American Sign Language (ASL) is one of the most commonly used languages in the U.S. and ranks as the fourth most-studied second language in American universities. With hundreds of colleges offering ASL instruction, and at least 35 states recognizing it as a modern language, its popularity continues to grow.
That’s why we’ve curated some of the best online ASL classes to help you get started. Whether you’re learning to communicate with Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, support someone in your family, or just want to expand your skills, learning sign language can make a real difference.
Taking an ASL course online can help you:
- Sign the alphabet accurately from memory
- Recognize and understand each letter in ASL
- Build fluency in fingerspelling
- Sign and understand short words and names
These are practical, real-world skills, and you don’t need to be an expert to start.
Best American Sign Language (ASL) Courses
- American Sign Language (ASL) Course: Learn the Basics
- Learn & Master Sign Language
- ASL | First 120 Basic Signs | American Sign Language
- American Sign Language (ASL) 101 & ISL
- ASL | The Alphabet For Beginners | American Sign Language
- 25 ASL Signs You Need to Know | ASL Basics | American Sign Language for Beginners
- American Sign Language “Basics”
- Educating Deaf Children: Becoming an Empowered Teacher
- American Deaf Culture
Disclosure: We’re supported by the learners and may earn from course purchases.
1. American Sign Language (ASL) Course: Learn the Basics
Instructor: Intellezy Trainers
If you’re new to ASL and want to start from scratch, this course covers all the essentials, from the alphabet and finger-spelling to everyday signs like food, colors, animals, and feelings. It’s designed to give you a working base in the language, with guided practice and visual examples that build gradually. You’ll even wrap up by performing a short ASL story to show what you’ve learned.
- Platform: Udemy
- Course Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0
- Duration: 2.5 Hours
- Students Enrolled: 20,000+
- Certificate: Yes
Quick Highlights:
- No prior knowledge required.
- Includes vocabulary + sentence structure.
- Covers common themes like family, professions, and verbs.
What You’ll Learn:
- Sign the full ASL alphabet and finger-spell words.
- Build vocabulary across common topics like food, feelings, and colors.
- Understand basic sentence flow in ASL.
Requirements:
- Just your hands and willingness to practice regularly.
Why Take This Course:
It’s a well-paced intro that focuses on everyday words and signing clarity, no fluff, no filler. This course is best for anyone who wants to start learning ASL with a structured, topic-based approach.
2. Learn & Master Sign Language
Instructor: Dr. Byron Bridges & Stacey Webb (via Legacy Learning Systems)
This ASL course is ideal if you want a complete journey from basics to fluency in American Sign Language. You’ll start with the ASL alphabet, simple introductions, and everyday phrases, then move into advanced vocabulary, sentence structure, and storytelling. It’s structured across 25 comprehensive sessions with downloadable lesson books, practice drills, quizzes, and cultural insights.
- Platform: Udemy
- Course Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0
- Duration: 47 Hours
- Students Enrolled: 19,900+
- Certificate: Yes
Quick Highlights:
- Starts with alphabet, gestures, and essential grammar.
- Over 2000 signs taught using visuals, drills, and guided practice.
- Includes tips on Deaf culture, storytelling, and expressive clarity.
What You’ll Learn:
- Sign full sentences, dialogues, and narratives with confidence.
- Build up speed in fingerspelling using progressive-speed practice.
- Use classifiers and expansion techniques to add emotion and flow.
- Get familiar with common expressions used in real conversations.
Requirements:
- Download the lesson book before starting (available in Section 1).
Why Take This Course:
If you’re looking for a comprehensive, DVD-style experience with strong instructor support and a structured curriculum, this one stands out. It blends foundational ASL with advanced skills like expressive fluency and walks you through each step. Ideal for motivated beginners who prefer step-by-step learning over piecemeal videos.
3. ASL | First 120 Basic Signs | American Sign Language
Instructor: Michael (Able Lingo ASL)
If you want to learn ASL as a beginner, this course is built for you. It teaches 120 essential signs through grouped practice, testing, and visual repetition. You’ll move through themed batches of vocabulary like greetings, feelings, daily objects, and questions, with mini-tests every 10 signs to boost memory. No prior experience needed.
- Platform: Udemy
- Course Rating: 4.9 out of 5.0
- Duration: 7.5 Hours
- Students Enrolled: 1,800+
- Certificate: Yes
Quick Highlights:
- No prior knowledge required.
- Includes vocabulary + sentence structure.
- Covers common themes like family, professions, and verbs.
What You’ll Learn:
- Sign and recognize 120 essential ASL words from scratch.
- Practice hand shape, placement, and expression for clarity.
- Build vocabulary around everyday needs: people, questions, actions.
Requirements:
- A device to watch lessons and the motivation to sign along.
