Head-to-head · Sign Language Apps
HandSpeak vs Sign ASL
HandSpeak leads on 0 checks, Sign ASL on 1, and 2 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 scoreHandSpeak · 8.8/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresSign ASL · 2 of 3
HandSpeak scores higher on our rubric for sign language apps: 8.8 against 7.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.
On lesson format, HandSpeak gives you Mixed where Sign ASL offers Video. Sign ASL offers offline access; HandSpeak doesn't.
HandSpeak is the better fit for ASL reference users wanting mature coverage. Sign ASL is the better fit for free ASL dictionary users needing offline favorites.
- HandSpeak fits best
ASL reference users wanting mature coverage
- Sign ASL fits best
Free ASL dictionary users needing offline favorites
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Side by side
| Feature | HandSpeak 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | Sign ASL 7.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 7.5 |
| Ranking | #2 in Sign Language Apps | #8 in Sign Language Apps |
| Best for | ASL reference users wanting mature coverage | Free ASL dictionary users needing offline favorites |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | $5.95/mo | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Docs | |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features HandSpeak 1/3 · Sign ASL 2/3 | ||
| Offline access | — | ✓ (best) |
| Dictionary lookup | ✓ | ✓ |
| Progress tracking | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Signed languages | ASL | American Sign Language (ASL) |
| Lesson format | Mixed | Video |
| Supported platforms | web, Windows, iOS, Android | web, iOS, Android |
| 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 → |
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
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
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
- HandSpeak8.8/10 · Free plan
A broad ASL reference library with free access and optional Patron features.
Visit HandSpeakFull 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 →
HandSpeak vs Sign ASL: questions
Which is better for sign language apps, HandSpeak or Sign ASL?
HandSpeak scores higher on our rubric for sign language apps: 8.8 against 7.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.
How do HandSpeak and Sign ASL compare?
Of the 3 checks we put side by side, HandSpeak leads on none, Sign ASL on 1, and 2 are level. Offline access only on Sign ASL.
Do HandSpeak and Sign ASL have a free plan?
HandSpeak: Yes. Sign ASL: Yes.
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All sign language apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update