Sign language apps can make a huge difference. I found this out when I wanted to talk better with my deaf friend from college. Meeting him made me want to learn sign language, but I didn’t know where to start. Then, I found an ASL app on my Android phone. It had courses, practice sessions, and vocabulary tools.
I learned signs like “hello” and “thank you,” and soon, I could have simple conversations with my friend. We were both happy. Encouraged by this, I tried British Sign Language (BSL) and Indian Sign Language (ISL). I found many sign language apps with video lessons, quizzes, and practice sessions.
With so many apps out there, you might wonder, “Can I really learn sign language through an app?” Spoiler alert: Yes, you absolutely can. And it’s easier than you might think. Since I’ve tried many sign language apps for Android, I can tell you which is best for you. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to brush up your skills, there’s something here for everyone.
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Best Android apps for learning Sign Language
- 1. Lingvano: Sign Language – ASL
- Pros
- Cons
- 2. Sign Language ASL Pocket Sign
- Pros
- Cons
- 3. Spread Signs
- Pros
- Cons
- 4. The ASL App
- Pros
- Cons
- 5. ISL Journey – Sign Language
- Pros
- Cons
- 6. Hand Talk Translator
- Pros
- Cons
- 7. Basics of Sign Language
- Pros
- Cons
- 8. DEF-ISL
- Pros
- Cons
- 9. Sign Language: ASL Kids
- Pros
- Cons
- Bottom Line
Best Android apps for learning Sign Language
Here is a list of the best apps for learning sign language for Android phones. These applications are perfect for both beginners as well as advanced learners.
1. Lingvano: Sign Language – ASL
If you want to learn sign languages in slow motion, then Lingvano is the app for you. At first, I was unsure about the price, but it was worth it. The app uses fun and easy methods to teach. You can learn at your own pace, look up signs in the dictionary, and watch slow-motion videos. It tracks your progress with quizzes and rewards. Whether you’re refreshing your skills or starting from scratch, Lingvano makes learning ASL engaging and easy. I highly recommend it to anyone serious about learning sign language.
Pros
Fun and effective teaching methods
Dictionary for quick look-ups
Slow-motion videos for better understanding
Tracks progress with quizzes and rewards
Focuses on real communication skills
Suitable for beginners and refreshers
Like Duolingo, but for ASL
Cons
Relatively expensive subscription
No free option after the trial period
Occasional freezing issues reported
Some regional sign variations may differ
No way to skip beginner lessons if advanced
Download Lingvano: Sign Language – ASL
2. Sign Language ASL Pocket Sign
The only reason I like this app is that it offers a one-time payment option of $15 to unlock all lessons. Yes, you can get daily free lessons that are simple and easy to understand. Although there are some minor bugs, like occasional app crashes, the new feature for signing sentences is awesome. The app is interactive, low-stress, and a bit gamified, making learning fun. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve, I highly recommend ASL Pocket Sign.
Pros
Affordable one-time payment of $15 for all lessons
Dictionary for quick look-ups
Easy-to-follow daily free lessons
Interactive and low-stress learning environment
Gamified features make learning fun
Suitable for beginners and advanced learners
Cons
Occasional app crashes during practice sessions
Minor bugs in quizzes
Some lessons repeat instead of progressing
Slow updates for new content
Download Sign Language ASL Pocket Sign
3. Spread Signs
Spread Signs is the only sign language learning app that offers over 200,000 signs from languages like American, Czech, British, Estonian, French, German, Austrian, Italian, Japanese, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Brazilian, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Turkish. While the dictionary is free, the full version costs $5. The layout is clean and easy to use, making it convenient to carry around and use whenever you need to look up a sign. If you are a student or a traveler, then you should definitely try it out.
Pros
Over 200,000 signs
Supports multiple sign languages
Great for students and travelers
Option to create favorite word lists
Cons
Requires payment for full version
Occasional technical issues
No offline mode
Frequent pop-ups asking for purchases
Some features not accessible without payment
4. The ASL App
The ASL App, made by Deaf people, helps you learn ASL on the go. You get interactive videos, a search index, and a favorites folder. You can control video speed and share signs on social media. I had some issues, but reinstalling fixed them. It’s great for learning ASL basics and teaching others.
