Flexspeak AAC vs Grid 3
Flexspeak AAC
flexspeak.com
Grid 3
smartboxaac.comSide by side
| Figure | Flexspeak AAC | Grid 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $20.83/mo | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 4 | 0 |
| Spec score · AAC Communication Software | 8.3 (#5) | 7.8 (#11) |
| Company history | Flexspeak says a small team began the project in 2023 to address barriers multilingual households faced with AAC. | Smartbox says it was founded in 2000 by Paul, Alyson, Barney and Dougal Hawes. |
| Founded | 2023 | 2000 |
| Purpose | Flexspeak AAC is an augmentative and alternative communication app designed for multilingual communication. | Grid is AAC software designed to support people with communication and access needs, with tools for communication, independence and learning. |
| Support | Flexspeak provides a Help Center with guides for setup, access options, multilingual support, AAC grid customization, and professional features. | Smartbox says its support team can be contacted by phone, email or online chat, and it offers training for schools and organisations. |
Plans
Flexspeak AAC
- Evaluator LicenseFree
- Studio$249.99 a year
- AAC app$299.99, paid once
- SchoolsPriced on request
In their own words
Flexspeak AAC
Flexspeak AAC is an augmentative and alternative communication app designed for multilingual communication, available on Android, iOS, and web. Translate Mode supports real-time translation in 30+ languages, letting a user type in one language and speak in another. Speech output works with touch and an on-grid keyboard, and layouts can be customized using a hybrid symbol system. AI-assisted tools help users and clinicians adapt vocabulary, layouts, and symbols while keeping them in control. Changes made on one device automatically appear across devices, and the pricing page says communication works offline. The AAC app costs $299.99, paid once and includes full AAC functionality, cloud sync, 2,400+ preset words, and offline communication. A free Evaluator License for one professional includes up to 10 visuals per month and real-time translation in 30+ languages. Flexspeak says its AI features do not train on user data and describes its service as FERPA- and HIPAA-aligned. Voice cloning requires written in-app consent; recordings are sent to ElevenLabs and are not stored by Flexspeak. A 30-day trial is listed.
Grid 3
Grid 3 is AAC software from Smartbox for children and adults whose disabilities affect natural speech. It combines symbol vocabularies for different ages with text communication, including word prediction and AI-based assistance. The Fix tool can correct spelling and grammar, expand abbreviations, and fill missing letters or spaces. Speech output is available, and layouts are fully customizable. Access methods include eye gaze, touch with keyguards, switches, pointers, and voice activation. Grid can also provide access to email, SMS, social media, entertainment and streaming services, and web browsing. Computer Control operates a Windows computer, while Environment Control can operate technology around the home. The software supports more than 40 languages. Grid 3 requires Windows 10 or 11; Grid for iPad requires iOS 15 or later. Smartbox offers a 60-day Windows trial and a 30-day iPad trial. Pricing is by quote, with no free plan.