Why Take This Course:
With structured groupings, repeat reviews, and confidence-boosting tests, this course makes the most of your study time. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to review ASL fundamentals the smart way.
4. American Sign Language (ASL) 101 & ISL
Instructor: Deaf Instructor
This course blends American Sign Language (ASL) and International Sign Language (ISL), giving you a deep look into deaf culture, visual communication, and natural signing flow. Taught by a native deaf instructor, the course focuses heavily on grammar, facial expression, spatial use, and poetic elements that help you sign like a native. With 13+ hours of lessons, it’s ideal for learners who want to do more than memorize vocabulary.
- Platform: Udemy
- Course Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0
- Duration: 13.5 Hours
- Students Enrolled: 700+
- Certificate: Yes
Quick Highlights:
- Native deaf instructor with global exposure.
- Teaches both ASL and broader visual signing concepts.
- Focus on grammar, classifiers, and Deaf cultural insight.
What You’ll Learn:
- Master sentence structure, visual grammar, and classifiers.
- Explore mouth morphemes, facial expressions, and poetic signs.
- Understand the mindset and thinking process of Deaf communities.
Requirements:
- Basic tech access and willingness to observe and sign visually.
Why Take This Course:
This isn’t a “just learn signs” course. It’s a deep dive into how Deaf people actually communicate, fluidly, visually, and with expression. Great for anyone serious about fluency or interpretation.
5. ASL | The Alphabet For Beginners | American Sign Language
Instructor: Michael (Able Lingo ASL)
This short course focuses entirely on mastering the ASL alphabet—the foundation for fingerspelling and future signing. It teaches each letter step by step, then moves into recognition and fluency exercises using multiple angles and repetition. It’s perfect for total beginners who want to get comfortable with the ABCs before tackling words or phrases.
- Platform: Udemy
- Course Rating: 4.8 out of 5.0
- Duration: 2.5 Hours
- Students Enrolled: 3,000+
- Certificate: Yes
Quick Highlights:
- Beginner-friendly and slow-paced.
- Includes drills for speed and recognition.
- Focuses only on ASL alphabet fluency.
What You’ll Learn:
- Sign and recognize all letters of the ASL alphabet.
- Improve your fingerspelling speed and clarity.
- Build confidence to use the alphabet in real conversations.
Requirements:
- Just curiosity, time, and your hands. No prior experience needed.
Why Take This Course:
If the alphabet feels intimidating, this course gives you focused, patient guidance with zero distractions. Ideal for students who want to master the building blocks before moving to full words or conversations.
6. 25 ASL Signs You Need to Know | ASL Basics | American Sign Language for Beginners
Instructor: Meredith from Learn How to Sign
This beginner-friendly YouTube video is a great crash course if you’re just starting out. Meredith walks you through 25 essential signs using slow, clear demonstrations that are easy to follow. You’ll learn basics like greetings, emotions, and common everyday words, making this a useful resource for total newcomers who want to test the waters before committing to a full course.
Quick Highlights:
- No signup or fees, free and accessible
- Taught by a native signer
- Great visual clarity and friendly tone
What You’ll Learn:
- 25 useful ASL signs including “Hello”, “Thank You”, “Yes”, “No”, and “I Love You”
- Facial expression cues and hand shape tips
- Every day conversational signs
Requirements:
- Just your screen and a few minutes of attention
Why Take This Course:
Perfect for anyone who wants to dip their toes into ASL. It’s short, engaging, and ideal for visual learners. If you’re looking for a casual way to start learning sign language, this video is a must-watch.
7. American Sign Language “Basics”
Instructor: JP Cappalonga
If you’re completely new to American Sign Language, this short beginner-friendly course will help you ease in. You’ll start with the manual alphabet, learn basic phrases, how to count to ten, and get an introduction to Deaf culture. Lessons are video-based with plenty of follow-along practice to make sure you remember what you learn.
- Platform: Udemy
- Course Rating: 4.7 out of 5.0
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Students Enrolled: 1,770+
- Certificate: Yes
Quick Highlights:
- No tools required, just watch and sign along.
- Includes fingerspelling and beginner vocabulary.
- Touches on Deaf culture basics.
What You’ll Learn:
- Introductions, basic sentences, and numbers.
- The complete ASL alphabet with finger-spelling.
- Cultural insights into the Deaf community.
Requirements:
- Just your hands and willingness to practice along with the instructor.
Why Take This Course:
A great choice if you’re looking for a light, practical entry point into ASL without getting overwhelmed. Perfect for total beginners or casual learners who want to build a basic foundation.
Bonus Courses For ASL Learners
8. Educating Deaf Children: Becoming an Empowered Teacher
Instructors: Odette Swift and Tara Kuhn
If you’re an educator, caregiver, or someone interested in how Deaf children learn, this course dives into the cultural and educational challenges they face. It doesn’t teach sign language, but it does explore Deaf identity, learning accessibility, and how early language exposure shapes academic and emotional growth. Great for teachers looking to make their classrooms more inclusive.
