# GoTalk® Start vs simPODD

The clearest difference is price: simPODD at Free against GoTalk® Start's $19.99. simPODD also leads on review sentiment (78% vs 33%). GoTalk® Start's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

simPODD is free to download; GoTalk® Start costs $19.99 up front. GoTalk® Start sells 13 one-off in-app purchases 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.

GoTalk® Start ships an update every 6 weeks, simPODD every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and September 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GoTalk® Start | simPODD |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | — | **[4.5 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpodd/id1464489596/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **21** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **77.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 230 MB | 539 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Attainment Company](https://appshunter.io/developer/403989333) | [AssistiveWare](https://appshunter.io/developer/308368167) |

## What reviewers say

### GoTalk® Start

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gotalk-start/id675151598)

This communication app assists individuals with speaking difficulties by providing customizable pages for recorded messages, text-to-speech, and visual aids. Users can create communication books with various layouts and integrate images, videos, and music.

**Highlights:** Adjustable page layouts, Customizable navigation, Recorded and text-to-speech capabilities, Included symbol set, Multiple communication page styles, Internet image search

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Vidhi | $0.99 | one-time |
| Ella | $11.99 | one-time |
| Josh | $11.99 | one-time |
| Carmen | $11.99 | one-time |
| Vidhi English | $11.99 | one-time |
| Ready-Set-Communicate | $19.99 | one-time |
| Talk All Day | $19.99 | one-time |
| Core! Start NOW | $39.99 | one-time |
| SymbolStix | $49.99 | one-time |
| METACOM (German Keywords) | $55.99 | one-time |
| AAC2go (Girl 3-10) | $79.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade to GoTalk NOW Features | $104.99 | one-time |
| ZAK Kommunikationsbuch für Kinder | $199.99 | 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 GoTalk® Start free?

GoTalk® Start costs $19.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is simPODD free?

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

### Do GoTalk® Start or simPODD have ads?

Neither GoTalk® Start nor simPODD shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, GoTalk® Start or simPODD?

GoTalk® Start ships an update every 6 weeks, and simPODD every 2 months. Most recently, GoTalk® Start was updated on September 20, 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.*