Best DEF-ISL Alternatives in 2026
The top DEF-ISL alternatives are BSL SignBank, HandSpeak and SpreadTheSign: 15 sign language apps our editors would look at instead of DEF-ISL, in our ranking order.
DEF-ISL: A free, extensive ISL reference app, but without documented progression or search tools. Where it falls short: no documented learner-progress tracking.
Switching from DEF-ISL? For most sign language apps buyers the best DEF-ISL alternative is BSL SignBank, built for free BSL dictionary and reference users. On a budget, HandSpeak starts at $5.95/mo.
Why People Look for a DEF-ISL Alternative
- No documented learner-progress tracking
- No documented dictionary-search function
- Offline use is not documented
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallBSL SignBank9.2
Free BSL dictionary and reference users
Visit BSL SignBank - Lowest priceHandSpeak8.8
Paid plans from $5.95/mo
Visit HandSpeak - Best free optionBSL SignBank9.2
Has a free plan
Visit BSL SignBank
All 15 DEF-ISL Alternatives, Ranked
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.
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Best forFree BSL dictionary and reference users
- Better than DEF-ISL:
- Editor score 9.2 vs 5.3
A rich, free BSL reference with video search, regional detail and quizzes.
- Dictionary lookup
9.2/10★★★★★Visit BSL SignBank -
Best forASL reference users wanting mature coverage
- Better than DEF-ISL:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 5.3
A broad ASL reference library with free access and optional Patron features.
- Dictionary lookup
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit HandSpeak -
Best forPeople comparing multiple sign languages
- Better than DEF-ISL:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 5.3
A free-to-start video dictionary for comparing 23 sign languages.
- Dictionary lookup
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit SpreadTheSign -
Best forFree, broad ASL learning across devices
- Better than DEF-ISL:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 5.3
A free, broad ASL learning platform with video lessons, practice, games, and dictionary tools.
- Offline access
- Progress tracking
- Dictionary lookup
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit SignSchool -
Best forClassrooms wanting affordable game-based ASL
- Better than DEF-ISL:
- Editor score 7.8 vs 5.3
A game-based ASL app with free basics and strong classroom tools.
- Progress tracking
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Play With ASL -
Best forLow-cost, self-paced BSL learners
- Better than DEF-ISL:
- Editor score 7.7 vs 5.3
A low-cost, self-paced BSL course with useful practice and progress tools.
- Progress tracking
- Dictionary lookup
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit British Sign -
Best forFree BSL dictionary users needing offline access
- Better than DEF-ISL:
- Editor score 7.6 vs 5.3
A free BSL dictionary with video lookup, variations, vocabulary levels and saved offline signs.
- Offline access
- Dictionary lookup
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit Sign BSL -
Best forFree ASL dictionary users needing offline favorites
- Better than DEF-ISL:
- Editor score 7.5 vs 5.3
A free ASL reference tool with video lookup, variations, categories, and iOS favorites offline.
- Offline access
- Dictionary lookup
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit Sign ASL -
Best forNZSL learners needing multilingual lookup
- Better than DEF-ISL:
- Editor score 7.4 vs 5.3
A free NZSL reference with multilingual search, visual filters and offline mobile diagrams.
- Offline access
- Dictionary lookup
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit site -
Best forAuslan learners wanting adaptive study
- Better than DEF-ISL:
- Editor score 7.3 vs 5.3
A focused Auslan learning app with adaptive study tools and a free dictionary.
- Progress tracking
- Dictionary lookup
7.3/10★★★★☆Visit Auslan Wiz -
Best forSchools needing deep ASL curriculum tools
- Better than DEF-ISL:
- Editor score 7.2 vs 5.3
A deep ASL curriculum platform for schools, with structured lessons and progress tools.
- Progress tracking
- Dictionary lookup
7.2/10★★★★☆Visit ASLdeafined -
Best forComprehensive self-paced ASL courses
- Better than DEF-ISL:
- Editor score 7.1 vs 5.3
A structured, self-paced ASL curriculum with video practice, assessments, and certificates.
- Progress tracking
- Dictionary lookup
7.1/10★★★★☆Visit Sign It! ASL -
Best forAffordable structured ASL practice
- Better than DEF-ISL:
- Editor score 7.0 vs 5.3
A structured ASL learning app with lessons, practice tools, and progress tracking.
- Progress tracking
- Dictionary lookup
7.0/10★★★★☆Visit PocketSign -
Best forFree BSL learners wanting structured modules
- Better than DEF-ISL:
- Editor score 6.8 vs 5.3
A free-first BSL learning app with structured modules and practice tools.
- Dictionary lookup
6.8/10★★★☆☆Visit Bright BSL -
Best forGamified ASL learners wanting retention support
- Better than DEF-ISL:
- Editor score 6.7 vs 5.3
A structured, gamified ASL app with dictionary tools and retention checks.
- Progress tracking
- Dictionary lookup
6.7/10★★★☆☆Visit ASL Bloom
DEF-ISL Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to DEF-ISL?
BSL SignBank: #1 in our Sign Language Apps ranking, with an editor score of 9.2 out of 10. A rich, free BSL reference with video search, regional detail and quizzes.
Is there a free alternative to DEF-ISL?
Yes. BSL SignBank, HandSpeak, SpreadTheSign, SignSchool and Play With ASL have a free plan or a free tier (13 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for DEF-ISL alternatives?
No documented learner-progress tracking; No documented dictionary-search function; Offline use is not documented.
How do I switch from DEF-ISL?
Export your data from DEF-ISL (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel DEF-ISL.
How to Switch from DEF-ISL
- Export your data from DEF-ISL (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel DEF-ISL.
DEF-ISL vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Signed languages | Lesson format | Dictionary lookup | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | DEF-ISL | Yes | Free | Indian Sign Language (ISL) | Mixed | 5.3 | |
| 1 | BSL SignBank | Yes | Free | British Sign Language (BSL) | Video | Yes | 9.2 |
| 2 | HandSpeak | Yes | $5.95/mo | ASL | Mixed | Yes | 8.8 |
| 3 | SpreadTheSign | Yes | ASL, BSL, and 21 more sign languages | Video | Yes | 8.6 | |
| 4 | SignSchool | Yes | Free | American Sign Language (ASL) | Mixed | Yes | 7.9 |
| 5 | Play With ASL | Yes | $50/yr | American Sign Language (ASL) | Mixed | 7.8 | |
| 6 | British Sign | Yes | £5 one-time | British Sign Language (BSL) | Mixed | Yes | 7.7 |
| 7 | Sign BSL | Yes | Free | British Sign Language (BSL) | Video | Yes | 7.6 |
| 8 | Sign ASL | Yes | Free | American Sign Language (ASL) | Video | Yes | 7.5 |
| 9 | New Zealand Sign Language Dictionary | Yes | Free | New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) | Video | Yes | 7.4 |
| 10 | Auslan Wiz | Yes | Auslan (Australian Sign Language) | Mixed | Yes | 7.3 | |
| 11 | ASLdeafined | No | $12/user/yr | American Sign Language (ASL) | Video | Yes | 7.2 |
| 12 | Sign It! ASL | No | American Sign Language (ASL) | Mixed | Yes | 7.1 | |
| 13 | PocketSign | Yes | American Sign Language (ASL) | Video | Yes | 7.0 | |
| 14 | Bright BSL | Yes | British Sign Language (BSL) | Mixed | Yes | 6.8 | |
| 15 | ASL Bloom | Yes | $98.99/yr | American Sign Language (ASL) | Mixed | Yes | 6.7 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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