Tandli vs Goally (2026): app vs. dedicated device
Short answer
Goally and Tandli both help neurodivergent kids build independence with routines and rewards — but they’re very different in scope and cost. Goally is often a whole system (device + subscription). Tandli is a focused app on the device you already own.
Tandli vs Goally at a glance
| Tandli | Goally | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Calm, voice-led routines on your own device | An all-in-one, distraction-free device + suite (ages 2–8) |
| Platform | iOS (your own iPhone/iPad) | Dedicated Goally device + companion apps (iOS/Android) |
| Your own recorded voice | ✅ On every step, with voice fallback | ✅ Audio + video modeling |
| Presentation | One full-screen step at a time | Visual schedules, first-then, video modeling |
| Reward system | ✅ Visual reward jar (child-chosen token) | ✅ Token points |
| Cost | App subscription, 14-day free trial | Device (a few hundred $) + subscription |
| Privacy | On-device — no accounts, no tracking, no ads | Account + cloud (managed device) |
Where Goally shines
Goally’s big idea is a distraction-free device: a locked-down tablet with no YouTube, no games, and no way to wander off into general screen time. It bundles a lot — visual schedules, video modeling, token rewards, and other skill-building tools — and is often recommended by occupational therapists as an all-in-one solution. If you want a dedicated device your child uses only for routines and skills, and you’re comfortable with the hardware cost and subscription, Goally is a comprehensive choice.
Where Tandli is different
Tandli is deliberately smaller in scope — and much cheaper:
- No hardware to buy. It runs on the iPhone or iPad you already have.
- Your voice on every step. Each step plays in your own recorded voice, with a built-in fallback.
- One calm step at a time. A single picture and prompt, designed to be low-sensory.
- Private by design. No account, no cloud, no managed device — everything stays on your phone.
The trade-off is honest: Goally gives you a controlled device and a broad suite; Tandli gives you a focused, private routine app at a fraction of the cost.
Which should you choose?
- Choose Goally if you want a dedicated, distraction-free device and an all-in-one suite, and the cost fits your budget.
- Choose Tandli if you’d rather use the device you own, keep everything private and on-device, and want a calm, voice-led routine app without a hardware purchase.
See how the main visual schedule apps compare, or start with free printable schedules.
Goally details are from public sources as of August 2026 — check getgoally.com for current devices, features and pricing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Tandli and Goally?
Goally is a broad system for neurodivergent kids that often includes a dedicated, locked-down device plus a subscription, bundling visual schedules, video modeling, token rewards and other tools. Tandli is a single, focused app that runs on the iPhone or iPad you already have, centred on running routines in a parent's recorded voice, one calm step at a time, with a reward and on-device privacy.
Is Goally or Tandli more affordable?
Tandli is much lower cost: it's an app subscription with a 14-day free trial, using a device you already own. Goally typically involves a dedicated device (a few hundred dollars) plus an ongoing subscription. Goally's device is deliberately locked down to remove distractions, which is its main advantage; Tandli keeps costs low by running on your existing phone or tablet.
Do I need a special device for Tandli?
No. Tandli runs on a standard iPhone or iPad. Goally's strength is a purpose-built, distraction-free device (no YouTube or games); Tandli's approach is to keep things simple and private on the hardware you already have.