automatic Text to Speech
  • Offline functionality
  • No ads or in-app purchases
  • Simple user interface
  • Separated typing and history boxes
Features
Read full description

Spell Tap is what we like to think of as a laminate on the go, designed for and tested by nonspeaking individuals with autism who utilize spelled communication. **Utilizing Apple's built in TTS** Fully functional on iPad and iPhone Community driven Key Features: -No Ads -No internet connection is required to use the app, ensuring accessibility in various settings and situations. -No In-App Purchases, Enjoy all the features of the app without the hassle of additional costs or hidden charges. - Stencil like layout for numbers, letters, and special characters - Automatic Text to Speech with 7 voice options -Separated typing box and conversation history -Simple UI. Introducing Spell Tap – a thoughtful and user-friendly communication tool specifically designed for those who face challenges with fine motor skills. This innovative app offers a seamless and accessible way to communicate by utilizing a unique style interface that allows users to easily select letters, numbers, and common special characters without the need for intricate hand movements. The primary aim of this application is to provide a simple, yet effective alternative means of communication across a wide range of devices, enabling nonspeaking individuals to stay connected with ease. Whether you’re in need of assistance or simply looking for a more efficient method of expressing yourself, this app serves as an inclusive solution. Your feedback and suggestions are important to us – and we encourage you to share your thoughts. Our roadmap for future updates and features can be found here: https://github.com/AndImCurtis/Spell_Tap/blob/main/README.md . For any suggestions or inquiries, feel free to reach out via email at: benderson927@gmail.com. We’re excited to help you communicate more effortlessly and effectively, and we look forward to hearing from you as we continue to improve and evolve the app. Note from developer: I wanted to create a tool for nonspeaking individuals to have access to communication no matter where they were. No more searching for laminates or letterboards… We put the letterboard on the devices that we already carry with us everywhere. While this app is still in its early stages, I am open to all feedback to help shape this into an application suited for everyone who can use it.

About

Grovalin

Features
Read full description

Grovalin helps children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) learn that the same word applies to objects that look different. A chair at home, a chair at school, and a chair in a picture book are all "chair." That skill, called generalization, is one of the hardest steps in early language learning, and Grovalin teaches it using the most familiar material possible: your own home. HOW IT WORKS 1. Caregivers take photos or short videos of everyday objects at home. 2. Grovalin identifies the objects and creates labeled learning cards, including color and style variations of each object. 3. Children learn through simple, distraction-free activities designed for visual learners. LEARNING ACTIVITIES - Explore: browse familiar objects and hear their names spoken aloud - Matching Game: "Tap the chair" prompts with gentle, encouraging feedback - Stories: short illustrated stories built around the child's own objects - Life Skills: step-by-step visual guides for everyday routines - AAC Board: a picture-based communication board built from the child's objects BUILT FOR CAREGIVERS - You control everything: what is photographed, what is taught, and when - Child sessions are PIN-protected; settings and uploads stay in Parent Mode - Progress tracking shows which words are practiced and mastered over time - Activities are PECS-phase-gated and VB-MAPP aligned, designed to complement, not replace, guidance from your child's care team DESIGNED FOR FOCUS Large touch targets, high contrast, spoken labels, no ads, no in-app purchases, and no time pressure. Sessions are short and predictable, so children can focus on one skill at a time. Grovalin is a tool for caregivers of children with ASD. It is not a medical device and does not diagnose or treat any condition.

Screenshots

Spell Tap2 screens
Grovalin4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Grovalin at Free against Spell Tap's $5.99. Grovalin also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On ads, in-app purchases and device support 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

Grovalin is free to download; Spell Tap costs $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Spell Tap ships an update every 2 months, Grovalin fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Spell Tap versus Grovalin: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpell TapGrovalin
Price$5.99Free — better
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size72 MB16 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCurtis BenderSohGrow

In-app purchases

None

Spell Tap

No in-app purchases

None

Grovalin

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Spell Tap free?
Spell Tap costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Grovalin free?
Grovalin is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Spell Tap or Grovalin have ads?
Neither Spell Tap nor Grovalin shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Spell Tap or Grovalin?
Spell Tap ships an update every 2 months, and Grovalin fortnightly. Most recently, Spell Tap was updated on October 30, 2026 and Grovalin on October 25, 2026.

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