Head-to-head · Sign Language Apps
BSL SignBank vs Play With ASL
BSL SignBank leads on 0 checks, Play With ASL on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreBSL SignBank · 9.2/10
- Free planboth
BSL SignBank scores higher on our rubric for sign language apps: 9.2 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #5.
On lesson format, Play With ASL gives you Mixed where BSL SignBank offers Video.
BSL SignBank is the better fit for free BSL dictionary and reference users. Play With ASL is the better fit for classrooms wanting affordable game-based ASL.
- BSL SignBank fits best
Free BSL dictionary and reference users
- Play With ASL fits best
Classrooms wanting affordable game-based ASL
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Side by side
| Feature | BSL SignBank 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Play With ASL 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #1 in Sign Language Apps | #5 in Sign Language Apps |
| Best for | Free BSL dictionary and reference users | Classrooms wanting affordable game-based ASL |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | $50/yr |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web | iOS, Android, macOS |
| Support | Docs | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features BSL SignBank 1/3 · Play With ASL 1/3 | ||
| Offline access | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Dictionary lookup | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Progress tracking | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Signed languages | British Sign Language (BSL) | American Sign Language (ASL) |
| Lesson format | Video | Mixed |
| Supported platforms | web | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | BSL SignBank is a free online British Sign Language dictionary and lexical database operated through University College London. It is designed for learners, teachers, interpreters, members of the Deaf community and researchers who need a… Read the review → |
Play With ASL is an American Sign Language learning app for families, individual learners, classrooms, and educational institutions. Its lessons use video vocabulary clips filmed by Deaf educators and organize signs into topic-based packs.… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
BSL SignBank — where it wins
- Search by English keyword, alphabet, handshape or location
- Video examples, fingerspelling resources and regional sign information
- Free quizzes covering colours, countries and UK place names
Where it doesn't
- Web-only access rather than a native mobile app
- No progress tracking for ongoing learning
- Quiz coverage focuses on colours, countries and UK place names
Play With ASL — where it wins
- Deaf-educator videos present ASL vocabulary in game-based lessons
- Free plan includes two packs, all game modes, and no ads
- LMS tools support rosters, assignments, progress, and grade passback
Where it doesn't
- The Free plan covers only Animals and Colors vocabulary packs
- The product focuses on American Sign Language rather than multiple signed languages
- The consumer app and School Edition are separate classroom experiences
- BSL SignBank9.2/10 · Free plan
A rich, free BSL reference with video search, regional detail and quizzes.
Visit BSL SignBankFull verdict → - Play With ASL7.8/10 · Free plan
A game-based ASL app with free basics and strong classroom tools.
Visit Play With ASLFull verdict →
BSL SignBank vs Play With ASL: questions
Which is better for sign language apps, BSL SignBank or Play With ASL?
BSL SignBank scores higher on our rubric for sign language apps: 9.2 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #5.
How do BSL SignBank and Play With ASL compare?
All 3 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.
Do BSL SignBank and Play With ASL have a free plan?
BSL SignBank: Yes. Play With ASL: Yes.
More comparisons
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- BSL SignBank vs SpreadTheSign
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- BSL SignBank vs British Sign
- BSL SignBank vs Sign BSL
- BSL SignBank vs Sign ASL
- HandSpeak vs Play With ASL
- SpreadTheSign vs Play With ASL
All sign language apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update