Updated September 6, 2026 by Little Words Editorial
Which AAC devices should you compare?
AAC options include communication boards, recorded-message buttons, apps on tablets, and dedicated speech-generating devices. Current product families include Tobii Dynavox TD I-Series, TD Pilot, TD Navio and TD I-110; PRC-Saltillo Accent, NovaChat and Via; Lingraphica TouchTalk Plus, TouchTalk and MiniTalk; and AbleNet QuickTalker Freestyle. Compare access method, vocabulary, portability, support and total cost before choosing.
This is a source-checked directory of selected AAC options, not an exhaustive catalog or a hands-on product ranking. Product links below go to manufacturers or the developer's app listing. Hardware configurations, app editions and funding terms can change.
What is an AAC device, and who actually needs one?
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) helps a person communicate alongside speech or when speech does not meet their needs. AAC can include gestures, paper boards, text and electronic speech output. A speech-generating device is one type of AAC. An app becomes part of an AAC system when it is used on compatible hardware.
ASHA's AAC practice portal supports considering AAC without requiring a particular age or a set of prerequisite skills. Assessment should match the person's communication, language, sensory and movement needs. A device list helps prepare questions; it cannot decide which system fits an individual.
What are the main types of AAC devices?
| Type | What it does | Example | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unaided communication | Uses the body without an external tool | Gestures and manual signs | Whether communication partners understand the message |
| Paper or other low-tech aids | Displays symbols, pictures, letters or words | A communication board or book | Readable layout and a reliable selection method |
| Recorded-message devices | Plays stored recordings when activated | BIGmack | Number of available messages and how recordings are changed |
| AAC software on a tablet | Builds messages with symbols or text | Proloquo2Go on a compatible iPad | App edition, hardware, access settings and backups |
| Dedicated speech-generating devices | Combines communication hardware, software and support | TD I-Series or an Accent configuration | Exact access equipment, mounting, warranty and funding quote |
List of AAC devices by manufacturer and access approach
The table separates product families from apps. A family may contain several sizes or configurations. "Ask about" entries are comparison questions from Little Words, not claims that every configuration includes the feature.
| Product | Manufacturer and format | Useful distinction | Ask about before ordering |
|---|---|---|---|
| TD I-Series | Tobii Dynavox; Windows device | Eye-gaze communication; current I-13 and I-16 sizes | Positioning, calibration and the software used during a trial |
| TD Pilot | Tobii Dynavox; iPad-based device | Eye-controlled communication in the iPad ecosystem | Mounting and access in the person's usual seating |
| TD Navio | Tobii Dynavox; iPad-based device | Touch-based AAC device family | Screen size and carrying setup |
| TD I-110 | Tobii Dynavox; Windows device | Rugged touch-screen speech-generating device | Access settings, weight and daily charging routine |
| Accent | PRC-Saltillo; dedicated device family | One of the manufacturer's three principal hardware lines | Vocabulary system and access configuration on the quoted model |
| NovaChat | PRC-Saltillo; dedicated device family | A separate hardware line from Accent and Via | Screen size, vocabulary and accessories included in the trial |
| Via | PRC-Saltillo; dedicated device family | A hardware family, distinct from buying an AAC app alone | Included app, access equipment and support |
| TouchTalk Plus | Lingraphica; AAC device | The larger-screen option in the current three-size range | Visual layout and space for the device at home |
| TouchTalk | Lingraphica; AAC device | Portable option in the same device range | Everyday carrying and partner support |
| MiniTalk | Lingraphica; AAC device | Compact option | Whether smaller targets remain easy to see and select |
| QuickTalker Freestyle | AbleNet; app-based speech device | Manufacturer offers a choice of speech app and device size | Trial, selected app, benefit check and support terms |
| BIGmack | AbleNet; recorded-message device | Plays one recorded message, up to two minutes | Whether a single message meets the intended activity |
For a closer look, use our guides to eye-gaze AAC, Lingraphica devices, NovaChat and AbleNet devices. A recorded-message button can support an activity, but it offers a different range of expression from a vocabulary system that builds new messages.
What AAC apps work on an iPad or another device?
| App | Platform or purchase distinction | What to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Proloquo2Go | AssistiveWare app for compatible Apple devices; one-time app purchase | Symbol vocabulary, languages, grid layout and access options |
| TouchChat HD with WordPower | Apple app listing; distinguish the WordPower edition from other TouchChat editions | Included vocabulary files and any separately purchased options |
| LAMP Words for Life | PRC-Saltillo iOS app; a Discover trial is also listed | Vocabulary organization and the exact trial or full-app terms |
| TD Snap | Available for iPad and Windows; licensing depends on the platform | Page set, speaking features and subscription or device entitlement |
Do not assume that an Apple app has an Android version, or that a free download includes permanent speech output. Check the developer's current compatibility and licensing information. Our Proloquo2Go guide and TouchChat guide provide more focused starting points.
