Head-to-head · Sign Language Apps
BSL SignBank vs SpreadTheSign
BSL SignBank leads on 0 checks, SpreadTheSign on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 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 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.
BSL SignBank is the better fit for free BSL dictionary and reference users. SpreadTheSign is the better fit for people comparing multiple sign languages.
- BSL SignBank fits best
Free BSL dictionary and reference users
- SpreadTheSign fits best
People comparing multiple sign languages
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Side by side
| Feature | BSL SignBank 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | SpreadTheSign 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #1 in Sign Language Apps | #3 in Sign Language Apps |
| Best for | Free BSL dictionary and reference users | People comparing multiple sign languages |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Docs | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features BSL SignBank 1/3 · SpreadTheSign 1/3 | ||
| Offline access | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Dictionary lookup | ✓ | ✓ |
| Progress tracking | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Signed languages | British Sign Language (BSL) | ASL, BSL, and 21 more sign languages |
| Lesson format | Video | Video |
| Supported platforms | web | web, ios, android |
| Our review | ||
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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 → |
SpreadTheSign is a multilingual sign-language dictionary for learners, families, educators, interpreters, and anyone who needs a sign reference. Available on the web, iOS, and Android, it supports ASL, BSL, and 21 more sign languages. Its… 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
SpreadTheSign — where it wins
- Covers ASL, BSL, and 21 additional sign languages
- Searches words, sentence examples, and multilingual sign videos
- Includes comparisons, slow playback, favorites, and fingerspelling
Where it doesn't
- Learning and progress features are limited
- The broad language coverage may not replace a structured course
- Premium app features require the Pro Version
- BSL SignBank9.2/10 · Free plan
A rich, free BSL reference with video search, regional detail and quizzes.
Visit BSL SignBankFull verdict → - SpreadTheSign8.6/10 · Free plan
A free-to-start video dictionary for comparing 23 sign languages.
Visit SpreadTheSignFull verdict →
More comparisons
- BSL SignBank vs HandSpeak
- BSL SignBank vs SignSchool
- BSL SignBank vs Play With ASL
- BSL SignBank vs British Sign
- BSL SignBank vs Sign BSL
- BSL SignBank vs Sign ASL
- HandSpeak vs SpreadTheSign
- SpreadTheSign vs SignSchool
All sign language apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update