Comparison

first.then.next vs StackMap

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

Head to head
About

first.then.next

Features
Read full description

First Then Next® is assistive technology designed to help individuals see their day, know what’s next, build confidence, and support independence. At the heart of First Then Next is a visual calendar that helps make daily routines, activities, and events easier to understand. Events can be shown in a simple First → Then → Next format so individuals and their trusted supporters can better prepare for what is happening now and what is coming next. First Then Next is built for individuals, families, caregivers, service providers, teachers, coaches, employers, and trusted supporters who want a private way to stay organized, informed, and connected. Features include: • Visual calendar for daily routines, activities, and events • First → Then → Next schedule views • Private communities and teams • Event details with images, descriptions, notes, and media • Notes, photos, and videos shared with selected people • Feeds for meaningful updates and celebrations • AI-powered assistants for helpful guidance • Reports that summarize events, notes, and observations over time • Invite-only access designed to support privacy and safety First Then Next helps families and support networks coordinate daily life in one private place. Whether preparing for school, work, recreation, community activities, or special events, First Then Next helps people understand the day ahead and stay connected with the people who support them.

About

StackMap

This app provides visual routines and check-ins for children with autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities. It offers customizable activity cards, celebration animations, and PIN protection to support daily tasks and foster independence.

Highlights
  • Visual daily check-ins
  • Customizable routine cards
  • Pre-built activity templates
  • Celebration animations
  • PIN protection
  • Multi-user support
Features
Read full description

Built by a special needs parent, for special needs families. StackMap makes daily routines and check-ins simple, visual, and engaging for children with autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities. No subscriptions, no ads, just a free tool to help your family thrive. Start Each Day with Connection Guide your child through morning check-ins with visual cards that explore: How are you feeling today? What day is it? What's the weather like? Today's temperature Build Visual Routines That Work Create custom activity cards or use pre-built templates for: Morning routines Bedtime preparation Mealtime activities Daily self-care tasks Any routine your child needs Designed for Success Large, clear visual cards that are easy to tap Customizable themes and colors Fun celebration animations for completed tasks PIN protection keeps settings safe Multi-user support for siblings Why StackMap? Completely free - No hidden costs or subscriptions Open source - Transparent and community-driven Parent-built - Created by someone who understands Simple by design - No overwhelming features Respectful - Your data stays on your device StackMap isn't just another schedule app. It's a conversation starter, a routine builder, and a daily companion that grows with your child's needs.

Screenshots

first.then.next3 screens
StackMap4 screens

Verdict

The call

first.then.next and StackMap are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

first.then.next ships an update monthly, StackMap every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
first.then.next versus StackMap: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameterfirst.then.nextStackMap
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB21 MB
Age rating12+12+
DeveloperFirst Then Next LLCAdam Stack

In-app purchases

None

first.then.next

No in-app purchases

None

StackMap

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is first.then.next free?
first.then.next is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is StackMap free?
StackMap is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do first.then.next or StackMap have ads?
Neither first.then.next nor StackMap shows ads.
Which is updated more often, first.then.next or StackMap?
first.then.next ships an update monthly, and StackMap every 2 months. Most recently, first.then.next was updated on October 11, 2026 and StackMap on October 2, 2026.

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