Have you ever considered learning sign language but didn’t know where to start? Your phone might just be the key. With the right app, you can unlock a new world of communication, all at your fingertips.
This guide cuts through the clutter, presenting you with the top picks for 2024. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to polish your skills, these apps transform your mobile phone into a gateway to mastering sign language. Let’s go.
What are the best apps to learn sign language on your mobile phone?
In today’s tech-driven world, learning sign language has transcended traditional boundaries, becoming as easy as tapping your smartphone. Here, we spotlight the top apps that stand out for their comprehensive content, user-friendly interfaces, and innovative teaching methods.
- Lingvano
- The ASL App
- Sign Me A Story
- SignSchool
- InterSign ASL
- Hand Talk
- ASL Fingerspell Dictionary
- ASL Sign Language Pocket Sign
- Marlee Signs
- WeSign Basic
- Preply
- ASL Bloom
- My ASL Coach
- Baby Sign Language Dictionary
- Hands-On ASL
Lingvano
Lingvano is a dedicated app for learning American Sign Language (ASL), emphasizing independent, flexible learning. Tailored for those who prefer structured yet self-paced study, it offers a comprehensive curriculum covering ASL’s essentials, from basic gestures to more complex conversations.
Designed to make learning ASL accessible and engaging, Lingvano employs interactive lessons, real-life scenarios, and a unique feature called the Sign Mirror, allowing users to practice and refine their signing skills.
Features
- Its interactive lessons are designed to be completed in 10 minutes, fitting learning into any schedule.
- The app uses Sign Mirror Technology to allow users to practice signing with real-time feedback.
- The lessons are crafted by both Deaf and hearing experts, enriching the learning experience.
- It features comprehensive ASL content. From basic signs to complex conversations, it’s suitable for all levels.
- It offers tips and facts about Deaf communities, fostering deeper understanding.
Pricing
Lingvano offers several subscription options: $17.99 monthly, $47.99 for three months ($15.99/month), and $119.99 for an annual subscription ($9.99/month). A free trial provides full access to any lesson and encourages users to explore the app’s features fully before committing.
Bottomline
Lingvano is ideal for learners ranging from complete beginners to those with intermediate ASL skills. It aims to integrate learning into their daily routine without needing one-on-one tutoring.
It’s especially beneficial for individuals looking to communicate more effectively with the Deaf community or anyone interested in ASL for personal or professional development. With its flexible learning options, comprehensive content, and cultural insights, Lingvano is a top choice for anyone serious about mastering ASL.
The ASL App
The ASL App revolutionizes learning American Sign Language (ASL) through a mobile interface. It focuses on delivering a vast array of sign language tutorials via video and aims to simplify ASL learning by providing a straightforward, visual learning experience accessible anytime, anywhere.
This app covers everything from basic alphabets and numbers to more nuanced expressions and phrases, making it a versatile tool for beginners and intermediate learners alike.
Features:
- It has an extensive video library, with over 800 signs available.
- Its user-friendly interface allows easy navigation and clear video demonstrations that enhance the learning process.
- When you purchase the ASL App Pack, ads are removed from the app, allowing you to learn uninterruptedly.
- The one-time purchase includes all current and future releases, constantly expanding the learning material.
- The courses range from basic ABCs and numbers to universal gestures and detailed handshape exercises.
Pricing
The base app is free and offers an introduction to ASL with the option to expand learning through additional packs. Individual packs are available for 99 cents each, or a one-time purchase of $9.99 for the ASL App Pack, which unlocks the entire library of over 800 signs and removes ads from the app.
Bottomline
The ASL App is perfect for learners seeking a flexible, comprehensive tool to start or continue their ASL education. It suits those who appreciate learning through visual content and prefer a one-time purchase for a complete learning experience. Ideal for beginners and intermediate learners alike, the app provides a solid foundation in ASL with the convenience of learning on the go.
Sign Me A Story
Sign Me A Story is one of the few apps for learning sign language that uses storytelling to make teaching ASL an interactive experience. It’s designed for a broad audience and utilizes engaging narratives and characters to explore American Sign Language (ASL) in a fun, memorable way.
Beyond storytelling, it also uses music and interactive gaming to encourage users to learn at their own pace in a child-safe environment.
Feature:
- The app is a child-friendly platform. It’s designed with young learners in mind but suitable for all ages, providing a safe and engaging educational experience.
- Users learn ASL through stories, enhancing memory retention and making learning fun.
