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Head-to-head · Sign Language Apps

HandSpeak vs SpreadTheSign

  • Updated Nov 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score HandSpeak #2 in Sign Language Apps 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit HandSpeak
SpreadTheSign #3 in Sign Language Apps 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit SpreadTheSign

HandSpeak leads on 0 checks, SpreadTheSign 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 scoreHandSpeak · 8.8/10
  • Free planboth

HandSpeak scores higher on our rubric for sign language apps: 8.8 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

On lesson format, HandSpeak gives you Mixed where SpreadTheSign offers Video.

HandSpeak is the better fit for ASL reference users wanting mature coverage. SpreadTheSign is the better fit for people comparing multiple sign languages.

  • HandSpeak fits best

    ASL reference users wanting mature coverage

  • SpreadTheSign fits best

    People comparing multiple sign languages

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Side by side

Feature HandSpeak 8.8/10 Visit ↗ SpreadTheSign 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.6
Ranking #2 in Sign Language Apps #3 in Sign Language Apps
Best for ASL reference users wanting mature coverage People comparing multiple sign languages
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $5.95/mo —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Docs Email, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features HandSpeak 1/3 · SpreadTheSign 1/3
Offline access — Not checked yet
Dictionary lookup ✓ ✓
Progress tracking Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Signed languages ASL ASL, BSL, and 21 more sign languages
Lesson format Mixed Video
Supported platforms web, Windows, iOS, Android web, ios, android
Our review
Pros
  • Searchable and reverse ASL dictionaries with video demonstrations
  • Free access across web, Windows, iOS, and Android
  • Includes fingerspelling, phrases, tutorials, and Deaf culture resources
  • Covers ASL, BSL, and 21 additional sign languages
  • Searches words, sentence examples, and multilingual sign videos
  • Includes comparisons, slow playback, favorites, and fingerspelling
Cons
  • 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
  • Learning and progress features are limited
  • The broad language coverage may not replace a structured course
  • Premium app features require the Pro Version
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 →

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 →
  1. HandSpeakSign Language Apps 8.8Free plan
  2. SpreadTheSignSign Language Apps 8.6Free plan

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
  • 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

HandSpeak vs SpreadTheSign: questions

Which is better for sign language apps, HandSpeak or SpreadTheSign?

HandSpeak scores higher on our rubric for sign language apps: 8.8 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

How do HandSpeak and SpreadTheSign compare?

All 3 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.

Do HandSpeak and SpreadTheSign have a free plan?

HandSpeak: Yes. SpreadTheSign: Yes.

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026

Last updated · How we research and update