# Build Own Dictionary vs Topical Dictionary

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Topical Dictionary at none against Build Own Dictionary's 1. Topical Dictionary also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (100% vs 69%). Build Own Dictionary's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 26.0). On price there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Build Own Dictionary sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Topical Dictionary asks for nothing beyond the download.

Build Own Dictionary ships an update every 6 months, Topical Dictionary fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Build Own Dictionary | Topical Dictionary |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (72 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-own-dictionary/id1429484008/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **72** | — |
| Positive reviews | 69.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 3 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bita Sobhani](https://appshunter.io/developer/1372721132) | [Ibrahim Ethem Karali](https://appshunter.io/developer/1572105335) |

## What reviewers say

### Build Own Dictionary

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-own-dictionary/id1429484008)

Create and manage personalized dictionaries for language learning. Add words with translations and descriptions, organize them by category, and search your entries. Translate sentences word-by-word using your custom dictionaries.

**Highlights:** Create and import dictionaries, Add, edit, and delete words, Categorize words, Sort words alphabetically or by time, Search dictionary entries, Translate sentences word-by-word, Customize appearance

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $3.99 | one-time |


### Topical Dictionary

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topical-dictionary/id1572105333)

Easily create custom dictionaries with over 400,000 words, descriptions, and examples. Ideal for expanding vocabulary while reading, researching, or watching media in English. Offers a dedicated tool for word study, superior to generic note-taking apps.

**Highlights:** Create custom dictionaries, Over 400,000 words, Word descriptions and examples, Vocabulary expansion tool, Dedicated word study

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Build Own Dictionary free?

Build Own Dictionary is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Topical Dictionary free?

Topical Dictionary is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Build Own Dictionary or Topical Dictionary have ads?

Build Own Dictionary shows ads; Topical Dictionary does not.

### Which is updated more often, Build Own Dictionary or Topical Dictionary?

Build Own Dictionary ships an update every 6 months, and Topical Dictionary fortnightly. Most recently, Build Own Dictionary was updated on September 22, 2026 and Topical Dictionary on September 9, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*