- It encourages creativity by allowing users to create stories with signed words, fostering an interactive learning environment.
- It combines music, cartooning, reading, and video to cater to different learning styles.
- It’s free to download and use, making ASL learning accessible.
Pricing
Sign Me A Story is available for free on the App Store and Google Play Store. This app provides a rich learning experience without any cost, making it an excellent resource for learners and educators. It includes 26 signs across four different experiences, and users can craft their own stories using a selection of signed words.
Bottomline
Sign Me A Story is ideal for young learners and families seeking an interactive, story-driven approach to learning sign language. It’s particularly suited for an engaging, no-cost introduction to ASL that combines education with entertainment. Whether for educational purposes or just for fun, this app offers a unique and accessible way for children and adults to dive into the world of sign language.
SignSchool
SignSchool brings an innovative and flexible approach to learning American Sign Language (ASL) through a rich, interactive platform. It’s designed to cater to learners at all levels, from beginners to more advanced users, offering a wide array of signs and concepts through high-quality video content and interactive learning tasks.
Designed for convenience, SignSchool is accessible across iOS, Android, and desktop platforms, making it a versatile tool for anyone interested in diving into ASL.
Features:
- It offers over 4,000 signs across 200 subtopics, covering many subjects.
- Users can access multiple-choice games and interactive tasks to reinforce learning.
- It includes a dictionary with signs from different dialects, showcasing the variety within ASL.
- It is highly suitable for daily learning. The “Sign of the Day” feature introduces a new sign daily to encourage consistent practice.
- Users can watch sign videos in slow motion for detailed learning.
Pricing
SignSchool is free, providing full access to its extensive features without cost. This accessibility supports its mission to make ASL learning available to as many people as possible across various devices.
Bottomline
SignSchool is ideally suited for learners of all levels interested in exploring or enhancing their ASL skills. Its comprehensive content and interactive and varied learning tools make it suitable for casual learners and those committed to thorough ASL mastery.
Free access ensures that anyone interested in ASL can embark on this learning journey regardless of their financial situation.
InterSign ASL
With its intuitive and user-friendly features, InterSign is the perfect app for beginners and intermediate learners who want to learn American Sign Language. It has many lessons, games, and an integrated dictionary, making the learning journey accessible and engaging.
Its approach to practical learning sets it apart, leveraging technology to offer real-time signing feedback.
Features:
- It offers a rich learning experience with diverse content of over 200 lessons and games.
- You can connect with other learners within a community of ASL enthusiasts for interactive learning.
- You can utilize your phone’s camera to provide instant feedback on your signing accuracy.
- It allows access to essential learning materials without upfront costs.
Pricing
InterSign ASL is free to download with ads. For an ad-free experience, InterSign Premium is $4.99 for the first month, then $6.99/month. There are also 6-month ($29.99) and yearly ($49.99) subscriptions for those committed to long-term learning.
Bottomline
InterSign ASL is tailored for individuals eager to start or deepen their ASL knowledge without the hefty investment typically associated with language learning. It’s especially appealing to learners who prefer a mix of structured lessons and interactive community engagement. Its flexible pricing and comprehensive features suit students, professionals, or anyone looking to bridge communication gaps through ASL.
Hand Talk
Hand Talk redefines the journey of learning American Sign Language (ASL) and Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) with its innovative use of 3D animated characters, Hugo and Maya. This app dismantles language barriers with flair, employing artificial intelligence to translate text and audio into sign language seamlessly.
It stands as an essential resource for both deaf and hearing users who are keen to bolster their communication abilities. Hand Talk’s intuitive design and captivating learning ambiance propel it beyond conventional educational tools, offering a rich, immersive learning experience that’s comprehensive and delightfully engaging.
Features:
- It translates text and audio into ASL and Libras in real-time.
- Hugo and Maya enhance the learning experience with engaging animations.
- It allows users to personalize their learning experience by adjusting translation speed and character appearances.
- Users can rate translations and save their favorites for quick reference.
- The UN recognizes it as the World’s Best Social App for its impact in bridging communication gaps.
Pricing
Hand Talk is freely accessible, offering unlimited translations without any cost. An optional ad removal fee exists for those who prefer an uninterrupted experience while supporting the app’s maintenance for underserved communities.
Bottomline
Hand Talk is ideal for anyone learning sign language through a practical, interactive platform. Whether you’re a student aiming to improve your vocabulary, a teacher seeking supplementary communication resources, or a family looking to better communicate with deaf relatives, Hand Talk offers a friendly, accessible solution. Its commitment to social inclusion and user engagement makes it a must-have app for learners and educators.
