PECS IV+ vs Grid for iPad
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
PECS IV+
This communication app is no longer available for new users, with a successor app recommended. Current users will receive a final update and migration instructions to the new app, with a limited free trial period for the new service.
- Augmentative and alternative communication
- Speech and language development
- Communication aid
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
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PECS IV+ is no longer available to purchase for new users!! New users should purchase our latest communication app, PECSTalk™. In the coming weeks, an updated and final version of PECS IV+ will be released to current PECS IV+ users along with step-by-step instructions on how to transition from PECS IV+ to PECSTalk. Those that are interested will have the opportunity to migrate to Pyramid’s newest communication app, PECSTalk, at no charge for 90 days. After the 90 days, users will still be able to migrate to the new app, but a small fee will be charge. PECS IV+ users that do not transition to PECSTalk will continue to have use of the PECS IV+ app on their device, but Pyramid will no longer release future updates.
Grid for iPad
This app provides a comprehensive Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solution for individuals with diverse communication needs. It offers a wide range of symbol sets, customizable layouts, and AI-powered tools to facilitate clear and personalized communication.
- Evidence-based AAC resources
- Online Grids for community content
- In-app and Remote Editing
- AI-powered tools
- Multiple symbol sets (SymbolStix, PCS, Widgit)
- Multilingual support
- Pre-built communication tools (Super Core, Alpha Core, Text Talker)
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This version can be purchased under the Apple VPP service as well as on the App Store. Free 30 day trial available with the Grid for iPad - AAC version. Search 'Grid for iPad' in the App Store. Grid for iPad is a complete Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solution designed for people of all ages and communication needs. It offers a range of resources, flexible communication tools, and options that can be adapted over time. Try it FREE for 30 days - voices included! Key features: ► A range of included content for people who need symbol or text based AAC, including Super Core, Voco Chat, and Text Talker ► Suitable for use with touch access or switches. ► Evidence-based symbol AAC vocabularies, created by experienced speech and language therapists and education professionals, with a focus on vocabulary for communicating within everyday routines and activities. ► Includes SymbolStix, PCS and Widgit symbols – choose the symbol library that is most suitable, to match the symbols already being used in the environment, or to support transition from other AAC systems. ► Voices and grid sets for over 20 languages to support communication in a range of languages. Ideal for multilingual families or classrooms. Why families and professionals choose Grid for iPad for children and adults with communication difficulties: ► In-app editing – Fast, intuitive editing makes it easy to add new words, personalise vocabulary, and adapt layouts to the needs of the individual. ► Remote Editing – SLTs, teachers and families can edit any time, without needing the device in their hands. ► Powerful voice technology – Choose from a range of voices, including the latest AI powered multilingual voices from ElevenLabs, or for those who are able to, record your own voice messages. ► AI Powered Tools - Make use of optional tools to correct typing errors, or support the user to change the tone or wording of their message. ► Talk to your Smart Speaker – Use Grid for iPad to speak instructions to smart home devices, request music, hear the latest news and weather, play games and ask questions. ► Online Grids – Do even more with Grid for iPad by searching and downloading FREE ready-made grid sets created by clinicians, educators, and the Grid community. What’s included: ► Super Core - Evidence-based core vocabulary focused on communication within everyday routines and activities. Designed for supporting AAC learners from single words to building full sentences. Available in 30‑cell and 50‑cell sizes, with simpler 12 and 20 cell learning grids for those just starting out. ►Voco Chat – Designed to enable users to communicate for a wide range of reasons, with supported message pathways and carefully chosen vocabulary, for fast and efficient symbol communication. ► Alpha Core - Offers a range of text-based layouts to support the communication of people with changing physical abilities, with quick access to predictive text and common phrases, alongside a keyboard of your choice. ► Text Talker - Enabling people to say what they want to say in the moment, or prepare and save messages in advance for faster conversations. ►Aphasia Duo - Designed specifically for people with aphasia and their communication partners to support participation in everyday life, including a range of word-finding and conversational supports, and whiteboard for writing and drawing. ► PODD (in-app purchase) - Created by Australian Speech Pathologist Gayle Porter, PODD organises language according to the reason for communication, designed to support spontaneous communication in any situation. ► And MUCH more - Grid for iPad also includes a range of interactive learning activities (just try Dilbert the Dog!), animated communication from Symoji, and educational resources. Contact our tech support experts any time at support@thinksmartbox.com For more details on our evidence-based vocabularies, visit the Smartbox Hub.
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: PECS IV+ at $99.00 against Grid for iPad's $299.99. PECS IV+ also leads on rating (3.5 vs 2.0) and review sentiment (60% vs 25%). Grid for iPad's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On ads, monetization model 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
PECS IV+ costs $99.00 and Grid for iPad $299.99 up front. Grid for iPad sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. PECS IV+ asks for nothing beyond the download.
PECS IV+ holds the better App Store score, 3.5 against 2.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12 and 4 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of PECS IV+'s written reviews are positive against 25% of Grid for iPad's.
PECS IV+ ships an update every 2 months, Grid for iPad fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on June 5, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | PECS IV+ | Grid for iPad |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 — better | $299.99 |
| Rating | 3.5 (12 ratings) — better | 2.0 (4 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews — better | 25.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 12 — better | 4 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 10.3 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 263 MB | 1.4 GB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Pyramid Global Communication Technology LLC | Smartbox Assistive Technology |
Customer experience
PECS IV+
Grid for iPad
In-app purchases
PECS IV+
No in-app purchases
Grid for iPad
- Metacom Symbol Library$49.99
- PODD for Grid (English)$99.00









