PECS IV+ vs Symbol Overlay Maker
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.
Symbol Overlay Maker
Easily create printable symbol overlays for communication devices and switches. Supports core words, classroom activities, and home communication with a large symbol library.
- Create printable symbol overlays
- Supports speech devices and switches
- Includes SymbolStix symbol set
- Supports core words and activities
- Printable for home and classroom use
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The AbleNet Symbol Overlay app supports best outcomes by providing an easy way for therapists, teachers, and parents to quickly create printable symbol overlays for AbleNet speech devices and accessibility switches. Individuals benefit from the added context and support a symbol overlay provides. The AbleNet Symbol Overlay Maker app now includes the best-in-class SymbolStix symbol set with thousands of high-quality symbols. Create and print symbol overlays to support core words, activities in the classroom, and communication at home.
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Symbol Overlay Maker at Free against PECS IV+'s $99.00. PECS IV+'s advantage is rating (3.5 vs 2.0) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 6 months). 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
Symbol Overlay Maker is free to download; PECS IV+ costs $99.00 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
PECS IV+ holds the better App Store score, 3.5 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PECS IV+ has 12 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.
PECS IV+ ships an update every 2 months, Symbol Overlay Maker every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on June 5, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | PECS IV+ | Symbol Overlay Maker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | Free — better |
| Rating | 3.5 (12 ratings) — better | 2.0 (2 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 12 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 6 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Free — better |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 10.3 — better | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 263 MB | 142 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Pyramid Global Communication Technology LLC | AbleNet |
Customer experience
PECS IV+
Symbol Overlay Maker
In-app purchases
PECS IV+
No in-app purchases
Symbol Overlay Maker
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is PECS IV+ free?
Is Symbol Overlay Maker free?
Which has better reviews, PECS IV+ or Symbol Overlay Maker?
Do PECS IV+ or Symbol Overlay Maker have ads?
Which is updated more often, PECS IV+ or Symbol Overlay Maker?
Other comparisons
