Head-to-head · Sign Language Apps
HandSpeak vs British Sign
HandSpeak leads on 0 checks, British Sign on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreHandSpeak · 8.8/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresBritish Sign · 2 of 3
HandSpeak scores higher on our rubric for sign language apps: 8.8 against 7.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.
HandSpeak is the better fit for ASL reference users wanting mature coverage. British Sign is the better fit for low-cost, self-paced BSL learners.
- HandSpeak fits best
ASL reference users wanting mature coverage
- British Sign fits best
Low-cost, self-paced BSL learners
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Side by side
| Feature | HandSpeak 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | British Sign 7.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 7.7 |
| Ranking | #2 in Sign Language Apps | #6 in Sign Language Apps |
| Best for | ASL reference users wanting mature coverage | Low-cost, self-paced BSL learners |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $5.95/mo | £5 one-time |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, iOS, Android | Web |
| Support | Docs | Email, Live chat, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features HandSpeak 1/3 · British Sign 2/3 | ||
| Offline access | — | Not checked yet |
| Dictionary lookup | ✓ | ✓ |
| Progress tracking | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Signed languages | ASL | British Sign Language (BSL) |
| Lesson format | Mixed | Mixed |
| Supported platforms | web, Windows, iOS, Android | web |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | HandSpeak is a web-based American Sign Language resource for looking up signs, practicing fingerspelling, studying lessons, and exploring Deaf culture. Its audience includes beginners, advanced learners, interpreters, students, parents,… Read the review → |
British Sign is an online introductory British Sign Language learning service for beginners, individual learners, schools, community groups and organisations enrolling multiple learners. Its ten-section self-study course combines video… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
HandSpeak — where it wins
- Searchable and reverse ASL dictionaries with video demonstrations
- Free access across web, Windows, iOS, and Android
- Includes fingerspelling, phrases, tutorials, and Deaf culture resources
Where it doesn't
- Covers American Sign Language rather than multiple signed languages
- Requires an internet connection and does not offer offline access
- Does not provide verified progress tracking
British Sign — where it wins
- One-time pricing starts at £5 with Pay What You Can options
- Ten-section course includes videos, assessments and retakes
- Dictionary, fingerspelling tools and printable resources support practice
Where it doesn't
- Course access lasts two years from first login
- Available through web browsers rather than a dedicated app
- Focuses on British Sign Language rather than multiple signed languages
- HandSpeak8.8/10 · Free plan
A broad ASL reference library with free access and optional Patron features.
Visit HandSpeakFull verdict → - British Sign7.7/10 · Free plan
A low-cost, self-paced BSL course with useful practice and progress tools.
Visit British SignFull verdict →
HandSpeak vs British Sign: questions
Which is better for sign language apps, HandSpeak or British Sign?
HandSpeak scores higher on our rubric for sign language apps: 8.8 against 7.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.
How do HandSpeak and British Sign compare?
All 4 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.
Do HandSpeak and British Sign have a free plan?
HandSpeak: Yes. British Sign: Yes.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update