ASL Fingerspell Dictionary
The ASL Fingerspell Dictionary app is a meticulously crafted platform designed to elevate your ASL fingerspelling skills through an engaging, video-rich learning environment.
With over 1,000 high-definition tutorials at your fingertips, this app delves deep into the intricacies of fingerspelling, ensuring learners build a robust foundation in this essential facet of American Sign Language.
Its intuitive design and comprehensive quiz functionalities make it an essential tool for anyone keen on refining their fingerspelling abilities to precision.
Features:
- It features over 1,000 high-definition videos focusing exclusively on ASL fingerspelling.
- You can choose multiple-choice and type-answer formats to test recognition skills across various difficulty levels.
- It includes replay, slow motion, loop, and play, all options for tailored learning experiences.
- With 35 levels, from easy to expert, learners can progress at their own pace.
- No internet connection is required, making it accessible anytime, anywhere.
Pricing
The app is available for a one-time purchase of $3.99. This fee grants full access to all features without additional costs or ads, ensuring a focused and uninterrupted learning journey.
Bottomline
The ASL Fingerspell Dictionary app is a must-have for individuals dedicated to mastering ASL fingerspelling. Whether you’re a beginner in sign language or looking to refine your skills, this app offers a comprehensive and engaging approach to learning.
Its emphasis on video-based practice and interactive quizzes makes it one of the best apps to learn sign language, particularly for those who appreciate the importance of fingerspelling in ASL communication.
ASL Sign Language Pocket Sign
ASL Sign Language Pocket Sign revolutionizes learning American Sign Language (ASL) with its compact, interactive platform tailored to fit seamlessly into your daily routine.
Packed with many video lessons and captivating quizzes, you can be sure that this app shines as a beacon for novices and seasoned learners eager to deepen their ASL proficiency. Crafted with the user in mind, it demystifies sign language, transforming it into an accessible and delightful adventure for learners of all backgrounds.
Features:
- Hundreds of videos cover everyday phrases, greetings, and the ASL alphabet.
- Users can engage with fun quizzes and use items within the app to enhance the learning experience.
- The app has specialized content for teaching babies how to communicate before they can speak.
- It’s a handy resource for quick reference and learning on the go.
- Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your vocabulary, this app has something for you.
Pricing
ASL Sign Language Pocket Sign is free, with optional in-app purchases to unlock additional content and features. This model allows learners to start at no cost, with the flexibility to enhance their learning experience as they progress.
Bottomline
ASL Sign Language Pocket Sign is among the top apps for learning sign language. It is perfect for anyone looking to connect with the Deaf community, teach sign language to a child, or simply learn a new language.
Its blend of comprehensive lessons, interactive quizzes, and practical tools caters to a broad audience, making sign language learning accessible, effective, and fun.
Marlee Signs
Marlee Signs elevates the journey of learning American Sign Language (ASL) by presenting an unparalleled, personal guide in the form of Marlee Matlin, an acclaimed Deaf actress.
This innovative app delivers intimate, high-quality video tutorials directly from Marlee. It encompasses the full spectrum of ASL, from foundational alphabets to nuanced daily expressions.
Crafted with the learner in mind, Marlee Signs ensures a flexible, user-centric learning environment. It makes the acquisition of ASL accessible, engaging, and tailored to fit the pace and style of every student.
Features:
- Learn ASL from Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin.
- It has clear, concise, and easy-to-follow instructions.
- Lessons are segmented into short videos, perfect for learning at your speed.
- It has an interactive spelling feature where users can type any word and watch Marlee spell it in ASL.
- It covers various topics, from basic vocabulary to expressions used in daily life.
Pricing
Marlee Signs is free for the initial download and includes an introductory lesson pack. Additional specialized lesson packs are available for $1.99 each, encompassing themes like “around you”, “home”, and “around town”.
Bottomline
Marlee Signs is one of the standout apps to learn sign language, and it is ideal for anyone from beginners to those looking to refresh their skills.
With Marlee Matlin as your guide, the app offers a unique and enriching approach to ASL. Whether you’re looking to communicate more effectively with Deaf friends and family or simply keen on acquiring a new language, Marlee Signs provides a solid foundation in ASL through an immersive, accessible format.
WeSign Basic
WeSign Basic elegantly bridges the communication gap between deaf children and their parents on all things school-related. This app curates a concise selection of ASL video tutorials centered around everyday school scenarios — from homework questions to daily school activities.
