Top 10 Online Sign Language Courses for 2024

Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn American Sign Language (ASL) or looking to enhance your existing skills, these premier online sign language classes are designed to help you achieve your objectives effectively.

After exploring numerous websites and online programs, we’ve curated a list of the top sign language classes tailored to suit your unique learning style and objectives. Let us help you find the perfect fit for your educational journey!

LingualNeeds: Best for personalized 1-on-1 sign language lessons

• Best use cases: Personalized 1-on-1 classes with experienced ASL tutors
• Pricing: Starting at $4/lesson, varying by tutor

LingualNeeds stands out as a premier provider of personalized, one-on-one online sign language classes. What sets it apart? Unlike other platforms that simply assign tutors, LingualNeeds features an innovative search engine that empowers you to select your ideal language teacher based on your specific qualifications and preferences.

If you’re looking to embark on ASL classes or need a focused course to enhance your Signing Exact English (SEE) skills, but can only commit to Saturdays at 6 PM, LingualNeeds is the perfect solution for you. With its user-friendly search filters, you can effortlessly find affordable online sign language tutors who fit your schedule.

Explore potential tutors by watching their video introductions, reading reviews and ratings, and checking their bios. You can also reach out with any questions through private messaging before scheduling a trial lesson, which starts at just $4.

At LingualNeeds, we want to ensure that your 1-on-1 sign language classes with an online tutor are perfectly tailored to your needs. If your trial lesson doesn’t meet your expectations, we offer a free tutor replacement—though this is rare, as our tutors are dedicated to providing engaging and personalized lessons that facilitate quick improvement, no matter your skill level.

Your personalized learning plan includes targeted homework activities designed to enhance your skills in specific areas like vocabulary and grammar. In class, you’ll refine these abilities with the expert support of your tutor. Research shows that customized learning significantly boosts educational outcomes, making LingualNeeds’s tailored approach more effective than traditional online sign language classes that use a one-size-fits-all model. With our individualized instruction, you can accelerate your progress and achieve your goals more efficiently.

Pros

• Flexible class times
• Customized learning plans and lessons
• Access the platform on a website or mobile app

Cons

• No free option
• Live video lessons require a strong internet connection

ASL Meredith: Best for beginners

• Best use cases: Learning the basics of ASL, including grammar
• Pricing: 
  • $199 for Beginner Foundations in American Sign Language
  • Starting at $29 for supplementary resources

Are you a beginner eager to dive into the world of American Sign Language (ASL)? Look no further than ASL Meredith! Crafted by a certified ASL instructor who learned the language from a childhood friend, this course is tailored to equip you with the essentials for basic conversations in just a few weeks. Start your signing journey today!

Dive into the world of American Sign Language (ASL) with our engaging instructional videos! Whether you want to learn a little or a lot, our content covers essential skills, including how to introduce yourself, tell time, and ask basic questions. Start your ASL journey today at your own pace!

The curriculum includes practice assignments and tests at the end of each module to assess your understanding. However, the absence of immediate feedback from an instructor can hinder your learning experience, as timely guidance is crucial for effective comprehension.

ASL Meredith’s beginner course is a fantastic starting point for anyone interested in American Sign Language. It not only teaches the essential basics but also offers valuable insights into Deaf culture, providing a well-rounded introduction to the language and its community.

Pros

• Ideal for novices
• Learn at your own pace

Cons

• No personalized tutor feedback
• Not suitable for intermediate or advanced learners

American Sign Language University (ASLU): Best free course

• Best use cases: Students who want to start learning ASL on a budget
• Pricing: 
  • Some free resources
  • $438/course for official academic credit or continuing education units

American Sign Language University (ASLU) was founded by Dr. Bill Vicars, a Deaf educator and associate professor specializing in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies at California State University, Sacramento. His vision for ASLU aims to enhance the understanding and appreciation of ASL and Deaf culture.

While the website may have an old-fashioned appearance, it boasts a remarkable array of American Sign Language (ASL) resources. Users can enjoy complimentary video lessons covering essential phrases and numbers. In addition, the site offers various free guides and interactive tools, including a fingerspelling practice feature, making it a valuable resource for learners.

ASLU offers structured ASL courses led by instructors through pre-recorded videos, making it easier for learners to follow along at their own pace. While there are no live one-on-one or group sessions, students engage with the material by completing assignments and quizzes independently. To successfully pass the course, you’ll also need to take a final exam and create a video project that showcases your skills.

While ASLU’s paid courses may not match those of other providers, it stands out as a premier source for free online sign language resources.

Pros

• Free self-study materials
• Experienced ASL video instructors

Cons

• Dated website
• No live lessons

Gallaudet University: Best for intensive learning

• Best use cases: Learning ASL with a more traditional, rigorous academic curriculum
• Pricing: 
  • Free introductory classes
  • $990/class

Gallaudet University, the premier liberal arts institution for Deaf students, has been a pioneer in teaching American Sign Language (ASL) to hearing, hard-of-hearing, and Deaf individuals since 1864. Beyond its traditional in-person classes, Gallaudet provides free online sign language courses for beginners, as well as a range of paid courses for learners at different skill levels.

