Comparison

Dictionary.com vs JW Library

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Dictionary.com

Access over 2 million trusted definitions and synonyms for English words. Enhance your vocabulary with daily new words, example sentences, and audio pronunciations. This app provides grammar tips and editorial content to deepen your understanding of the English language.

Highlights
  • 2 million+ definitions and synonyms
  • Word of the Day
  • Example sentences
  • Audio pronunciations
  • Grammar tips
  • Search history
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Download the #1 free dictionary app! With more than 2 million trusted definitions and synonyms, this English dictionary and thesaurus app for iPhone is optimized for your mobile device. Improve your English vocabulary, whether you're just starting your learning journey or you're already a word wizard. Install the app for access to definitions and synonyms whenever and wherever you need them — no bulky books necessary. Flip to dark mode to give your eyes a break, or stick to the traditional set-up. In addition to the trusted reference content from Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com, this education app includes: Word of the Day ► Learn a new word each day and expand your vocabulary. Example Sentences ► Browse real-world example sentences to see how words are used. Idioms ► Explore how words can gain new meanings. Rhymes ► Finish every verse. Audio Pronunciations ► Never mispronounce another word. Grammar ► Get grammar tips, word usage, and more to improve your writing. Editorial Articles ► Explore editorial content for features on words, the origins of the English language, and the nuances that make English so complicated and unique. Search History ► Customize your recently searched word list, and never forget the newest words you’ve learned. Dictionary Shuffle ► Think you know ALL the definitions? Prove it with Dictionary Shuffle, which chooses a word at random and brings you to the definition. A-Z Dictionary ► What’s more exciting than ... wait for it … browsing the Dictionary?! We’ve now made it even easier, with the A–Z Dictionary.

About

JW Library

This app facilitates in-depth Bible study by providing access to various translations, publications, and media. Users can download content for offline access, compare verses, and organize personal study notes and playlists. It also offers daily Bible texts and materials for meetings.

Highlights
  • Multiple Bible translations
  • Library of publications
  • Videos and audio programs
  • Music library
  • Daily Bible text
  • Meeting materials
  • Search functionality
  • Personal study tools
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

The JW Library app* is designed to enhance your Bible reading and deepen your personal study. Download Bible-based publications, videos, and audio programs to access your content anytime, anywhere. Multiple Bible Translations • Read God’s Word and compare verses from various Bible translations available in hundreds of languages. Library of Publications • Download books, brochures, and articles in over 1,000 languages, including more than 100 sign languages. Videos and Audio Programs • Enjoy a variety of programs, including videos on Bible teachings, Bible talks, feature dramas, and animated series. Music • Listen to a variety of original compositions, including vocal, orchestral, and instrumental recordings. Daily Text • Start your day with a Bible verse and comments containing positive, upbuilding thoughts. Meetings • Access material for both midweek and weekend meetings in one location. Search • Find specific Bible verses, content, and topics. Personal Study • Highlight text, add personal notes, and categorize with tags. Playlists • Create and organize playlists of music, videos, audio programs, and pictures. * JW Library is an official app produced by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Screenshots

Dictionary.com4 screens
JW Library4 screens

Verdict

The call

Dictionary.com and JW Library both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 89% of JW Library's written reviews are positive against 26% of Dictionary.com's. JW Library also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 9) and ads (none vs shown). Dictionary.com's advantage is ratings volume (328K vs 48K). On price, rating, update cadence and chart position 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Dictionary.com sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. JW Library asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Dictionary.com against 4.8 for JW Library. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Dictionary.com has 328K ratings behind it against 48K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 26% of Dictionary.com's written reviews are positive against 89% of JW Library's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Dictionary.com ships an update every 3 weeks, JW Library monthly. Both last shipped on October 18, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
Dictionary.com versus JW Library: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDictionary.comJW Library
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (328K ratings)4.8 (48K ratings)
Positive reviews25.6% of reviews89.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings328K — better48K
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterMonthly
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
Best chart rank#149#76 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.015 — better
Further details — not scored
Size35 MB190 MB
Age rating12+12+
DeveloperCuriosity MediaWatchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.

Customer experience

Dictionary.com

All ratings327,786 ratings
Positive95.5%
Neutral2.0%
Negative2.5%
Written reviews1,390 reviews
Positive25.6%
Neutral9.3%
Negative65.1%

JW Library

All ratings48,043 ratings
Positive95.0%
Neutral1.1%
Negative3.9%
Written reviews1,449 reviews
Positive89.4%
Neutral3.6%
Negative7.0%

User reviews

Dictionary.com

From 328K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Robust dictionary and thesaurus
  • 🤓 Helpful resources like blogs and articles
  • 💡 Useful word games and puzzles
  • 👍 Easy to use and navigate
  • 🤩 Great for expanding vocabulary

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Inconsistent search results and missing definitions
  • 💸 Aggressive ads even after paid upgrades
  • 🤯 Frequent crashes and performance issues
  • 🤔 Confusing layout changes and UI issues
  • 🤷‍♀️ Paid features not always working as expected

JW Library

From 48K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🙌 Incredible quality app
  • 🙏 Wonderful blessing from Jehovah
  • 🔍 Excellent Bible study tool
  • 🗂️ All spiritual resources in one place
  • 🎨 Customizable highlighting options

Room to improve

  • 🐛 App crashes and freezes
  • 🔌 Syncing issues between devices
  • 🔍 Difficulty finding specific content
  • 🔊 Volume control problems for audio

Bugs and requests

Dictionary.com

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Notifications not working as expected
  • Inconsistent behavior when tapping on words
  • Offline dictionary not downloading properly
  • Frequent crashes and freezes on various devices
  • Paid features not unlocking or resetting unexpectedly

Requested features

5 requests
  • Dedicated section to display all forms of a word
  • Ability to create and manage custom word lists
  • Improved offline mode with more functionality
  • Better integration with other productivity apps
  • More language support beyond just English

JW Library

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Thumbnails disappearing without internet
  • Bible book/translation info disappearing from header
  • Notes and highlights not syncing properly
  • Compatibility issues with latest iOS updates

Requested features

5 requests
  • Dark mode option
  • Handwriting/annotation support
  • Improved accessibility for visually impaired
  • Playlist and shuffle options for audio
  • Automatic sync between devices

In-app purchases

9 purchases

Dictionary.com

One-time9
  • Rhyming Dictionary$1.99
  • Grammar & Tips$1.99
  • Idioms & Phrases$1.99
Show 6 more
  • Example Sentences$2.99
  • Science Dictionary$2.99
  • Encyclopedia$2.99
  • Offline Dictionary$2.99
  • Remove Ads$2.99
  • Power Pack$5.99
None

JW Library

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Dictionary.com free?
Dictionary.com is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is JW Library free?
JW Library is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Dictionary.com or JW Library?
Dictionary.com and JW Library are both rated 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store, from 328K and 48K ratings respectively.
Do Dictionary.com or JW Library have ads?
Dictionary.com shows ads; JW Library does not.
Which is updated more often, Dictionary.com or JW Library?
Dictionary.com ships an update every 3 weeks, and JW Library monthly. Most recently, Dictionary.com was updated on October 18, 2026 and JW Library on October 18, 2026.
Which is more popular, Dictionary.com or JW Library?
Dictionary.com currently peaks at #149 in the App Store charts, and JW Library at #76. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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