Best Free AAC Apps
Finding the right AAC app can be challenging. Many of the most popular options come with a hefty price tag, and some won’t even let you try them before purchasing. While free AAC apps are plentiful, many are low-quality and don’t offer the support you need to communicate fully. We’ve done the research for you, highlighting the best no-cost AAC apps available in 2025.
Our Top Picks
Spoken - Tap to Talk AAC
Availability: Android, iOS, and Mac
Spoken is a modern AAC app designed for adults and teenagers who need speech assistance but want more flexibility than traditional, symbol-based AAC apps allow. The app adapts to the way you communicate by learning your speech patterns and predicting what you want to say next. It’s similar to the predictive text on your device’s keyboard, but more advanced and with a lot more options. Many words are also paired with icons to assist with recognition, making it easy to find the exact word you’re thinking of.
This app is perfect for users who require some communication support but are proficient enough to work outside the limitations of a communication board. If next-word predictions aren’t suitable for you, Spoken can also recognize handwriting or simple drawings and convert them to speech, giving you a range of input methods to pick from.
Although basic communication features are free, Spoken does have an optional premium upgrade if you want more out of the app. When you open the app for the first time, you will be automatically enrolled in a trial of the premium features so you can try every feature without having to enter any card information.
Leeloo AAC
Leeloo is an excellent choice for children who have trouble speaking. Its fun illustrations and relevant vocabulary make it particularly suited for them. It's also really simple to use thanks to its approachable, clean, and distraction-free design. We really like that Leeloo offers several languages to select from and allows you to create multiple different user profiles.
We would not suggest Leeloo for adult users due to its limited vocabulary, but it's a great starter option for young children. Its appealing design and simplicity make it perfect in that regard.
Leeloo is free to download but does have optional in-app purchases. These are locked away, so there’s no need to worry about young users making accidental purchases.
The app was removed from Google Play for an unknown reason, but Android users can still get the app by downloading the APK on the developer's official website, linked above.
CoughDrop
CoughDrop is best for users with strong support needs. It is also a great choice for speech therapists, caregivers, and parents because they have the ability to remotely access a shared account to monitor progress, edit boards for modeling, or update settings.
One feature we really like is the online library of user-created communication boards. Being able to download a premade board covering any fringe topic you want to talk about takes a lot of work out of the process of using this kind of AAC.
CoughDrop has an optional premium upgrade. Like Spoken, you can try all of CoughDrop’s premium features without having to enter any card information.
Why Aren’t More AAC Apps Free?
Because most apps are free or close to it, the fact that some AAC apps cost hundreds of dollars can be shocking. If you’re curious why more AAC apps aren’t free or low-cost, consider the following:
- Specialized development - AAC apps require extensive research, testing, and collaboration with speech therapists, linguists, and accessibility experts to ensure they meet the needs of people with communication disabilities. This level of development is more expensive than creating a typical app.
- No ad revenue - Most apps make money back by showing you ads. With an AAC app, that’s inappropriate because it could interfere with the user’s ability to communicate, which is frustrating at the best of times and dangerous at the worst of times.
- Smaller market size - Not that many people need AAC, meaning it’s difficult to recoup the expenses of development.
- Licensing fees - Some AAC apps have to pay licensing fees to use symbol sets or certain synthesized voices.
- Ongoing support and maintenance - Usually it’s inconsequential for an app developer to abandon outdated devices. With AAC development, it’s not so simple. Developers must consider the widest range of devices possible so that they’re not leaving anyone in need of communication support behind. Making sure updates are compatible with all sorts of devices, new and old, requires extensive testing.
Consider What You’re Getting
Remember that AAC apps are low-cost compared to dedicated AAC devices, which are usually thousands of dollars a piece. This doesn’t mean that the apps are any less powerful — they just don’t have the burden of being paired with hardware.
AAC apps may actually have greater value than dedicated devices. First, there’s the convenience of having all of your utilities on one device. Second, because dedicated AAC devices are made with the expectation that insurance will cover them, they usually have features like wi-fi removed so that they can’t be used for leisure. Choosing an AAC app means you have the discretion to do whatever you want with your device.
Is There a More Affordable Way to Get Paid AAC Apps?
Some AAC apps may offer special programs that can help you afford them. Depending on where you live, you may also be eligible for government programs that will cover the cost of AAC apps. For instance, residents of Australia should check out the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). If that’s not an option, you can also try reaching out to charitable organizations like Easterseals, The Arc, or Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC).
Although less likely, some private insurers may cover part of the cost of an AAC app as well. Consult with your medical provider about the possibility of getting a prescription that you can present to your insurance company.