Gallaudet’s virtual public program covers four main modules:

• Getting Started
• Basic Personal Information
• Making An Encounter
• People

These lessons feature pre-recorded presentations and instructional videos that demonstrate how to sign essential words and phrases. They’re an excellent resource for mastering the basics of sign language!

In contrast, the paid eight-week courses offer a deeper and more immersive learning experience. You can anticipate dedicating about 6 hours each week to watching videos and reading materials, along with an additional 8-9 hours for practicing signs and completing assignments. Plus, you’ll probably invest a few extra hours engaging with the university’s instructional staff during Zoom meetings to reinforce your understanding of the material.

If dedicating a significant number of study hours in a short period feels overwhelming, consider enrolling in a 15-week online sign language course. However, keep in mind that Gallaudet University may not be the best choice for those seeking flexible scheduling for American Sign Language classes online.

Pros

• Free ASL classes for beginners
• Many options for advanced learners

Cons

• Live classes are expensive
• Not flexible with scheduling

ASLdeafined: Best for vocabulary

• Best use cases: Learning ASL vocabulary terms
• Pricing: $36/year

ASLdeafined offers an impressive array of video resources and tools that are perfect for enhancing your ASL vocabulary. Crafted specifically for Deaf students, their families, and anyone eager to learn this expressive visual language, these materials provide valuable instruction and support for learners at all levels.

Our video lessons are delivered by highly qualified Deaf educators who interact with Deaf children and ASL learners every day. As an ASLdeafined subscriber, you’ll unlock a comprehensive video dictionary featuring over 18,000 words, a handy tool to save new vocabulary, engaging memorization activities, 300 pre-recorded video lessons, and a progress-tracking chart to monitor your learning journey.

ASLdeafined begins by identifying whether you are a hard-of-hearing or Deaf learner, or a hearing parent or caregiver. This tailored approach ensures you receive learning materials that perfectly match your unique needs. You can easily access and complete lessons through their mobile app or website, making the learning experience convenient and effective.

Keep in mind that ASLdeafined is a self-directed learning platform, meaning it doesn’t offer personalized learning advice or direct interaction with tutors. Nevertheless, it boasts a wealth of excellent educational resources that can enhance your online sign language classes, especially if those courses lack additional learning materials.

Pros

• Access to a video dictionary
• More affordable paid option

Cons

• Little guidance for beginners
• No interactive signing practice

Sign Language Center: Best for live conversation practice

• Best use cases: Ongoing conversation practice with Deaf instructors and other students
• Pricing: $225/class

At the Sign Language Center, you can choose from six levels of online sign language classes, tailored for everyone from complete beginners to advanced learners. Each course spans six weeks, featuring engaging sessions that meet once a week for two hours. Join us to enhance your communication skills in a supportive and interactive environment!

These sessions offer a comprehensive exploration of American Sign Language (ASL), focusing on essential skills such as vocabulary, fingerspelling, non-manual signals (NMS), and the effective use of space and gestures. Students will not only master ASL grammar but also enhance their expressive and receptive abilities. With all instructors being Deaf, learners benefit from authentic guidance from native ASL users.

The Sign Language Center offers courses at specific times throughout the day, all aligned with Eastern Time. Fortunately, with a variety of session options available, you can enjoy a bit of flexibility. If you happen to miss a class, you can easily catch up by attending another session within the same week, ensuring you stay on track with your learning.

Beyond its foundational courses, the Sign Language Center features a variety of workshops that explore specialized subjects, including pathways to becoming an interpreter. Additionally, the center hosts a continuous conversational course designed to promote social signing skills. This course employs a natural conversation method, enabling students to engage in discussions on designated topics in American Sign Language (ASL).

Students seeking tailored learning experiences can choose private tutoring for a more customized approach to their education, albeit at a cost of $100 per session.

Pros

• Classes are taught by Deaf instructors
• Small group classes allow for more interactive learning

Cons

• No flexibility in scheduling
• No lessons for children younger than 14

American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC): Best for children and families

• Best use cases: Children and families who are learning ASL
• Pricing: $100/series or $75/series for ASDC members

The American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) offers an exciting range of online American Sign Language classes suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners. Each course spans four weeks, featuring engaging 90-minute sessions each week, designed to enhance your signing skills in a supportive environment.

In beginner and lower intermediate classes, ASL interpreters are provided to enhance understanding. As you advance through the levels, these interpreters are gradually removed, allowing you to gauge your ASL fluency and fully immerse yourself in the language experience.

Alongside its standard ASL courses, ASDC offers specialized classes tailored for children aged seven and older. These engaging sessions are designed to captivate young learners through fun and interactive activities, making the learning process both enjoyable and effective.

