Comparison

MN Executive Function Scale vs Grid for iPad

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

Head to head
About

MN Executive Function Scale

This app provides a brief, standardized assessment of executive function skills for ages 2 and up. Developed by neuroscience experts, it uses an engaging virtual card-sorting game to measure cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibitory control. Results are accessible via a secure web portal for tracking growth and early detection of difficulties.

Highlights
  • Standardized executive function assessment
  • Virtual card-sorting game
  • Adaptive to individual ability
  • Measures cognitive flexibility, working memory, inhibitory control
  • Secure web portal for score access and tracking
  • Early detection of EF difficulties
  • Formative assessment for educational programs
Features
Read full description

The Minnesota Executive Function Scale (MEFS) is a subscription service for assessing executive function skills using a brief, standardized instrument administered on an iPad®. Executive function refers to the neuro-cognitive skills needed for successful learning and performance in school, at work, and in life. They include cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibitory control. How does the MEFS work? The MEFS is easy to use, but is intended to be administered only by trained and certified examiners. That is how you can be sure the MEFS results and norms are reliable and valid. The App will be fully accessible to subscribing organizations with secure login credentials provided by Reflection Sciences upon signed user license agreement. FEATURES + Created by leading research experts in developmental neuroscience + Early childhood version designed for ages 2-7 + Select an avatar to play along + Virtual card-sorting game with 7 levels of challenge + Intuitive drag and drop responses + Adaptive to individual EF ability + Takes 3 to 7 min to complete (average 4 min) + Reliable, valid, and normed + Backed by a secure web portal to immediately access scores and track growth on individuals or groups + Screening provides early detection of potential EF difficulties + Formative assessment complements educational curricula and programs designed to improve EF skills + Youth and Adult U.S. norms based on over 34,000 individuals

About

Grid for iPad

This app provides a comprehensive Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solution for individuals with diverse communication needs. It offers flexible tools, evidence-based resources, and customizable features that adapt as users' needs evolve.

Highlights
  • Evidence-based AAC resources
  • Online community grid sets
  • In-app and remote editing
  • AI-powered design tools
  • Multiple symbol libraries
  • Multilingual support
  • Pre-built communication resources
Features
Read full description

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. Simple, flexible pricing: Grid for iPad is available through a monthly subscription with a 30-day FREE trial or as a one-off purchase. You can cancel your subscription at any time. 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 call

The clearest difference is rating: Grid for iPad at 3.6 against MN Executive Function Scale's 3.0. Grid for iPad also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (18 vs 2). MN Executive Function Scale's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4). On price, review sentiment, 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. Grid for iPad sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $10.99 per month. MN Executive Function Scale asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Grid for iPad holds the better App Store score, 3.6 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Grid for iPad has 18 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 50% and 50% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MN Executive Function Scale ships an update every 2 months, Grid for iPad fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
MN Executive Function Scale versus Grid for iPad: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMN Executive Function ScaleGrid for iPad
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.0 (2 ratings)3.6 (18 ratings) — better
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings218 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationSubscriptionFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPadiPad
Requires iOS15.115.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size31 MB1.4 GB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperReflection Sciences LLCSmartbox Assistive Technology

Customer experience

MN Executive Function Scale

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

Grid for iPad

All ratings18 ratings
Positive61.1%
Neutral5.6%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews12 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

None

MN Executive Function Scale

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

Grid for iPad

Subscriptions1
  • Grid for iPad Subscription1 Month trial$10.991 Month
One-time3
  • Metacom Symbol Library$49.99
  • PODD for Grid (English)$99.00
  • Grid for iPad full licence$299.99

Questions

Is MN Executive Function Scale free?
MN Executive Function Scale is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Grid for iPad free?
Grid for iPad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, MN Executive Function Scale or Grid for iPad?
Grid for iPad is rated higher. MN Executive Function Scale averages 3.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Grid for iPad averages 3.6 from 18 ratings.
Do MN Executive Function Scale or Grid for iPad have ads?
Neither MN Executive Function Scale nor Grid for iPad shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MN Executive Function Scale or Grid for iPad?
MN Executive Function Scale ships an update every 2 months, and Grid for iPad fortnightly. Most recently, MN Executive Function Scale was updated on October 2, 2026 and Grid for iPad on October 1, 2026.

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