Head-to-head · Sign Language Apps
HandSpeak vs Play With ASL
HandSpeak leads on 0 checks, Play With ASL 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
HandSpeak scores higher on our rubric for sign language apps: 8.8 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.
HandSpeak is the better fit for ASL reference users wanting mature coverage. Play With ASL is the better fit for classrooms wanting affordable game-based ASL.
- HandSpeak fits best
ASL reference users wanting mature coverage
- Play With ASL fits best
Classrooms wanting affordable game-based ASL
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | HandSpeak 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | Play With ASL 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #2 in Sign Language Apps | #5 in Sign Language Apps |
| Best for | ASL reference users wanting mature coverage | Classrooms wanting affordable game-based ASL |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $5.95/mo | $50/yr |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, iOS, Android | iOS, Android, macOS |
| Support | Docs | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features HandSpeak 1/3 · Play With ASL 1/3 | ||
| Offline access | — | Not checked yet |
| Dictionary lookup | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Progress tracking | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Signed languages | ASL | American Sign Language (ASL) |
| Lesson format | Mixed | Mixed |
| Supported platforms | web, Windows, iOS, Android | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| 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 → |
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
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
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
- HandSpeak8.8/10 · Free plan
A broad ASL reference library with free access and optional Patron features.
Visit HandSpeakFull 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 →
HandSpeak vs Play With ASL: questions
Which is better for sign language apps, HandSpeak or Play With ASL?
HandSpeak scores higher on our rubric for sign language apps: 8.8 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.
How do HandSpeak and Play With ASL compare?
All 4 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.
Do HandSpeak and Play With ASL have a free plan?
HandSpeak: Yes. Play With ASL: Yes.
More comparisons
- BSL SignBank vs HandSpeak
- BSL SignBank vs Play With ASL
- HandSpeak vs SpreadTheSign
- HandSpeak vs SignSchool
- HandSpeak vs British Sign
- HandSpeak vs Sign BSL
- HandSpeak vs Sign 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