CaptionMate vs TheSignLife
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
CaptionMate
This app offers free, real-time captions for phone calls, benefiting individuals with hearing loss. It supports multiple devices and languages, ensuring private and accessible communication. Users can retain their existing phone numbers and access past transcripts.
- Real-time call captioning
- FCC-certified and free for eligible users
- Captions both sides of calls
- AI-powered private captioning
- Customizable font sizes and colors
- Supports over 100 languages
- Access past call transcripts
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CaptionMate provides free, real-time captions for both sides of your phone calls. Certified and funded by an FCC-administered program, CaptionMate is available at no cost to individuals with hearing loss in the US. Whether you're using a smartphone, tablet, or desktop, CaptionMate is here to assist you with your accessibility needs. It works seamlessly across your devices to support your communication, wherever you are. WHY CHOOSE CAPTIONMATE? • FCC-certified and free for eligible individuals • Caption both sides of your calls • Your calls stay private with AI-powered captioning • Customizable font sizes, colors, and language options • Supports over 100 captioning languages • Access past call and voicemail transcripts anytime • Responsive customer support and setup assistance available KEEP YOUR CURRENT NUMBER Stay connected without changing your phone number. Enable call forwarding in the app and continue using your existing number with CaptionMate. BUILT FOR EVERYDAY AND PROFESSIONAL USE Whether you are calling family, attending a meeting, or dialing into a video conference, CaptionMate gives you the tools to stay engaged, productive, and independent. Experience clear, confident conversations with CaptionMate. CaptionMate is intended for individuals with hearing loss and is funded through a federal program that ensures equal access to phone communication. FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS ANYONE BUT REGISTERED USERS WITH HEARING LOSS FROM USING INTERNET PROTOCOL (IP) CAPTIONED TELEPHONES WITH THE CAPTIONS TURNED ON. There is a cost for each minute of captions generated, paid from a federally administered fund. For more information, please visit our website at www.captionmate.com or email us at support@captionmate.com.
TheSignLife
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TheSignLife VRS (Video Relay Service) supports Deaf sign language users to communicate more independently using live video calls with BSL (British Sign Language) interpreters. You can connect quickly with NRCPD registered interpreters for everyday life, work, appointments, phone calls, and important conversations. The app also supports document translation, making it easier to manage work and personal tasks with confidence. Designed to be easy to use, fast, and reliable, our VRS gives you clear communication in your control - anytime, anywhere. The app is compatible with Access to Work (ATW) funding, Direct Payments, and private funding.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: CaptionMate at monthly against TheSignLife's every 3 months. CaptionMate also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.2). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
CaptionMate ships an update monthly, TheSignLife every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | CaptionMate | TheSignLife |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (268 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 268 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 18.2 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 71 MB | 29 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Mezmo Corporation | TheSignLife |
Bugs and requests
CaptionMate
Reported bugs
7 issues- Missed calls and voicemails
- Calls bouncing back and not ringing
- No voicemail alerts
- App crashes during incoming calls
- Calls appearing as 'scam likely'
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- App glitches preventing access to calling screen
- Registration issues due to referral codes
Requested features
5 requests- Fix calls showing as 'scam likely'
- Implement incoming call vibration
- Allow registration without referral code
- Address issues for autistic users
- Improve call routing/ringing reliability
TheSignLife
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
CaptionMate
No in-app purchases
TheSignLife
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is CaptionMate free?
Is TheSignLife free?
Do CaptionMate or TheSignLife have ads?
Which is updated more often, CaptionMate or TheSignLife?
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