Choosing an AAC app is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your child's communication. With so many options out there, it's hard to know what actually matters.
This guide breaks down the key features to look for so you can make an informed choice.
What Makes a Good AAC App?
Not all AAC apps are created equal. The best ones share several core qualities that directly impact how well your child can communicate.
1. Vocabulary Organization
Look for an app that uses a robust vocabulary system, not just a collection of pictures. The vocabulary should:
- Cover core words (want, go, more, stop, help) that make up the majority of everyday communication
- Include fringe vocabulary for specific topics and interests
- Allow you to customize and add words as needed
- Support folders and categories for organized navigation
2. Symbol Quality
Symbols are how AAC users understand and select words. Good symbols should be:
- Clear and recognizable at small sizes
- Consistent in style across the entire vocabulary
- Culturally appropriate for your family
- Available in large quantities (ideally thousands)
SabiKo includes over 8,400 symbols, enough to cover virtually any word your child needs.
3. Voice Quality
Text-to-speech is how the app speaks for your child. This matters more than most people realize:
- Neural voices sound natural and human-like
- Multiple voice options let your child choose one that feels like "theirs"
- Multilingual support is essential for bilingual families
- Offline voices ensure the app works anywhere
Poor voice quality can make a child reluctant to use their device. Look for an app with natural-sounding neural voices that feel right for your child.
4. Offline Capability
This is non-negotiable. Your child needs to communicate everywhere: at the park, in the car, at a relative's house. An app that requires internet is an app that will fail when it's needed most.
Make sure all core features work offline:
- Symbol boards and vocabulary
- Text-to-speech
- Customization and editing
5. Customization
Every AAC user is different. The app should let you:
- Adjust grid sizes from simple (2x2) to complex (12x12)
- Add custom words and symbols
- Create personalized boards for specific activities or environments
- Import vocabulary packs for quick setup
- Record custom audio for personal phrases
6. Multiple Profiles
If you're a parent with multiple children, a therapist working with several clients, or a school with shared devices, you need separate profiles. Each profile should have its own:
- Vocabulary and boards
- Voice settings
- Grid size preferences
- Communication history
The Cost Question
AAC apps range dramatically in price:
| App | Price |
|---|---|
| Traditional AAC apps | $250 to $300 upfront |
| SabiKo Free | $0 |
| SabiKo Pro | $29.99/year or $79.99 lifetime |
Price alone shouldn't drive your decision, but it's worth noting that expensive doesn't always mean better. Many premium-priced apps haven't been updated in years, while newer apps like SabiKo offer modern features at a fraction of the cost. If you're weighing SabiKo against a specific competitor, we've written head-to-head comparisons: SabiKo vs. Proloquo2Go and SabiKo vs. TouchChat.
Red Flags to Watch For
Avoid AAC apps that:
- Require internet for basic functions. Your child can't lose their voice because of Wi-Fi.
- Have limited vocabulary. A few hundred words isn't enough for real communication.
- Don't allow customization. One-size-fits-all doesn't work in AAC.
- Use robotic voices. Voice quality affects willingness to use the app.
- Haven't been updated recently. Active development means ongoing improvements.
How to Evaluate: A Checklist
Before committing to an AAC app, test these scenarios:
- Can your child find common words quickly? Try navigating to "want," "more," "help," and "go."
- Can you add a custom word? Try adding your child's pet's name or a favorite food.
- Does it work in airplane mode? Turn off Wi-Fi and test everything.
- Is the voice acceptable? Listen to full sentences, not just single words.
- Can you adjust the grid size? Start simple and verify you can increase complexity later.
Our Recommendation
We built SabiKo because we believe every family deserves access to high-quality AAC without financial barriers. It's free to start, works offline, includes 8,400+ symbols and natural voices, and runs on both iOS and Android.
But the best AAC app is the one your child will actually use. Try several options, involve your SLP, and let your child's preferences guide your decision.
Download SabiKo free and see if it's the right fit for your family.