Grid 3 vs Sayella

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.

Sayella is an AAC communication app for nonverbal and minimally verbal children and adults. It turns pictures and words into spoken messages, with speech available offline on iPhone and iPad. Its customizable boards use a research-based core vocabulary, fixed button positions, and selectable board sizes. The app supports touch, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. Boards can be imported and exported in Open Board Format, including.obf and.obz files. Users can generate symbols from words or photos; free accounts include two generations, while paid plans allow unlimited generations. Sayella says AI requests go through Vercel AI Gateway to Google's Imagen and Gemini image models. It states that synced board data is encrypted, analytics do not receive AAC content, and personal data is not sold. Free costs nothing, billed forever, for one child and one device. Monthly costs £7.99 a month, Yearly costs £59 a year, and Lifetime costs £189, paid once. The download page lists Android and browser access as coming soon.