# Dictionary Linguee vs WordReference Dictionary

The clearest difference is rating: Dictionary Linguee at 4.8 against WordReference Dictionary's 3.8. Dictionary Linguee also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (11K vs 27). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Dictionary Linguee holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Dictionary Linguee has 11K ratings behind it against 27, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of Dictionary Linguee's written reviews are positive against 60% of WordReference Dictionary's.

Dictionary Linguee ships an update every 2 months, WordReference Dictionary every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on September 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Dictionary Linguee | WordReference Dictionary |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dictionary-linguee/id338225335/reviews)** | [3.8 (27 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wordreference-dictionary/id515127233/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **11K** | 27 |
| Positive reviews | **76.1% of reviews** | 60.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 63 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [DeepL SE](https://appshunter.io/developer/338225338) | [WordReference.com, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/296878902) |

## What reviewers say

### Dictionary Linguee

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dictionary-linguee/id338225335)

Access reliable translations for multiple languages, including French, Spanish, and German, with this comprehensive dictionary app. It offers fast, offline access to a vast database compiled by lexicographers and includes example sentences and audio pronunciations.

**Highlights:** Translations in French, Spanish, German, and more, Compiled by over 400 lexicographers, Fast translations with quick search, Offline dictionary access, Integrated translation search engine, Example sentences and audio pronunciation, 3D Touch integration for quick previews

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Simple, easy to use, and effective
- 👍 Great app for looking up words and seeing examples
- 👍 Excellent resource for finding example uses of new words
- 👍 Superb app for looking up vocabulary and comparing meanings
- 👍 Helpful for language learning, especially for verbs and idioms

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Freezes and crashes frequently
- 🐛 Slow and laggy, especially when switching between apps
- 🔒 Requires local network access for no clear reason
- 🐛 Search field issues (e.g. hiding first letter, re-populating previous search)
- 🐛 Offline dictionaries don't always work as expected

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes and crashes frequently
- Search field issues (hiding first letter, re-populating previous search)
- Offline dictionaries don't always work as expected
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Add verb conjugations and IPA pronunciations
- Implement a 'save/favorite words' feature
- Improve stability and performance, especially on iOS
- Provide more transparency around the local network access requirement


### WordReference Dictionary

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wordreference-dictionary/id515127233)

Access a comprehensive suite of dictionaries and translation tools for multiple languages. Explore conjugations, synonyms, and a vast forum with millions of answered questions. This app provides quick access to extensive language resources.

**Highlights:** Extensive multilingual dictionaries, Verb conjugators, Synonym finder, Language forums, English definitions, Spanish definitions

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent translation tool
- 👍 Comprehensive dictionary with examples
- 👍 Helpful for learning languages
- 👍 Reliable and accurate translations
- 👍 Great resource for professional interpreters

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezes
- 🐛 Buggy and unreliable performance
- 🐛 Slow and unresponsive at times
- 🐛 Inconsistent user experience across updates
- 🔋 Requires internet connection, no offline mode

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes and freezes on various devices
- Inconsistent performance on cellular vs. Wi-Fi connections
- Search functionality not working as expected
- Inability to delete or manage favorite dictionaries

**Requested features**

- Add support for more languages (e.g. Hebrew, Persian, Latin)
- Implement offline dictionary functionality
- Improve search and navigation, including ability to search for phrases
- Add user account and sync features to save favorites and history
- Enhance verb conjugation and grammar tools


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Dictionary Linguee free?

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

### Is WordReference Dictionary free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Dictionary Linguee or WordReference Dictionary?

Dictionary Linguee is rated higher. Dictionary Linguee averages 4.8 out of 5 from 11K ratings, while WordReference Dictionary averages 3.8 from 27 ratings.

### Do Dictionary Linguee or WordReference Dictionary have ads?

WordReference Dictionary shows ads; Dictionary Linguee does not.

### Which is updated more often, Dictionary Linguee or WordReference Dictionary?

Dictionary Linguee ships an update every 2 months, and WordReference Dictionary every 6 weeks. Most recently, Dictionary Linguee was updated on September 25, 2026 and WordReference Dictionary on September 25, 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.*
