Grid 3 review
A mature AAC system combining symbol, text, speech, access and environmental control.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Grid 3 is augmentative and alternative communication software from Smartbox for children and adults whose natural speech is affected by disability. It brings symbol-based vocabularies, text communication, speech output and word prediction into one system, while also supporting computer and environmental control. Its access options cover eye gaze, touch, keyguards, switches, pointer devices and voice activation, making it suitable for people with different communication and physical access needs. Users can also create and edit custom grids.
The product has a paid model with no free plan and a 60-day free trial. Grid 3 is available on Windows and iPad, but the platform experiences differ. Windows supports the full range of alternative access methods, including eye gaze, switches, touch, keyguards, pointers and voice activation. The iPad version provides text and symbol communication with touch access. Licence purchases use a quote-based process, so prospective buyers should discuss requirements with Smartbox before selecting an arrangement.
Grid 3’s main strength is breadth: communication, configurable voices, prediction, accessible apps such as email and social media, computer control and environmental control sit alongside core AAC tools. That makes it a strong fit for users who need communication software to extend into device and environment access, rather than a narrowly focused speech-output app. The trade-off is that its wide scope and fully customizable layouts can require careful configuration around the user’s vocabulary, access method and daily activities. Choose Grid 3 for mature Windows-based AAC with multiple access routes and environmental control; consider a simpler option when iPad touch communication is the primary requirement.
Grid 3 pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Combines symbol and text communication with word prediction
- Supports eye gaze, switches, touch, keyguards and pointer devices
- Adds computer, environmental control and accessible apps
- Where it doesn't
- Paid software with quote-based licence pricing
- The broad feature set may require configuration and customization
- iPad access focuses on touch, symbol and text communication
Grid 3 fact sheet, pricing and score →
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