If you're choosing the right AAC app, Proloquo2Go has probably come up in every conversation. It's been one of the most well-known options for over a decade. SabiKo is newer, built with modern technology and a different pricing philosophy.
This comparison is honest. Both apps have real strengths. The best choice depends on your situation.
Quick Overview
| Feature | SabiKo | Proloquo2Go |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | iOS and Android | iOS only |
| Price | Free tier / $29.99 per year / $79.99 lifetime | ~$250 one-time |
| Symbols | 8,400+ | SymbolStix (14,000+) |
| Voices | 6 free, 37 with Pro | Multiple built-in voices |
| Offline | Full offline support | Full offline support |
| Languages | 5 (EN, ES, FR, DE, PT) | 4+ languages |
| Vocabulary system | Core word board with categories | Crescendo (progressive) |
| Profiles | 1 free, up to 10 with Pro | Single user |
Vocabulary System
Proloquo2Go uses the Crescendo vocabulary system, designed to grow with the user. It starts simple and progressively reveals more vocabulary as the user advances. SLPs who have worked with Proloquo2Go for years often know this system inside and out, which means faster setup and better support.
SabiKo uses a core word board organized by categories, with 200+ core words available in the free tier. The board editing tools let you rearrange, add, and customize vocabulary. With Pro, you get access to vocabulary packs covering 91 words across 5 languages.
Both approaches work. Crescendo has more clinical research behind it. SabiKo's system is more flexible for families who want to build their own boards from scratch.
Symbol Libraries
Proloquo2Go uses SymbolStix, a well-established symbol set with over 14,000 symbols. These symbols are widely recognized in clinical and educational settings. Many SLPs and teachers already use SymbolStix in their materials, which creates consistency for the AAC user.
SabiKo offers over 8,400 symbols. While the library is smaller, it covers the vocabulary most users need for daily communication. The symbols are clear and recognizable at all grid sizes.
Voice Quality
SabiKo includes 6 neural voices for free and 37 with Pro. Neural voices sound natural and human-like, which matters more than people think. A voice that sounds good is a voice the user is more willing to use in public.
Proloquo2Go also includes high-quality built-in voices with options for different ages and genders. Both apps deliver strong voice quality.
The difference: SabiKo gives you access to quality neural voices without paying anything. With Proloquo2Go, voices are included in the $250 purchase price.
Platform Support
This is one of the biggest differences.
Proloquo2Go is iOS only. If your family uses Android devices, or if you need the app on a shared Android tablet at school, Proloquo2Go simply isn't an option.
SabiKo works on both iOS and Android. This matters in several situations:
- Families who use a mix of Apple and Android devices
- Schools that use Android tablets
- Situations where the AAC user needs access on whatever device is available
- Families who may switch platforms in the future
Pricing
This is where the two apps diverge sharply.
Proloquo2Go costs approximately $250 as a one-time purchase. That's a significant investment, especially if you're not sure AAC is the right fit yet. However, you own it permanently with no recurring fees. For families who are committed and know Proloquo2Go works for them, this can be good value over time.
SabiKo offers a free tier that includes the message bar, grammar correction, 200+ core words, 8,400+ symbols, 6 neural voices, board editing, word prediction, visual schedule, visual timer, choice maker, communication passport (About Me with PDF export), cloud sync, and 1 profile. That's a substantial feature set at no cost.
SabiKo Pro adds all 37 voices, up to 10 profiles, usage stats with PDF/CSV export, sound board, draw board, print board, custom audio, vocabulary packs, custom grid layouts, and a high contrast theme. It costs $29.99 per year or $79.99 for lifetime access.
| Pricing comparison | SabiKo Free | SabiKo Pro | Proloquo2Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $0 | $29.99/year or $79.99 lifetime | ~$250 |
| Core vocabulary | 200+ words | 200+ words + vocabulary packs | Crescendo system |
| Voices | 6 neural | 37 neural | Multiple built-in |
| Profiles | 1 | Up to 10 | 1 |
The free tier lets you try SabiKo thoroughly before spending anything. With Proloquo2Go, you're committing $250 upfront.
Offline Support
Both apps work fully offline. This is essential for AAC. Your child needs to communicate at the park, in the car, during a power outage, everywhere. Both SabiKo and Proloquo2Go pass this test.
Where Proloquo2Go Has the Edge
Let's be direct about what Proloquo2Go does better.
Clinical track record. Proloquo2Go has been around since 2009. It has years of use in clinical settings, schools, and therapy programs. Many SLPs are trained specifically on Proloquo2Go and can provide expert setup and customization support.
Larger symbol library. With 14,000+ SymbolStix symbols, Proloquo2Go covers more niche vocabulary out of the box.
Crescendo research. The Crescendo vocabulary system has been refined over many years and has clinical research supporting its effectiveness for progressive language development.
Established ecosystem. There are books, courses, therapy guides, and community resources built specifically around Proloquo2Go. If you want a large support community, it's hard to beat.
Where SabiKo Has the Edge
Cross-platform. SabiKo runs on iOS and Android. Proloquo2Go does not.
Free tier. You can use SabiKo with a genuinely useful feature set at no cost. This is especially valuable for families exploring AAC for the first time, or for those looking at free AAC apps because a $250 app isn't in the budget.
Modern voices at no cost. Six neural voices, free. No $250 entry fee required.
Multiple profiles (Pro). SabiKo Pro supports up to 10 profiles, making it practical for therapists and schools with shared devices.
Multilingual vocabulary packs (Pro). SabiKo Pro includes vocabulary packs in 5 languages: English, Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese.
Additional tools. SabiKo includes a visual schedule, visual timer, choice maker, and communication passport in the free tier. These tools are useful beyond just symbol-based communication.
Who Should Choose Proloquo2Go?
Proloquo2Go is a strong choice if:
- You use only Apple devices
- Your SLP is experienced with Proloquo2Go and recommends it
- Your child already uses SymbolStix symbols in other settings
- You want an app with a long clinical track record
- The $250 price is manageable for your budget
Who Should Choose SabiKo?
SabiKo is a strong choice if:
- You need an app that works on Android (or both platforms)
- You want to try a full-featured AAC app before committing financially
- You need multiple profiles on a shared device
- You want modern neural voices without a high upfront cost
- Your family speaks multiple languages
- You want built-in tools like visual schedules and timers alongside AAC
Our Honest Take
Proloquo2Go earned its reputation. It's a capable, well-supported AAC app with years of clinical use behind it. If your therapist recommends it and you're on iOS, it's a solid choice.
SabiKo was built to make AAC accessible to more families. Cross-platform support, a generous free tier, and modern features at a lower price point mean fewer barriers between your child and communication.
The best approach? Try SabiKo for free and see how it fits. If you're also considering Proloquo2Go, ask your SLP for their perspective based on your child's specific needs.
Download SabiKo free and start exploring today.