SignLanguage101 vs Start ASL
SignLanguage101 vs Start ASL: which online ASL course fits your learner?
Both can help beginners, but they solve different problems. SignLanguage101 is the cleaner affiliate path for self-paced families who want a straightforward course. Start ASL is worth comparing when feedback, live practice, and a longer ASL 1-4 structure matter more.
- Choose SignLanguage101 for older kids, teens, parents, teachers, and adult beginners who want simple on-demand lessons.
- Choose Start ASL when the learner needs instructor feedback, video assignment review, office hours, and live group practice.
- Choose ASL Kids first for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and families testing daily routine signs before paying for a course.
Affiliate disclosure: SignLanguage101 buttons may use affiliate links. ASL Kids may earn a commission if you enroll, at no extra cost to you. Start ASL links on this page are comparison links, not affiliate links.
Affiliate disclosure: Some SignLanguage101 course links on this page are affiliate links. ASL Kids may earn a commission if you enroll through those links, at no extra cost to you. This comparison uses the providers’ current public course pages and policies. Course details, prices, age ranges, certificates, CEUs, guided support, access length, refund rules, and credit policies can change, so check the live provider page before enrolling.
Quick verdict
If your family wants the fastest paid course decision, start with SignLanguage101 for an older child, teen, parent, teacher, or adult beginner who can learn well from on-demand video lessons. The kids/teen course is especially relevant because the current course page describes a flexible beginner course with a workbook, vocabulary, Deaf curriculum specialists, homeschool/classroom support, and a completion certificate.
Choose Start ASL instead if the learner needs a more guided course with instructor feedback, manual grading, video submission and evaluation, live online group practice sessions, virtual office hours, and verified completion. Choose ASL Kids before either paid course if the learner is very young or your family is still figuring out whether daily signing will stick.
Best choice by learner goal
Older child or teen
SignLanguage101 Kids is usually the cleaner first paid click if the learner is ready for structured lessons and family or homeschool practice.
Parent, teacher, adult
SignLanguage101 Adult is a practical path for adults who want grammar, everyday signs, Deaf-culture context, and a lesson order to follow.
Feedback and accountability
Start ASL is the stronger comparison if the learner needs instructor feedback, graded work, live practice, or a longer ASL 1-4 course structure.
Baby, toddler, preschool
Start with ASL Kids app videos, first signs, and routine practice before buying a course that expects more attention and lesson follow-through.
SignLanguage101 vs Start ASL comparison table
| Decision factor | SignLanguage101 | Start ASL | ASL Kids recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best learner fit | Older kids, teens, parents, teachers, adult beginners, homeschool families, and learners who want a simple on-demand course. | Teens and adults who want a more formal online-course path with support, assignments, practice, and progress tracking. | Use SignLanguage101 for lower-friction course buyers. Use Start ASL when feedback and accountability are the main need. |
| Kids and teen path | Has a dedicated kids course. The public catalog lists kids courses and the Level 1A course page describes a workbook, vocabulary, flexible duration, and a certificate. | Offers a broad ASL 1-4 course path and school/homeschool options, but the comparison page should be checked for current youth-specific enrollment fit. | For most ASL Kids visitors with older children, SignLanguage101 is the more direct paid route. |
| Adult beginner path | Adult Level 1A includes non-verbal communication, facial expressions, word order, WH-questions, numbers, fingerspelling, quizzes, practice, and Deaf culture. | Complete ASL 1-4 access with self-study or guided options, mobile-friendly classroom, interactive activities, grading, progress tracking, and completion certificates. | Parents and teachers can start with either. Choose Start ASL if instructor support is worth the extra structure. |
| Feedback | Mostly self-paced. Add real signing practice and local or online feedback when possible. | Guided students can receive manual grading, detailed rubric feedback, video submission and evaluation, live group practice, office hours, and instructor support. | Start ASL wins for feedback. SignLanguage101 wins for simpler self-paced buying intent. |
| Credit or transcript needs | Do not assume the certificate automatically satisfies high-school, college, CEU, or interpreter requirements. Get approval from the credit-awarding program first. | Offers completion certificates and standards alignment, but families still need approval from their school, homeschool program, or credit-awarding provider. | For formal transcript or college credit, compare Gallaudet ASL Connect or approved school providers before buying either course. |
| Very young children | Usually not the first purchase for babies, toddlers, or many preschoolers. | Usually not the first purchase for babies, toddlers, or many preschoolers. | Start with the ASL Kids app, baby signs, first 25 signs, and routine practice. |
| ASL Kids monetization fit | Strong fit because it has an active affiliate program through FlexOffers and clear kids/adult course paths. | Useful as a trustworthy comparison and for visitors who would not be well-served by a self-paced affiliate course. | Recommend honestly. Trust is what makes the affiliate clicks keep working long term. |
When I would choose SignLanguage101
- The learner is an older child, teen, parent, teacher, caregiver, or adult beginner.
