PocketSign

Overview

PocketSign teaches American Sign Language through video lessons, practice activities, and a searchable sign dictionary. It is best suited to beginners, families, and anyone who wants to study or look up signs on a phone or in a browser. Free access covers a daily lesson and core reference tools; regular lesson study requires a paid plan.

Key features

The combination of structured lessons and a dictionary is PocketSign’s strongest case. Its catalog includes 10,000+ ASL entries and 70+ lesson sets and drills, with videos, descriptions, and repeatable practice at the center. That makes it useful both for following a learning path and checking a sign as questions arise. Alphabet and fingerspelling practice, flash cards, review tools, and progress tracking add ways to revisit material rather than simply watch lessons once.

The mobile apps include interactive video lessons, sign translation, questions, common and basic phrases, baby sign language, and an ASL dictionary. The browser experience also has study, grammar, rewards, alphabet, and A–Z sections. PocketSign says its content draws on Deaf educators, qualified sign-language interpreters, and contributors with university education, a relevant foundation for a learning resource. Its scope is specifically ASL, so learners seeking another signed language should choose a different tool.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and includes free ASL lessons, a daily lesson, the video dictionary, and alphabet practice. It is a sensible starting point for occasional study and sign lookup, but the daily lesson limit makes it a poor fit for learners who want sustained lesson progress.

Unlimited ASL Lessons (Month) costs $5.99 a month and removes that lesson cap. At $59.99 a year, Unlimited ASL Lessons (Yearly) offers the same stated unlimited-lessons benefit on an annual term, suitable for learners committed to ongoing study. Unlimited ASL Lessons Yearly h costs $109.99 a year and also specifies unlimited ASL lessons; no additional benefit is stated to distinguish it from the 59.99 USD annual option, so the cheaper annual plan is the clearer choice on the stated inclusions.

Month Subscription H costs $14.99 a month, but its included features are not described. That makes it difficult to weigh against the 5.99 USD monthly unlimited-lessons plan. The listed subscriptions are In-App Purchases; no trial, renewal terms, or seat limits are stated.

Platforms

PocketSign is available on web, iOS, and Android. The iOS app supports iPhone and iPad and is free with in-app purchases. Google Play shows 1M+ downloads and a 4.8-star rating from 33.8K reviews, useful indicators of reach and user reception. Google Play says the app does not share data with third parties, may collect app activity, encrypts data in transit, and does not allow data deletion. Its privacy policy says it may use Google Play Services and collect log data such as device name, operating-system version, app configuration, usage time, and statistics. The inability to delete data is a meaningful drawback for privacy-conscious users.

Who it's for

PocketSign fits beginners who want lessons alongside a large lookup resource, and families, students, or teachers who need practice and reference tools across mobile and web. It also suits occasional learners who can make use of a daily lesson and dictionary without subscribing. It is less suitable for intensive study on a free plan, anyone seeking a language other than ASL, or users who require the ability to delete app data.

Pros and cons

• Pro: A 10,000+ entry video dictionary sits alongside 70+ lesson sets and drills, so learners can study systematically and look up signs in one place.
• Pro: Free access includes a daily lesson, dictionary, and alphabet practice, giving casual learners useful study and reference tools without a subscription.
• Pro: Web, iOS, and Android support makes it available across common study contexts.
• Con: The free plan limits lessons to a daily lesson, which constrains learners hoping to progress through material more quickly.
• Con: The 14.99 USD monthly Month Subscription H has no stated inclusions, while the 109.99 USD annual unlimited plan has no stated advantage over the 59.99 USD annual plan.
• Con: Google Play says data cannot be deleted, a notable privacy limitation.

Alternatives

Sign Language Apps is the broader category page for comparing sign-language tools. For another ASL option, ASL Bloom has a free version with three complete modules and a free trial, making it worth considering for learners who want to sample complete modules before committing. MeLISegno is another free-plan option, with free modules and lessons, for readers who want a different app-based learning resource.

Pause LSF offers some free modules and lessons, and is the alternative to consider for LSF study rather than ASL. Play With ASL keeps two packs, Animals and Colors, free forever and includes all game modes, a better fit for learners who prefer game-based practice within that limited free pack selection. Sign ASL provides 40,000+ video signs, 150+ contributing signers, and unlimited access at no charge, making it a strong choice when free dictionary access is the priority. SignSchool is a free ASL learning resource for readers seeking a no-cost alternative. Sign BSL offers free unlimited access to a BSL dictionary, for learners of British Sign Language. SpreadTheSign is another alternative to compare.

Verdict

PocketSign is a strong choice for ASL beginners who want lessons, practice, and a substantial video dictionary across web and mobile. Its free dictionary and daily lesson make it useful for starting out, while the 5.99 USD monthly or 59.99 USD yearly unlimited plan suits more regular study. Look elsewhere if you need unlimited free lessons, a different signed language, or the option to delete app data.