How much do AAC devices cost?
Separate the app price, hardware price and a funded device quote. For example, AbleNet listed BIGmack at US $155 when checked September 6, 2026. That is a recorded-message product price, not the price of a full vocabulary device. Several dedicated device pages use a quote or funding inquiry instead of a universal checkout price.
Illustrative budget, not a vendor quote: if a tablet costs $350, an app $250 and a case $60, the initial total is $660 before tax. A hypothetical $10 monthly app subscription adds $120 per year. Enter the actual price of the edition and hardware you choose rather than using those example amounts as current market prices.
| Cost line | Question for the seller or funding team |
|---|---|
| Hardware | Which exact device and storage configuration are included? |
| Software | Is the full vocabulary licensed, and are renewals or extras separate? |
| Access equipment | Are the keyguard, switch interface, eye tracker or mount included? |
| Support and repairs | What happens during a repair, and is a loaner available? |
| Family payment | What deductible, coinsurance or noncovered items remain after approval? |
Does insurance cover AAC devices, and how does funding work?
A funding inquiry is separate from a product recommendation. Tobii Dynavox describes a process involving an SLP evaluation, physician prescription, documentation and an insurer's review on its device page. AbleNet offers a benefit check and hands-on trial route. Ask the relevant provider for the requirements that apply to your plan and the proposed configuration.
Record who owns the device, whether it can travel between settings, the trial return date, and responsibility for repair or replacement. Do not assume an approval for one product covers another. Our AAC funding guide can help organize the next questions.
How do you compare two AAC systems during a trial?
Use the same everyday communication situations for both systems. The worksheet below is an original Little Words planning aid, not a standardized assessment or a score that selects a device. Bring observations to the AAC team and include the communicator's own preferences.
Download the editable AAC comparison worksheet (CSV). It opens in common spreadsheet apps and can be printed. No sign-in is required.
| Try or observe | System A | System B |
|---|---|---|
| Say something chosen by the communicator, not only answer a question | Record message and help needed | Record message and help needed |
| Request, refuse, comment and ask a question | Record which messages were available | Record which messages were available |
| Use the system in usual seating and lighting | Record positioning and access observations | Record positioning and access observations |
| Carry it between two normal daily settings | Record setup and carrying needs | Record setup and carrying needs |
| Add a personally meaningful word and restore a backup | Record partner training needed | Record partner training needed |
Keep the trial context alongside each observation: date, activity, positioning, communication partner, setup and any support provided. A difficult first encounter may reflect unfamiliarity or configuration rather than the person's potential. Our AAC evaluation guide helps prepare for that discussion.
What about PECS, paper boards and a low-tech backup?
Paper communication supports can be used alongside electronic AAC. A backup should preserve access to useful messages when a device is charging, being repaired or unavailable. AssistiveWare provides downloadable communication boards on its Proloquo2Go page. PECS is a specific picture-exchange teaching approach; a generic picture board is not automatically a PECS program.
Plan for communication in more situations than requesting snacks or toys. A useful comparison includes ways to disagree, seek help, talk about people, ask questions and share interests. Keep the person's existing communication available throughout a trial.
Frequently asked questions
Is an AAC app the same as an AAC device?
An AAC app is software. It needs compatible hardware to run. A dedicated speech-generating device is a hardware and software configuration that may also include access equipment, support and a funding pathway.
Which AAC device is best for a nonspeaking child?
A diagnosis alone does not select a device. Compare usable access, language and vocabulary, daily settings, partner support and the child's preferences through an AAC evaluation and trials.
Can a child use AAC while working on speech?
Yes. AAC can supplement speech and can be part of a broader communication plan. Discuss speech goals and AAC access together with the child's speech-language pathologist.
Are TD Snap and Proloquo2Go physical devices?
They are AAC software products. They can run on compatible hardware; their licenses and supported platforms differ. Check the app and the device separately when comparing a quote.
Is the cheapest app price the total cost?
No. Add compatible hardware, protection, access accessories and any recurring license costs. For a funded device, request the amount the family would owe after the coverage decision.
How do I know whether eye gaze or touch is a better fit?
Trial the proposed access method with appropriate positioning and support. Record what works in normal daily settings and review it with the AAC team. A product description cannot establish an individual's access needs.
Sources and update method
Little Words Editorial checked the linked manufacturer product pages and developer listing on September 6, 2026. We used them for product names, format and purchase distinctions. Comparison questions and the worksheet are our editorial contribution. We have not hands-on tested these devices and do not claim clinical review of this article. See our editorial standards.