Head-to-head · Sign Language Apps
BSL SignBank vs Sign ASL
BSL SignBank leads on 0 checks, Sign 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
- Most featuresSign ASL · 2 of 3
BSL SignBank scores higher on our rubric for sign language apps: 9.2 against 7.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.
BSL SignBank is the better fit for free BSL dictionary and reference users. Sign ASL is the better fit for free ASL dictionary users needing offline favorites.
- BSL SignBank fits best
Free BSL dictionary and reference users
- Sign ASL fits best
Free ASL dictionary users needing offline favorites
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Side by side
| Feature | BSL SignBank 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Sign ASL 7.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 7.5 |
| Ranking | #1 in Sign Language Apps | #8 in Sign Language Apps |
| Best for | Free BSL dictionary and reference users | Free ASL dictionary users needing offline favorites |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Docs | |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features BSL SignBank 1/3 · Sign ASL 2/3 | ||
| Offline access | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Dictionary lookup | ✓ | ✓ |
| Progress tracking | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Signed languages | British Sign Language (BSL) | American Sign Language (ASL) |
| Lesson format | Video | Video |
| Supported platforms | web | web, iOS, 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 → |
Sign ASL is a free American Sign Language video dictionary for learners, teachers, and the Deaf community. It supports searches for words and phrases, sign comparisons, video reference, alphabetical browsing, and category browsing across… 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
Sign ASL — where it wins
- Free access across web, iOS, and Android
- Search, compare, and watch ASL signs with playback controls
- Save favorite signs for offline viewing in the iOS app
Where it doesn't
- Focused on dictionary lookup rather than structured lessons
- Exercises and progress tracking are not part of the product
- Offline access applies to iOS favorites, not the full dictionary
- BSL SignBank9.2/10 · Free plan
A rich, free BSL reference with video search, regional detail and quizzes.
Visit BSL SignBankFull verdict → - Sign ASL7.5/10 · Free plan
A free ASL reference tool with video lookup, variations, categories, and iOS favorites offline.
Visit Sign ASLFull verdict →
BSL SignBank vs Sign ASL: questions
Which is better for sign language apps, BSL SignBank or Sign ASL?
BSL SignBank scores higher on our rubric for sign language apps: 9.2 against 7.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.
How do BSL SignBank and Sign ASL compare?
All 3 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.
Do BSL SignBank and Sign ASL have a free plan?
BSL SignBank: Yes. Sign ASL: Yes.
More comparisons
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- BSL SignBank vs Play With ASL
- BSL SignBank vs British Sign
- BSL SignBank vs Sign BSL
- HandSpeak vs Sign ASL
- SpreadTheSign vs Sign ASL
All sign language apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update