Trusted by 100,000+ Families
Trusted by 100,000+ Families
CBoard and TouchChat’s AAC apps have some key differences. CBoard is free and easy to get started, making it great for affordable early communication. TouchChat, on the other hand, offers extensive vocabulary options and customizable layouts. In the table below, we’ll compare features like pricing, vocabulary, and ease of use to help you decide which AAC app is best for your needs.
Cboard |
TouchChat |
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|---|---|---|
| Good for Early Communication |
Requires a log-in to access, which means younger kids must rely on caregivers to access their voice.
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Is great for kids who need an interactive board that guides them to make sentences based on the selected word.
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| Affordable Pricing |
Free. But CBoard depends on charitable donations, which means the future of CBoard may not be certain.
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The $9.99 lite version has no voice output, which can defeat much of the purpose of the app. The HD version is $149.99 and pro version is almost $300. There is no family sharing. Dedicated devices cost over $4,000.
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| Easy to Get Started |
Set-up is simple (under 15 minutes). However, there is little support for customizing and learning more about its functionality. CBoard has an extensive FAQ page on their website but offers little more than that.
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There is an intense programming set up process and a 108-page manual for parents.
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| Easy Parent Modeling |
There is no apparent way to search for a word while web-based app is active.
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The Word Finder feature is on the app itself within the keyboard functionality, meaning caregivers must take the device away from the user to show them how to find a word.
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| Incentives to practice |
There is no attached reward system that encourages new users to learn a new way to communicate.
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TouchChat does not have any internal motivators to practice.
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| Natural voices and language availability |
CBoard offers natural voices in 33 languages.
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Available in English, Spanish, Hebrew, and Arabic. However, many voices have to be purchased separately.
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| Customer Support |
Offline support is only available on android or desktop via google chrome.
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LiveChat or calling support is only offered when subscribed to a premium support plans. If you are using the Lite app, you have to rely on support articles for help.
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| Motor Planning |
Users can drag pictograms/symbols or folders to wherever they want by "unlocking" them. This can make it difficult for AAC users to learn where words are if they keep getting moved around.
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The vocabulary avaiable is WordPower, a word-based page set made by Nancy L. Inman, M.A.T., CCC-SLP. This type of board helps users create sentences "on the fly."
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| Simplicity of screen |
Words and images are big and easy to find. CBoard also has scrolling. However, the movement of words when adding vocabulary can get confusing!
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Buttons are often small and thin in size when using it to its fullest potential, requiring good finger dexterity.
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| Affordable dedicated device option |
Cboard does not offer a device. It is web-based only, meaning protection of hardware is the sole responsiblity of parents or caregivers.
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The only available dedicated device is a NovaChat by Saltillo or TouchChat Express, which are over $4,000 in cost.
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| Communication with spelling |
No- CBoard functions with symbol-based words and does not have a separate keyboard to type out words letter-by-letter.
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TouchChat offers a keyboard for creating words from letters. It also has head tracking.
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| Reminders to Practice |
There is no reminder feature or visual schedule included in CBoard.
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No built-in incentives to grow in communication.
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| Image and Symbol Quality |
CBoard is open source, meaning there were many different contributors to its content. User can upload any images they would like, as well as record their own audio for symbols.
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You have to purchase additional symbol libraries and voices to make it uniquely customized.
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| Fun Games to Build Skills |
CBoard does not provide strategies to improve finger dexterity.
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Touch Chat has no external or supporting games that improve AAC users' finger dexterity.
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| Care team access |
CBoard has community board sharing and is always accessible from the web.
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The app is limited to devices logged in on the apple ID used to purchase the software.
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