Comparison

DonKeyBoard AAC vs Calmika

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

Head to head
About

DonKeyBoard AAC

This app facilitates communication for individuals with speech difficulties using pictograms, voice, and text. It offers a customizable interface and offline functionality to support everyday expression of needs, emotions, and messages.

Highlights
  • Pictogram, voice, and text communication
  • Tap to speak, press and hold for phrases
  • In-app typing and favorites
  • Customizable buttons, icons, and colors
  • Personal photos for custom buttons
  • Adjustable voice settings
  • Offline functionality
Features
Read full description

DonKeyBoard is an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app that helps people express themselves in a fast, clear, and accessible way. Using pictograms, voice, and text, it supports everyday communication for needs, pain, emotions, actions, and important daily messages. DonKeyBoard is designed for people with communication difficulties, including: • children and adults with autism or language delay • people with aphasia • people with ALS • people recovering after surgery • anyone who needs an easier and more immediate way to make themselves understood The app is free, works 100% offline, and does not collect personal data. DonKeyBoard is built around simplicity, speed, and personalization, so each user can adapt it to their own communication style. Main features • Fast communication with pictograms, voice, and text • Tap once to speak a message • Press and hold to expand the phrase • In-app typing • Favorites for quick access to important content • Customizable buttons, categories, icons, colors, and text size • Personal photos for custom buttons • Hide, reorder, and adapt buttons for each user • Adjustable voice, speech rate, and pitch • Send messages to three selected contacts • A built-in game to learn how to use the app • Export and import profiles, including preferences, custom buttons, and photos All content works directly on the device, making DonKeyBoard reliable in everyday situations even without an internet connection. DonKeyBoard was created from a very personal motivation: to build a tool that could genuinely make daily communication easier. The project continues to evolve through real-world use and feedback from families, caregivers, teachers, and professionals. For suggestions, questions, or feedback, contact: donkeyboard@icloud.com

About

Calmika

Features
Read full description

Calmika helps families support autistic and neurodivergent children with calm, visual everyday tools. The app combines AAC communication boards, visual routines, first-then support, calm-down activities, social stories, coloring, music, learning games, and parent guidance in one child-friendly environment. Calmika is completely free and ad-free. All features are available without a subscription or in-app purchase. Calmika is built for predictable, low-pressure use: soft visuals, simple navigation, parent-gated settings, and a design focused on everyday family routines rather than ads or overstimulating rewards. Calmika does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or therapy replacement. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://calmika.com/privacy

Screenshots

DonKeyBoard AAC4 screens
Calmika4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: DonKeyBoard AAC at none against Calmika's 3. Calmika's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.6). On price, update cadence, ads 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

Both are free to download. Calmika sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. DonKeyBoard AAC asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
DonKeyBoard AAC versus Calmika: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDonKeyBoard AACCalmika
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.613.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size14 MB93 MB
Age rating+44+
DeveloperGuappa Desarrollo Integral SLDavid Kovacs

In-app purchases

None

DonKeyBoard AAC

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Calmika

Subscriptions2
  • Calmika Pro Monthly$3.991 Month
  • Calmika Pro Annual$39.991 Year
One-time1
  • Calmika Pro Lifetime$69.99

Questions

Is DonKeyBoard AAC free?
DonKeyBoard AAC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Calmika free?
Calmika is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do DonKeyBoard AAC or Calmika have ads?
Neither DonKeyBoard AAC nor Calmika shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DonKeyBoard AAC or Calmika?
DonKeyBoard AAC ships an update every 3 weeks, and Calmika every 3 weeks. Most recently, DonKeyBoard AAC was updated on October 21, 2026 and Calmika on October 5, 2026.

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