Auslearn vs Lingvano
The short version: Lingvano teaches three sign languages and Auslearn teaches one. If you want Auslan and only Auslan, that difference decides it. If you are learning ASL or BSL as well, Lingvano covers ground we do not. We make Auslearn, so treat the recommendation below accordingly and check both listings yourself.
Key points
- Lingvano teaches American Sign Language, British Sign Language and Auslan; Auslearn teaches Auslan only.
- Lingvano runs on a paid subscription. Auslearn is free to download with three free beginner units and an optional Auslearn Pro subscription for the rest.
- Auslan and ASL are different languages, so an ASL course will not prepare you to communicate with Deaf Australians.
- Neither app replaces classes taught by Deaf teachers; both are best used as practice between them.
Before you compare apps
No app is the best way to learn Auslan. Classes taught by Deaf teachers are, because only a person can correct your signing and pass on the culture the language belongs to. Every app on this page, Auslearn included, is a supplement: it solves the problem of staying consistent between classes. If you have not looked at classes yet, start with our guide to Auslan courses and classes in Australia.
How we compared the apps
Included: Consumer apps currently available to Australian learners on iOS and Android that offer Auslan lessons or structured sign practice.
Not included: ASL-only apps, websites, standalone classes and products that are no longer available.
We compared language coverage, access model, platforms, curriculum or library, teaching format. Official Australian app-store listings and vendor product pages. This is a source-based feature comparison, not a hands-on review.
Side by side
| Feature | AuslearnOur app | LingvanoLingvano |
|---|---|---|
| Sign languages taught | Auslan only | ASL, BSL and Auslan |
| Access | Free to download, 3 free units, Auslearn Pro for the rest | Free to download; subscription unlocks all content and features |
| Platforms | iOS and Android | iOS and Android; browser-based ASL and BSL courses |
| Auslan curriculum | 12 units, 61 lessons | Auslan course and dictionary available |
| Dictionary | 250+ signs | Auslan dictionary included |
| Who teaches the signs | Deaf Auslan signers | Deaf teachers |
Published features checked on 22 August 2026. This comparison is based on official product pages and Australian app-store listings, not hands-on testing. Apps can change their pricing and course contents without notice, so confirm current details before you buy.
One language or three
Lingvano runs courses in American Sign Language, British Sign Language and Auslan. Its official Auslan listing describes bite-sized interactive lessons, an Auslan dictionary, a vocabulary trainer and a signing mirror, with lessons taught by Deaf teachers. Course contents change, so check the current listing before you subscribe.
Auslearn only teaches Auslan. There is no ASL or BSL in it, which is a limitation if you want more than one sign language and an advantage if you do not, because everything in the app is the language actually used by Deaf Australians.
This matters more than it sounds. Sign languages are not dialects of each other. Auslan uses a two-handed alphabet and ASL uses a one-handed one, and the vocabularies are largely unrelated. Our guide to Auslan vs ASL explains why an American course will not prepare you for a conversation in Australia.
What each one costs
Lingvano is free to download, with a subscription unlocking all learning content and features. Its official listing offers monthly, three-month and annual subscription periods. Check the current listing for prices, because offers can change by platform and over time.
Auslearn is free to download and includes three free beginner units. Auslearn Pro unlocks the remaining nine units and premium features. It is not a free app end to end, so compare the current subscription choices for the content you expect to use.
How they teach
Both apps are built on video of Deaf signers, short interactive lessons and a searchable dictionary, and both are aimed at beginners. Lingvano leans on bite-sized conversation practice and a signing mirror. Auslearn leans on repetition: short sessions, regular review of signs you have already met, and progress tracking that nudges you back.
Neither approach teaches you to hold a conversation on its own. Reading fingerspelling at natural speed, following facial grammar and responding in real time only come from signing with people.
Which one should you pick?
Lingvano
Choose Lingvano if you want one provider that publishes ASL or BSL courses as well as its Auslan course, or you are learning more than one sign language.
Main trade-off: A subscription is required to unlock all learning content and features, so check the current plan offered on your platform before subscribing.
Auslearn
Choose Auslearn if Auslan is the only sign language you need and you want everything in the app to be Australian. It is built for short, regular practice between classes rather than as a course you finish.
Main trade-off: Auslearn does not offer ASL or BSL, so it is not the right fit if you want one provider for several sign languages.
Try Auslearn's 3 free units before deciding
Download Auslearn on iOS or Android and use the beginner units without subscribing. Auslearn Pro is optional if you want the remaining units and premium features.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Lingvano teach Auslan?
- Yes. Lingvano has an official Auslan listing that describes beginner lessons, an Auslan dictionary and Deaf teachers. Lingvano also offers separate American and British Sign Language courses. Course contents change, so check the current listing before subscribing.
- Is Auslearn or Lingvano cheaper?
- Both can be downloaded without an upfront charge and both use subscriptions to unlock their full content. Auslearn includes three free beginner units. Lingvano offers monthly, three-month and annual subscription options. Prices and offers change, so compare the current listings for the plan you would actually use.
- Can I learn Auslan from an ASL app?
- No. Auslan and American Sign Language are unrelated languages with different alphabets, vocabulary and grammar. Auslan uses a two-handed manual alphabet; ASL uses a one-handed one. Practising ASL will not help you communicate with Deaf Australians.
- Is either app enough to become fluent in Auslan?
- No. Apps are useful for building vocabulary and keeping practice regular, but fluency comes from using the language with people. Classes taught by Deaf teachers and contact with the Deaf community are how you learn to sign accurately and understand the culture the language belongs to.
Sources and verification
Each source is labelled with the claims it supports. Store availability, prices and features can change after the checked date.
- Auslearn — App Store: iOS availability and app access.
- Auslearn — Google Play: Android availability and app access.
- Auslearn — Auslearn product guide: curriculum, library size and practice features.
- Lingvano — Auslan Google Play listing: Auslan course, Android availability, subscription, dictionary and Deaf teachers.
- Lingvano — App Store listing: iOS availability and in-app subscriptions.
- Lingvano — official ASL website: ASL course and browser-based access.
- Lingvano — official BSL website: BSL course and browser-based access.