Crafted for simplicity and straightforward use, it opens up a world of effective dialogue for ASL beginners and those aiming to enhance their school-related sign language conversations.
Features:
- The app is tailored to bridge communication gaps between parents and deaf children regarding school.
- Authentic ASL interactions between deaf adults and children provide real-life contexts.
- It offers “normal” and “slow” play modes to accommodate learners at different stages.
- It includes additional resources for those looking to expand their ASL knowledge beyond the app.
- You can be sure it’s designed for ease of use, ensuring a smooth learning experience for beginners.
Pricing
WeSign Basic is free on the App Store, making it accessible to anyone interested in learning ASL, particularly in school communication.
Bottomline
WeSign Basic is an essential app for learning sign language for parents, educators, and anyone involved in the education of deaf children. It is a practical tool for enhancing communication about school matters, providing a valuable resource for those looking to foster better understanding and connectivity with deaf learners.
With its focused approach and ease of access, it stands as a supportive bridge in educational communication.
Preply
Preply is transforming the journey of learning sign language with its innovative, one-on-one ASL tutoring sessions. This platform delivers a highly personalized and adaptable learning experience, making it a standout choice for students at any stage of their sign language journey.
By prioritizing individual learning goals and preferences, Preply matches students with experienced ASL tutors, ensuring each lesson perfectly aligns with the learner’s needs.
The focus on real-time, private lessons allows for immediate feedback and tailored instruction, making mastering ASL dynamic and efficient. With Preply, learners have the unique advantage of progressing at their own pace, in the comfort of their own space, guided by professionals passionate about sign language education.
Features:
- The app matches students with tutors best suited to their learning objectives and style.
- It allows learners to set their own study times and adjust as needed.
- It gives users access to 28 sign language tutors, each with high ratings from previous students.
- You can use your phone for lessons, making learning easy anywhere and anytime.
- It offers free tutor replacement until you find the perfect match for your learning needs.
Pricing
Signing up on Preply is free, but private lessons are paid. Prices average around $15/hour for beginners, $16/hour for intermediate learners, and $17/hour for advanced students. Preply takes a commission, ensuring quality tutoring and customer service. Lessons can be canceled up to 4 hours in advance without a penalty.
Bottomline
Preply is a prime choice among apps for learning sign language. It is suited for learners of all levels looking for personalized, flexible tutoring. Whether starting from scratch or aiming to refine advanced skills, Preply’s tailored tutoring approach makes it a preferred platform for dedicated ASL students seeking progress at their own pace and convenience.
ASL Bloom
Within its comprehensive suite, ASL Bloom boasts an expansive library with more than 1,300 signs and sentences, ensuring a rich reservoir of knowledge for users to tap into.
This app transcends traditional learning methods by infusing education with excitement. Through a series of interactive quizzes, learners are not just tested but are engaged in a fun and stimulating manner that reinforces their learning.
The visual dictionary acts as a quick reference tool, enabling users to revisit and consolidate their knowledge of signs. Moreover, ASL Bloom enriches the learning experience with grammar and cultural insights, offering a deeper understanding of the ASL community and its rich heritage.
Features:
- It offers 23 modules with 120 lessons, providing a comprehensive ASL learning experience.
- The app is designed to be fun and engaging, helping reinforce learning through practice.
- It’s a rich resource for quick reference and reinforcement of signs learned.
- The lessons enhance understanding of ASL beyond just signs, incorporating cultural insights.
- Users can learn anytime, anywhere, making it convenient to fit learning into any schedule.
- It encourages learning progression by rewarding users with points as they complete lessons.
Pricing
ASL Bloom provides initial learning units for free, with a Premium subscription available for deeper learning at $98.99 per year ($8.25 per month) or $47.99 quarterly ($15.99 per month). This subscription unlocks all content on the platform.
Bottomline
ASL Bloom is tailored for anyone keen on diving into American Sign Language, from curious beginners to those seeking to deepen their proficiency. Its blend of comprehensive lessons, interactive quizzes, and cultural insights offers an enriching learning experience aimed at fostering connections between the Deaf and hearing communities.
My ASL Coach
My ASL Coach introduces a fresh, game-based approach to learning American Sign Language (ASL), blending education with entertainment. This Android app stands out by turning ASL learning into an interactive experience, catering to learners of all levels with its varied difficulty settings.