- You want an on-demand course that is easy to start without live-class scheduling.
- You want a kids/teen option instead of only adult-oriented lessons.
- You plan to use ASL Kids for daily app practice, dictionary lookup, and family routines between lessons.
- You do not need formal credit approval or live instructor feedback as the primary requirement.
When I would choose Start ASL
- The learner signs better when someone reviews their work and gives feedback.
- You want video submission and evaluation, manual grading, live group practice, office hours, or priority instructor support.
- You want access to a broader ASL 1-4 course path with interactive activities and progress tracking.
- You are willing to spend more time comparing plans, support levels, and refund rules before enrolling.
How ASL Kids fits with either course
A course gives sequence. ASL Kids gives short practice moments. Use the course for lesson order, assignments, and motivation. Use ASL Kids for quick sign lookup, real kid-friendly videos, first signs, routine signs, family printables, and app review between lessons.
Better alternatives for special cases
Check Gallaudet or approved providers
If a learner needs university credit, a transcript, or school-approved credit, start with a formal credit guide before buying a self-paced course.
Start with routine signs
Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers usually learn through repeated routines: meal signs, bedtime signs, feelings, play, and simple choices.
Read the full review
If you are mainly deciding whether SignLanguage101 is legitimate and useful, read the deeper review before clicking a course button.
Related ASL Kids course guides
Best Online ASL Course
Use the main course hub when you want a broader comparison across app-first, self-paced, teen, adult, homeschool, and credit paths.
ASL Course for Teens
Choose between the kids course, adult course, high-school-credit planning, and app-supported practice for teen learners.
ASL Course for Parents
Helpful for parents and caregivers who are learning ASL to support a deaf or hard-of-hearing child at home.
Sources and references
SignLanguage101 vs Start ASL FAQ
Is SignLanguage101 better than Start ASL?
SignLanguage101 is better when you want a simple, self-paced, on-demand ASL course for an older child, teen, parent, teacher, or adult beginner. Start ASL is better when instructor feedback, graded assignments, live practice, and a broader ASL 1-4 path matter more.
Is Start ASL better if I need feedback?
Yes. Start ASL’s guided option is the stronger match for learners who want manual grading, video submission and evaluation, live group practice sessions, office hours, and instructor support.
Which is better for kids?
For older kids and teens who can follow lessons, SignLanguage101 is usually the more direct kids-course option. For babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, start with ASL Kids app practice, first signs, and short daily routines before buying either course.
Which is better for parents learning with a child?
Parents who want a simple beginner course can start with SignLanguage101 Adult and use ASL Kids for practice between lessons. Parents who want instructor feedback and accountability should compare Start ASL guided options.
Do either of these courses guarantee school credit?
No. Do not assume either course automatically satisfies a school, homeschool, high-school, college, or transcript requirement. Ask the credit-awarding program what documentation, instructor qualifications, syllabus, hours, grades, or provider approval they require before enrolling.
Choosing an ASL class for a child?
The ASL Classes for Kids guide compares app-first practice, free resources, live online classes, local options, kids courses, parent courses, and homeschool paths.
Need a structured ASL course path for your family?
The ASL Course for Families guide compares parent courses, kids courses, free family ASL supports, app practice, and printable routines.
Considering SignLanguage101 for a child?
The SignLanguage101 for Kids review explains when the kids course fits older children, teens, and homeschool learners, and when app-first or family ASL support is the better first step.
Planning ASL for homeschool?
Use the Homeschool ASL Course guide to choose between app-first practice, a kids course, a parent course, credit planning, printables, and a weekly curriculum plan.
Planning ASL for a middle schooler?
The ASL Course for Middle School guide helps families choose between app-first practice, a kids course, a parent-led course, homeschool records, and high-school-credit planning.
Need ASL to count for high school credit?
Use the ASL Course for High School Credit guide to choose between homeschool records, school approval, certificates, and formal credit before buying a course.