Best Speech Therapy Apps for Parkinson's, Stroke & TBI (2025)

Looking for apps to help with speech? Whether you have Parkinson's disease, are recovering from a stroke, or managing speech changes after TBI, the right app can make daily practice easier and more effective. Here's what to look for and which speech therapy apps actually deliver.

Why use a speech therapy app?

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are essential for diagnosis and treatment planning. But therapy sessions are typically once a week — and research shows that daily practice produces the best results.

That's where speech therapy apps come in. The best therapy apps help you:

• Practice between SLP sessions with structured exercises
• Get instant feedback on loudness and clarity
• Track progress over time
• Build confidence before important conversations

Apps don't replace your speech therapist — they extend what you learn in sessions into daily life.

What to look for in speech therapy apps

Not all apps to help with speech are created equal. Here's what matters:

Condition-specific design

A stroke app should address different challenges than a Parkinson's app. Look for apps designed for your specific condition — dysarthria from Parkinson's requires different exercises than aphasia from stroke.

Real-time feedback

The best speech apps give you immediate feedback so you know if you're hitting your targets. Without feedback, you might practice the wrong thing.

Accessibility features

If you have tremor, vision changes, or fatigue, the app should accommodate that. Large buttons, high contrast, and no time pressure make a big difference.

Privacy

Your voice data is personal. Look for apps that process audio locally or give you control over what's stored and shared.

Realistic pricing

Some apps charge monthly subscriptions that add up quickly. Others offer one-time purchases. Consider what fits your budget long-term.

Best speech therapy apps by condition

Best apps for Parkinson's speech

Parkinson's typically causes hypophonia (soft speech) and reduced articulation. The best Parkinson's apps focus on loudness training and over-articulation.

Speech Check — Our pick for quick daily practice. Gives instant feedback on loudness and clarity in 60 seconds. One-time $25 payment, no subscription. Includes Calm Mode with large buttons for tremor. Privacy-first design processes audio on your device.

LSVT Companion — Based on the clinically-proven LSVT LOUD program. Best used alongside formal LSVT therapy. Subscription-based.

Parkinson's Voice Project — Free exercises focused on SPEAK OUT! methodology. Good supplemental resource.

Best stroke apps for speech recovery

Stroke can cause dysarthria (slurred speech) or aphasia (language difficulties). The right stroke app depends on your specific challenges.

For dysarthria after stroke: Speech Check provides clarity and loudness feedback that helps with articulation practice. The instant scoring shows you exactly where you stand.

For aphasia: Tactus Therapy apps (Naming Therapy, Speech Therapy) focus on word-finding and language recovery. Constant Therapy offers personalized exercises.

For general stroke recovery: Lingraphica offers both apps and devices for various communication needs.

Best TBI apps for speech practice

Traumatic brain injury affects speech differently depending on the injury location. Many people with TBI experience fatigue, which makes app design especially important.

Speech Check — The 60-second check and Calm Mode are particularly helpful for TBI, where cognitive fatigue is common. Quick sessions that don't overwhelm.

Cognifit — While not speech-specific, helps with cognitive rehabilitation that supports communication.

Features comparison: popular speech apps

What SLPs look for in apps

We asked speech-language pathologists what they recommend to patients. Common themes:

• Evidence-based exercises — Apps should use techniques proven in clinical research
• Appropriate difficulty — Too easy doesn't challenge; too hard discourages
• Progress tracking — Helps both patient and therapist see what's working
• Simplicity — Complex apps often get abandoned

Many SLPs recommend Speech Check for patients who need a simple, quick way to practice between sessions and check their speech before important calls.

Free vs. paid speech therapy apps

Free apps exist, but they often have limitations:

• Limited exercises or features
• Ads that interrupt practice
• No real-time feedback
• Privacy concerns with data collection

Paid apps — whether subscription or one-time purchase — typically offer more complete features and better support. Consider it an investment in your communication.

How to get the most from speech apps

An app only works if you use it. Tips for success:

• Start with 5 minutes daily — Consistency beats intensity
• Use before important conversations — A quick check builds confidence
• Share results with your SLP — They can adjust your therapy accordingly
• Combine with structured exercises — Apps work best as part of a routine

The bottom line

The best speech therapy app is one you'll actually use. Look for condition-specific design, real-time feedback, accessibility features, and pricing that works for you.

For Parkinson's, stroke, and TBI — where loudness and clarity are the main challenges — Speech Check offers a simple, affordable way to practice daily and track your progress.