It’s designed to teach and immerse users in an enjoyable and effective learning journey. With its unique blend of gaming and educational content, My ASL Coach aims to make ASL accessible and engaging for everyone.
Features:
- It engages users with a game-based approach to learning ASL.
- The lessons cater to beginners, intermediates, and advanced learners with easy, average, and complex settings.
- The app covers a wide range of ASL knowledge, from basics to more complex signs.
- It provides a solid foundation in the ASL alphabet for all users.
- It offers all current and upcoming bundle packs for a one-time fee, making comprehensive learning accessible.
Pricing
My ASL Coach is free to download, but you can purchase the ASL app pack for $9.99. This pack includes all paid and future bundles, ensuring users have access to a complete ASL learning experience.
Bottomline
My ASL Coach is perfect for individuals looking for a dynamic and interactive way to learn ASL. Whether you’re a beginner or seeking to advance your skills, this app’s game-based approach makes learning fun and effective. It’s particularly suited for learners who thrive in interactive environments and seek an engaging, comprehensive, affordable way to master ASL.
Baby Sign Language Dictionary
The Baby Sign Language Dictionary app is essential for parents and caregivers who foster early communication with their babies through sign language.
Priced affordably and packed with over 340 signs accompanied by more than an hour of high-quality video demonstrations, this app simplifies the learning process by presenting signs most relevant to a baby’s needs and daily routines.
Its user-friendly design, detailed tutorials, and intuitive categorization make it a standout resource for introducing American Sign Language (ASL) to the youngest learners.
Features:
- It features approximately 340 signs with detailed video demonstrations.
- The signs selected are easy to learn, helpful for caregivers, and match a baby’s interests and routines.
- It includes an interactive quiz to test and reinforce your sign language skills.
- All the signs are organized into intuitive categories, and the app offers a favorites list for personalized tracking.
- Each sign has a comprehensive tutorial, including performance instructions, memory tips, and introduction advice.
Pricing
Available for a one-time purchase of $2.99 on Amazon.com, this app offers a wealth of resources without additional costs or subscriptions, making it accessible to all parents interested in early communication.
Bottomline
The Baby Sign Language Dictionary app is ideal for parents and caregivers eager to begin communicating with their infants through sign language.
Its focus on baby-relevant vocabulary, easy-to-navigate interface, and engaging tutorials ensures a rewarding and practical learning experience. Whether you’re new to sign language or looking to expand your baby’s signing skills, this app provides a solid foundation in ASL explicitly tailored for the little ones.
Hands-On ASL
Hands-On ASL reinvents the journey of learning American Sign Language (ASL), emphasizing mastering fingerspelling through an inventive and immersive method. The vibrant 3D models that bring each sign to life are at the heart of its teaching strategy, allowing learners to interact with and view the alphabet from every conceivable angle.
This unique feature ensures a deep understanding and retention of ASL fingerspelling techniques, making the learning process educational and engaging.
Hands-On ASL transforms your mobile device into a dynamic classroom by blending cutting-edge technology with educational rigour. Its quiz formats, ranging from straightforward to challenging, inject a sense of play and competition into the learning experience, catering to a wide range of users from eager beginners to more experienced learners looking to refine their skills.
Features:
- It offers 3D models that can be zoomed and rotated, providing a comprehensive view of each sign.
- You can engage users with fingerspelling practice to enhance both receptive and expressive skills.
- The app allows customization of hand models with various skin tones for a more personalized learning experience.
- It incorporates quizzes of varying lengths and speeds to keep learning exciting and challenging.
- It motivates learners by enabling them to beat their high scores and unlock in-app rewards.
Pricing
Hands-On ASL is free to download and use, but it is supported by ads. Users can make in-app purchases to enhance their learning experience and remove advertisements.
Bottomline
Hands-On ASL is ideal for beginners and those interested in mastering the ASL alphabet through a highly interactive and visually engaging platform. Whether you’re learning ASL to communicate with friends and family or to expand your linguistic skills, this app offers a fun and effective way to dive into sign language.
Its innovative use of 3D models and customizable features makes it a standout choice for learners seeking a hands-on approach to ASL education.
Wrapping Up
Embarking on the journey to learn sign language is now easier and more accessible than ever, thanks to many apps designed to fit every learning style and need. From comprehensive courses Preply to quick learning tools like ASL Coach, there’s an app on this list for everyone.
Remember, the best app for learning sign language is the one that keeps you engaged and motivated throughout your learning journey. Choose the one that best suits your learning style, and you’ll sign in no time.