The ASDC’s SignOn program offers a unique opportunity to engage in one-on-one practice with Deaf adults. You can easily arrange conversation sessions at times that suit you, and you can even record these interactions for future reference, enhancing your learning experience.

The Friends Like Me program, offered by ASDC, connects small groups of deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children with a trained DHH Adult Mentor. This engaging environment provides a fantastic opportunity for kids to enhance their American Sign Language (ASL) skills while forming meaningful friendships.

Pros

• Covers all levels of ASL
• Option to connect with other students for live conversation practice

Cons

• No flexible class scheduling

Sign It! ASL: Best for homeschooling

• Best use cases: Parents who want to monitor their children’s progress as they learn ASL as a family

• Pricing: 
  • Free access for eligible families
  • $49.99/course
  • $159.99 for all courses

Sign It! ASL offers dynamic online sign language classes tailored for homeschoolers. Our courses focus on essential everyday vocabulary, interactive conversation practice, and insights into Deaf culture, making learning enjoyable for both children and their parents.

Discover an exciting way to learn with Sign It!, where captivating video presentations are brought to life by talented Deaf actors and advocates. After watching, you’ll engage in brief learning activities and quizzes to reinforce your knowledge. Plus, you can utilize tools to track your progress and keep an eye on your children’s improvement.

Thanks to a collaboration with the Signing Time Foundation and the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management, Sign It! ASL offers complimentary online sign language classes for families in the United States. This opportunity is specifically available to those with children under 36 months who experience any level of hearing loss.

Pros

• Free for eligible families in the United States
• Entertaining instructors

Cons

• No customized tutor feedback
• No live lessons

Start ASL: Best for high school and college students

• Best use cases: Earning official school credit while learning ASL at home
• Pricing:
  • $47/month for Silver level
  • $97/month for Gold level
  • $247/semester for Silver level
  • $497/semester for Gold level
  • $447/year for Silver level
  • $997/year for Gold level

Start ASL offers dynamic online sign language courses that feature engaging interactive activities and quizzes. Unlike traditional educational settings, Start ASL allows you the freedom to learn at your own pace, with no deadlines to stress over.

Rather than just tackling monotonous multiple-choice questions, each unit offers a dynamic blend of vocabulary exercises, pre-recorded video lessons, and assignments that mirror an entire semester of a high school or college language course. Plus, you can engage in discussions with fellow students in an exclusive Facebook group, providing the interactive experience typically found in traditional classrooms.

The Silver subscription offers a variety of self-study materials, engaging exercises, and written feedback on select assignments. However, for personalized feedback on your signing video assignments, virtual office hours with instructors, and official academic credit, you’ll need to upgrade to the Gold package, which comes at an additional cost.

Pros

• Instructor feedback on video assignments
• Communicate with other learners

Cons

• No live 1-on-1 classes
• Written course instructions aren’t always clear

Sign Language 101: Best for continuing education

• Best use cases: Earning continuing education units (CEUs) from an accredited institution
• Pricing:
  • Starting at $49.99/course
  • $149.97 for the Complete Course Bundle

Sign Language 101 provides dynamic and accessible online courses in sign language, featuring on-demand video lessons taught by skilled Deaf language professionals. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, our flexible courses cater to all levels of learners.

Each lesson is designed to enhance your skills step by step, beginning with essential signs and advancing to more intricate concepts. To ensure accessibility for learners of all levels, every lesson includes English captions and voiceovers. Additionally, interactive exercises help sharpen your receptive skills, while quizzes at the end of each unit confirm your readiness to progress to the next stage.

Our courses hold full accreditation from the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), allowing you to earn valuable continuing education units (CEUs) upon completion. This accreditation enhances the program’s attractiveness for aspiring interpreters and anyone eager to expand their understanding of American Sign Language (ASL).

For those who prefer learning on the move, our program is conveniently accessible through a mobile app compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Simply follow the instructions on our website to download your course directly to your mobile. Not sure if you’re ready to dive into a full course? No problem! Sign Language 101 provides a variety of free ASL video lessons for you to explore before committing.

Pros

• Free video lessons available
• Option to earn continuing education units

Cons

• No live interaction with instructors or other students
• No personalized feedback on signing or fingerspelling

Explore ASL with online sign language classes

Online ASL classes offer an excellent opportunity to begin your journey into sign language, particularly if you don’t have a practice partner. However, if you’re eager to accelerate your learning, consider personalized 1-on-1 tutoring with LingualNeeds for a more tailored experience.

LingualNeeds simplifies the process of connecting with skilled sign language tutors who cater to your budget and availability. After selecting a tutor, you’ll receive a customized learning plan designed to accelerate your progress toward fluency in ASL. Enjoy the benefits of live conversation practice and constructive feedback, both vital for mastering the language. Additionally, you have the flexibility to schedule lessons at your convenience, making it easy to incorporate learning into your busy life.

Explore our curated list of the top apps for learning American Sign Language (ASL) to discover valuable resources that will enhance your learning experience.