Avaz vs TouchChat HD
Avaz
avazapp.comTouchChat HD
touchchatapp.comSide by side
| Figure | Avaz | TouchChat HD |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $5/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 3 | 4 |
| Spec score · AAC Communication Software | 8.5 (#4) | 7.7 (#14) |
| Accessibility | Avaz says it is available on iOS and Android in multiple languages. | Access options include supported-device head tracking, configurable switch scanning, touch access, adjustable button timing, and gestures. |
| Founded | 2007 | 1966 |
| Privacy | Avaz’s privacy policy says it uses service providers including Google Play Services, Firebase Analytics, Crashlytics, and Mixpanel, and does not sell or share personal information outside the stated cases without consent. | PRC-Saltillo's privacy notice says it explains collection, use, sharing, and protection of personal information, and directs readers to a separate HIPAA notice for protected health information. |
| Support | Avaz lists [email protected] for privacy and support questions and offers volume license discounts by quote for FreeSpeech and Reader. | The maker provides app support, video tutorials, live online webinars, and training resources. |
| Vocabulary | Avaz offers an expanded, category-based vocabulary with a consistent layout and motor patterns across three grades of core vocabulary. | The WordPower version includes the WordPower suite of AAC vocabularies developed by speech-language pathologist Nancy Inman. |
Plans
Avaz
- Avaz FreeSpeechFree
- Avaz AAC – Sri Lanka$44.99, paid once
- Avaz AAC – English$149.99, paid once
TouchChat HD
- iShare Individual 2GB$59.99 a year
- TouchChat HD - AAC$149.99, paid once
- iShare Team 30GB$239.99 a year
- TouchChat HD - AAC with WordPower$299.99, paid once
In their own words
Avaz
Avaz is a picture- and text-based AAC app for people with complex communication needs to express themselves and learn. Its category-based vocabulary is available across three grades of core vocabulary, with a consistent layout and motor patterns. Keyboard prediction can correct spelling mistakes and can be set to show suggestions after a delay. Users can add words, personalize pictures, and change settings through the Settings Wizard. The Activity Dashboard and Communication Adventures offer caregivers activity ideas, strategies, and modeling training. Avaz Analytics presents communication development in graphs and charts for therapists. Dropbox can be linked to back up and sync vocabulary across devices; users can also import or export pages to share with other Avaz users. The app provides speech output and supports touch, switch, and eye-gaze access on iOS and Android, in multiple languages. Avaz also offers FreeSpeech for English grammar practice using picture tiles, and Reader, which supports reading with hints and help for learners including children with dyslexia and first-generation English speakers. Avaz AAC – English costs $149.99, paid once and includes a free 2-week trial.
TouchChat HD
TouchChat HD is an AAC communication app for people who cannot rely on natural speech, including people with autism, Down syndrome, ALS, apraxia, or stroke. It creates words and messages that can be spoken through a built-in voice synthesizer or recorded audio. The WordPower edition adds AAC vocabularies developed by speech-language pathologist Nancy Inman. Pages, button layouts, messages, and symbols can be customized, with more than 45 button actions and nearly 40,000 SymbolStix symbols listed. Access options include touch, configurable switch scanning, adjustable button timing, gestures, and supported-device head tracking. Listed languages are English, Spanish, Canadian French, Arabic, Hebrew, and Mandarin, with language combinations supported. Text can be shared through social media, iMessage, or email. Vocabulary files support iTunes file sharing, Dropbox, and Google Drive, while backups can use iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox. It runs on iPhone, iPad, and compatible Mac computers.