- Platform: Coursera
- Course Rating: 4.9 out of 5.0
- Duration: 2 weeks at 10 hours/week; learn at your own pace
- Students Enrolled: 18,000+
- Certificate: Yes (Free to audit; paid certificate optional)
Quick Highlights:
- Covers the Deaf community, identity, and culture
- Accessible for non-signers and educators
- Taught by Deaf education experts
What You’ll Learn:
- How Deaf students experience learning differently
- Classroom strategies for inclusive and accessible education
- The role of language-rich environments in Deaf child development
Requirements:
- Just curiosity and a willingness to rethink traditional education methods.
Why Take This Course:
While not focused on signing, this is one of the most valuable courses if you’re serious about understanding the Deaf community and creating inclusive educational spaces. A must-take for teachers and allies.
9. American Deaf Culture
Instructors: Terrell Brittain
This is not your typical ASL course. Instead of teaching hand signs or fingerspelling, it dives into the experiences, history, and identity of the American Deaf community. From audism and discrimination to Deaf education and civil rights, it gives a real understanding of what shapes Deaf culture in the U.S. Perfect if you want to go beyond vocabulary and connect with the people behind the language.
- Platform: Coursera
- Course Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0
- Duration: 5 hours (6 short modules)
- Students Enrolled: 16,000+
- Certificate: Yes (Optional)
Quick Highlights:
- No signing involved; this is a culture-focused course
- Learn about education laws, audism, and Deaf identity
- Based on real Deaf community experiences
What You’ll Learn:
- Understand the foundations of American Deaf Culture
- Explore topics like audism, education, and legal frameworks
- Recognize the importance of language access for Deaf children
Requirements:
- Just your interest in cultural understanding and a device to stream lessons.
Why Take This Course:
If you want to work with, teach, or understand Deaf individuals beyond the language itself, this course will give you a solid social and cultural foundation.
How We Chose These Courses (And Why They Work)
We didn’t just pick the highest-rated or most-viewed ASL courses online. Instead, we focused on:
- Courses that teach you to actually sign, not just watch.
- Instructors who are native signers or deeply involved in the Deaf community.
- Clear learning outcomes: vocabulary + comprehension + cultural context.
- Proof of student success through reviews, updated material, and feedback loops.
We also tested a wide range of course types, from casual video-based lessons to structured university modules, and chose only those that:
- Were beginner-accessible
- Didn’t overload with theory
- Gave enough practice material to actually build signing confidence
Where You’ll Actually Find Good ASL Courses
Let’s be honest, not all learning platforms are equal when it comes to sign language.
Here’s what we found:
- Udemy: Best for bite-sized, beginner-friendly ASL courses. Low cost, lots of repetition, but quality varies; we handpicked only the ones that deliver clarity and structure.
- Coursera: Great for learners who want more than just signs. These courses often focus on Deaf education, culture, and pedagogy, ideal if you’re a teacher or aiming for certification.
- YouTube: Excellent for free vocab refreshers and daily practice, especially from creators who are native signers. But it lacks structure for absolute beginners.
Avoid relying solely on random “best of” lists, many recycle the same courses without checking quality or relevance. Our list is human-reviewed, culturally sensitive, and updated for 2025.
How to Pick the Right Course for You
Here’s how to choose the right ASL course, without wasting hours:
- Know your goal: Want to talk to a Deaf friend? Teach kids? Work in education? Your purpose decides your course.
- Match your pace: Some courses are 30 mins, others go up to 20+ hours. Choose what you can realistically finish.
- Watch the instructor demo: If they’re hard to follow visually, skip. Signing clarity > production quality.
- Culture matters: Some of the best ASL courses also teach about the Deaf community’s values and identity, which helps you connect, not just memorize signs.
FAQs
Can I learn ASL online for free?
Yes, many free resources are available on YouTube, and some platforms like Skillshare or Udemy offer free versions. But structured paid courses usually provide better progression and practice material.
How long does it take to learn ASL?
You can start having basic conversations in a few weeks if you practice regularly. Full fluency (especially with Deaf culture and expression) takes consistent effort over months.
What’s the best ASL course for absolute beginners?
Courses like ASL | First 120 Basic Signs or ASL Basics on Udemy are great places to start, they’re slow-paced, beginner-friendly, and focus on real signing.
Do I need to know ASL to talk to a Deaf person?
Not necessarily, but learning ASL shows respect and improves communication. Even fingerspelling or simple signs can make a big difference.
Is ASL the same as sign language in other countries?
No. ASL is unique to the U.S. and parts of Canada. Other countries have their own sign languages, like BSL (British), Auslan (Australia), etc.
If you want to learn ASL to improve how you communicate, these guides can help you build related skills: