Nelli vs Thrivv: A Parent’s Guide to Routine Apps

If you are researching routine tools for your child, you have probably come across Nelli Smart Hub. It is an Australian-made device designed to help children with ADHD and autism follow daily routines. But it requires dedicated hardware, which raises the question: is a software-only alternative a better fit for your family?

What is Nelli?

Nelli is a 10-inch Android tablet-like hub that sits in your home. It displays visual schedules, plays voice prompts, and includes a reward system. It is also a registered NDIS provider in Australia, which can help eligible families use funding for the device.

The hardware question

Nelli’s hardware costs hundreds of dollars upfront, plus a subscription for the parent app. Skylight Calendar and Hearth Display follow a similar model. For some families, a dedicated device is appealing because it is always in one place and hard for a child to lose.

For other families, that hardware is a barrier. They already own iPads or Android tablets. They want the app on multiple devices. They do not want another screen taking up counter space.

How Thrivv compares

Feature	Nelli	Thrivv
Upfront hardware cost	Hundreds of dollars	$0
Runs on existing devices	No	Yes (iOS & Android)
Web login product	No	No — native app
Visual schedules	Yes	Yes
Kid Display Mode (PIN-locked board)	Hardware hub	Software kiosk mode on your tablet
Voice prompts	Yes	Yes
Rewards	Yes	Yes (with parent approvals & photo proof)
Offline-capable core routines	Partial	Yes
Multi-device sync	Limited	Full
Caregiver / therapist access	Varies	Yes (scoped grants + audit)
Progress reports (incl. NDIS-oriented)	Yes	Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose Nelli if you want a dedicated, always-visible hub and can access NDIS funding for that hardware path.

Choose Thrivv if you prefer a software-only solution that works on the devices you already own, with Kid Display Mode, offline-capable routines, flexible customization, and tools for co-parents and the wider care team.

Both tools share the same goal: helping children build independence. The right choice depends on your devices, budget preferences, and how your family prefers to organize the day.

Note: Progress reports help families organize routine evidence for reviews. They are not clinical assessments and do not determine funding eligibility.