TouchChat is one of the most feature-rich AAC apps available, particularly popular in schools and clinical settings. SabiKo takes a different approach, focusing on accessibility and cross-platform support. Here's how they compare.
At a Glance
| Feature | SabiKo | TouchChat |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | iOS and Android | iOS only |
| Price | Free tier / $29.99 per year / $79.99 lifetime | $149.99 to $299.99 one-time |
| Vocabulary systems | Core word board with categories | WordPower, Sequenced |
| Symbols | 8,400+ | PCS (Boardmaker symbols) |
| Voices | 6 free, 37 with Pro | Acapela voices |
| Offline | Full offline support | Full offline support |
| Languages | 5 (EN, ES, FR, DE, PT) | Multiple language options |
| Profiles | 1 free, up to 10 with Pro | Single user |
Vocabulary Systems
TouchChat offers two well-known vocabulary systems: WordPower and Sequenced. WordPower is a motor-planning approach where words stay in consistent locations, building muscle memory over time. Sequenced uses a step-by-step navigation structure. Both systems have been developed by experienced AAC professionals and are widely used in therapy.
SabiKo uses a core word board organized by categories. It comes with 200+ core words in the free tier and supports full board editing so you can customize the layout to match your user's needs. SabiKo Pro adds vocabulary packs with 91 words across 5 languages.
WordPower's motor-planning approach is a genuine strength for users who benefit from consistent word placement. If your SLP has recommended motor planning specifically, that's worth factoring in.
Symbols
TouchChat uses PCS (Picture Communication Symbols), the same symbol set found in Boardmaker. PCS symbols are arguably the most widely used AAC symbols in the world. Many schools, therapy clinics, and educational materials use PCS, so your child may already recognize them. For a deeper look at how different symbol sets compare, see our symbol-based AAC apps guide.
SabiKo includes 8,400+ symbols that are clear and recognizable across grid sizes. While the library is smaller than PCS, it covers the vocabulary needed for everyday communication.
Voice Options
SabiKo provides 6 neural voices for free and 37 with Pro across multiple languages. Neural voices sound natural, which encourages users to communicate in public without feeling self-conscious.
TouchChat uses Acapela voices, which are good quality and available in multiple languages. The voices are included in the purchase price.
Both apps deliver solid voice quality. SabiKo's advantage is that you get quality neural voices in the free tier.
Platform Support
TouchChat is iOS only. Like many established AAC apps, it was built for the iPad ecosystem.
SabiKo runs on both iOS and Android. This is a practical difference for:
- Families with Android devices
- Schools that deploy Android tablets
- Situations where the user needs their AAC app on any available device
- Families who don't want to be locked into one platform
If you're on Android, this comparison is straightforward. TouchChat isn't available to you.
Pricing
The pricing models are fundamentally different.
TouchChat costs $149.99 for the base app and $299.99 with the WordPower vocabulary bundle. The base price includes the app, PCS symbols, and voices. The WordPower bundle adds the clinically popular WordPower page sets. There are no recurring fees.
SabiKo's free tier 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 with PDF export, cloud sync, and 1 profile.
SabiKo Pro ($29.99/year or $79.99 lifetime) adds all 37 voices, up to 10 profiles, usage stats with PDF/CSV export, sound board, draw board, print board, custom audio, vocabulary packs in 5 languages, custom grid layouts, and a high contrast theme.
| Cost breakdown | SabiKo Free | SabiKo Pro (lifetime) | TouchChat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $0 | $79.99 | $149.99 to $299.99 |
| Symbols | 8,400+ | 8,400+ | PCS library |
| Voices | 6 neural | 37 neural | Acapela voices |
| Profiles | 1 | Up to 10 | 1 |
Even SabiKo Pro's lifetime price is a fraction of TouchChat's cost. And the free tier lets you start immediately with no financial commitment.
Offline Support
Both apps work fully offline. Symbols, vocabulary, and text-to-speech all function without an internet connection. This is critical for AAC. A user should never lose their ability to communicate because of poor Wi-Fi.
Additional Features
SabiKo includes several tools beyond core AAC communication in the free tier:
- Visual schedule for daily routines
- Visual timer for activity transitions
- Choice maker for structured decision-making
- Communication passport (About Me) with PDF export
- Word prediction for faster message construction
- Grammar correction for clearer output
SabiKo Pro adds a sound board, draw board, print board, usage stats with export, and custom audio recording.
TouchChat focuses primarily on AAC communication and does it well. It includes features like text-to-speech, word prediction, and social media sharing. The WordPower pages include pre-built vocabulary sets that cover a wide range of communication needs.
Where TouchChat Has the Edge
Established vocabulary systems. WordPower and Sequenced are proven systems with years of clinical use. Many SLPs are specifically trained to implement these vocabularies.
PCS symbols. The most widely used symbol set in AAC. If your child is in a clinical or school setting that uses PCS, TouchChat integrates directly.
Deep customization for professionals. TouchChat provides extensive page-editing tools that SLPs and educators value for building personalized communication setups.
Clinical adoption. TouchChat is widely used in schools and clinical programs. Your child's therapy team may already know the system well.
Where SabiKo Has the Edge
Cross-platform. Works on both iOS and Android. No platform lock-in.
Free tier. A genuinely useful AAC app at no cost. No $300 barrier to entry.
Lower Pro pricing. Even the full Pro version costs a fraction of TouchChat.
Multiple profiles. SabiKo Pro supports up to 10 profiles, ideal for shared devices in clinics or classrooms.
Built-in tools. Visual schedule, timer, choice maker, and communication passport come free.
5 languages. SabiKo supports English, Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese.
Who Should Choose TouchChat?
TouchChat is a strong choice if:
- Your SLP specifically recommends WordPower or Sequenced vocabulary
- Your child's school or therapy program uses PCS symbols
- You're on iOS and want a deeply established AAC system
- You have funding that covers the cost
- You need the extensive page-editing tools TouchChat provides
Who Should Choose SabiKo?
SabiKo is a strong choice if:
- You need an AAC app that works on Android, or on both platforms
- You want to start with a capable free app before spending money
- Budget is a factor and $300 isn't feasible right now
- You need multiple profiles on a shared device
- You want visual schedules, timers, and other tools alongside AAC
- Your family uses more than one language
Bottom Line
TouchChat is a capable, professional-grade AAC app with proven vocabulary systems and the industry-standard PCS symbols. It has earned its place in clinical settings.
SabiKo makes high-quality AAC available to more people. A free tier that actually works, cross-platform support, and modern features at a much lower price point. For many families, that combination removes the biggest barriers to starting AAC.
Try SabiKo free and see how it works for your family. If TouchChat is also on your list, talk with your SLP about which vocabulary system best fits your child's communication goals. For a side-by-side look at more apps, see our best AAC apps for kids comparison.
Download SabiKo free to get started.