Lifeprint ASL University review

Lifeprint, also called ASL University, is a long-running free ASL site, and it holds up well against paid apps on depth. Dr. Bill Vicars has built it since 1997 into 60 free lessons across levels 1 to 4, where each lesson includes vocabulary videos, practice sentences and a quiz. The sign search covers 12,000+ video clips and the A to Z dictionary has 10,000+ sign pages, so it doubles as a reference while you use other tools. The site names parents of Deaf children among its audiences and links to videos on ASL for families of Deaf kids, plus fingerspelling quizzes, a workbook and a self-study schedule. The tradeoff is format: this is a dense website rather than a guided app, and there is no feedback on your own signing. Pair it with a practice partner or a class if you can.

Who it is for

Self-motivated learners and families who want a free, college-style course and dictionary.

Price

Free lessons and dictionary; optional books and media in the ASLU Bookstore.

Free ASL lessons, a sign dictionary, and resources -- by Dr. Bill Vicars, since 1997.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• 60 free ASL lessons across levels 1 to 4
• Each lesson has vocabulary videos, practice sentences and a quiz
• 12,000+ sign language video clips in the sign search
• 10,000+ sign pages in the A to Z dictionary
• Fingerspelling quizzes and practice tools, plus videos on ASL for families of Deaf kids

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Completely free, with a full four-level sequence
• Strength: Made for students, interpreters, teachers and parents of Deaf children
• Strength: Huge sign dictionary built up since 1997
• Weakness: A website, not a polished mobile app
• Weakness: Text-heavy pages take more effort than gamified apps
• Weakness: No live feedback on your own signing

Key facts

• Lessons: 60, levels 1 to 4
• Video clips: 12,000+
• Dictionary pages: 10,000+
• Running since: 1997
• Price: Free

Where it ranks

Lifeprint ASL University is No. 3 in our Best Sign Language Apps verdict.