Pros
Made by Deaf people
Interactive videos
Easy to use
Search index and slow-motion
Share signs on social media
Cons
Some lessons may have issues
No pause button
Lessons need more breakdown
Requires reinstalling to fix some glitches
Not available on PC or laptop
5. ISL Journey – Sign Language
This is one of the best Indian Sign Language (ISL) apps that I’ve tried. The app offers 20 fun and engaging modules, each with gamified lessons and a visual dictionary. It even has a turtle button to slow down the signing pace. There’s a minor bug in the greeting lesson, but overall, it’s a great, ad-free learning tool. Want to learn Indian sign language? Try ISL Journey today.
Pros
Fun and engaging modules
Gamified lessons
Visual dictionary
Ad-free experience
Turtle button for slower signing
Cons
Minor bug in the greeting lesson
No Google login or account options
Download ISL Journey – Sign Language
6. Hand Talk Translator
Hand Talk Translator is the first AI-based sign language learning app for Android. Hugo, the 3D interpreter, automatically translates text and audio to American Sign Language (ASL) [Beta] and Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) through artificial Intelligence. I used it to talk with my girlfriend in ASL and had fun with jokes. You can type a word, and Hugo shows the sign. Adjust the speed or repeat signs with almost no ads. It’s easy to use and very helpful, though some users mention bugs.
Pros
Fun and easy to use
Translates text and audio to ASL and Libras
Adjustable speed and repeat signs
Few ads
Cons
Some bugs reported
Limited to ASL and Libras
Misleading advertising
Occasional app crashes
7. Basics of Sign Language
Basics of Sign Language from Paradox Inc. is like a pocket library for learning sign language. It includes ISL, ASL, and BSL in one easy-to-use app. You can learn through quizzes, interactive links, and fun games like scratch-to-find signs. The app is free and has no ads. While some users wished for more video content, it’s still a great starting point for beginners.
Pros
Free and no ads
Includes ISL, ASL, and BSL
Fun and interactive learning tools
Cons
Limited video content
Navigation could be improved
Does not include New Zealand Sign Language
Download Basics of Sign Language
8. DEF-ISL
With over 50,000 signs, videos, and illustrations, DEF-ISL is great for both deaf and hearing-impaired users. You can use it to communicate with doctors, teach family members, and improve your English. The app helps you understand books and movies better. However, it could use a pause and resume feature for new words and sentences, and there are occasional login issues. Despite these minor drawbacks, DEF-ISL is the best application for anyone looking to learn sign language. If you want to improve your communication skills, try the DEF-ISL app once.
Pros
Easy to use with 50,000+ signs and phrases
Helps improve communication and English
Great for both deaf and hearing users
Useful for understanding books and movies
Available on iOS and Android
Cons
No pause and resume feature
Occasional login issues
Missing some new words in the dictionary
9. Sign Language: ASL Kids
ASL Kids is a great app for learning sign language, especially for children. You’ll love how young ASL coaches, aged 1 to 12, teach common signs, finger spelling, and baby sign language. Each sign comes with a big picture and a sound button to help with speech and hearing. My five-year-old niece loves it, and it helps her connect with her deaf mom. The app is simple to use and perfect for beginners. Though it has only 108 signs, it’s a fun and practical way to learn. Give it a try!
Pros
Young ASL coaches make learning engaging
Includes big pictures and sound buttons
Simple and easy-to-use interface
Helps with speech and hearing development
Great for kids and beginners
Encourages family learning and bonding
Cons
Limited to 108 signs
Missing some common signs and verbs
Occasional technical issues
No categorization of signs
Some demonstrations have poor camera angles
Download Sign Language: ASL Kids
Bottom Line
Learning sign language is a great idea. It opens up a new way to communicate and helps connect the hearing and deaf communities. Plus, it’s fun!
If we missed any great sign language learning apps, then do let us know in the comments.