Comparison

MDX Reader vs OpenMDict

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

Head to head
About

MDX Reader

This app allows you to build and manage your personal dictionary using MDX/MDD files. It offers powerful offline search, smart favorites, and customizable appearance for a personalized reference experience.

Highlights
  • Unlimited dictionary management
  • Fast full-text search
  • Smart favorites for saved words
  • Customizable appearance
  • Offline functionality
  • Cross-dictionary search
Features
Read full description

MDX Reader is a powerful offline dictionary reading application that supports MDX/MDD format dictionary files. Whether you're learning a language, doing academic research, or need quick reference, MDX Reader is your ideal choice. Core Features • Unlimited Dictionaries Add and manage multiple MDX dictionaries simultaneously, supporting parallel queries across dictionaries for comprehensive information retrieval. • Powerful Search Engine Lightning-fast full-text search with instant results. Supports fuzzy matching and comprehensive indexing. • Smart Favorites One-tap to save important words, organized by dictionary for easy review and management. • Custom Appearance Personalize font family, size, weight, line spacing, padding, and background color. Create your ideal reading experience. • Offline First All dictionary data and search functionality work completely offline. No internet connection required, protecting your privacy. • Cross-Dictionary Search Simultaneously search multiple dictionaries and instantly view definitions from different sources. • Search History Automatically record search history for quick access to previously viewed content. Supported Formats • MDX (MDict Dictionary) Mainstream dictionary format with wide compatibility • MDD (MDict Resource) Supports images, audio, and multimedia resources Premium Features Unlock all features with a one-time purchase: - Unlimited dictionary additions (free version limited to 1) - Unlimited daily searches (free version limited to 20) - Custom appearance settings - Background color selection - Advanced font settings Free Trial New users get a 7-day free trial of all premium features. Experience the full functionality before deciding to purchase. Privacy First - No data collection - No user tracking - No third-party analytics - All data stored locally on device - Complete offline functionality Perfect For - Language learners: Support for multiple language dictionaries - Academic researchers: Professional terminology dictionaries - Translators: Quick reference and terminology lookup - Students: Comprehensive learning resource - Knowledge workers: Personal knowledge base Easy to Use 1. Add Dictionary: Import your MDX/MDD dictionary files 2. Search Words: Enter search terms for instant results 3. Manage Favorites: Save important content for easy review Download MDX Reader now and start your knowledge exploration journey!

About

OpenMDict

This free, open-source dictionary reader allows you to view definitions from multiple dictionaries simultaneously. It offers pop-up lookup from any app and syncs your dictionaries, bookmarks, and history across devices via iCloud. Includes over 65 curated dictionaries to get you started.

Highlights
  • Multiple layout modes (Columns, Grid, List)
  • Pop-up lookup via Action Extension
  • Jump search within definitions
  • iCloud sync for dictionaries and history
  • Import unlimited dictionaries and create groups
  • Includes 65+ curated open-source dictionaries
  • Dark mode enhancements with adjustable brightness
Features
Read full description

OpenMDict is a free, open-source MDict (.mdx/.mdd) dictionary reader for iPhone and iPad. ► THREE LAYOUT MODES & MULTI-WINDOW ON iPadOS - View definitions from multiple dictionaries simultaneously in Columns, Grid, or List layout — compare and cross-reference at a glance. - Desktop-class productivity with multiple windows and 30+ keyboard shortcuts. ► POP-UP LOOKUP & JUMP SEARCH - Look up words from any app via the Action Extension pop-up. - Keep jump-searching unfamiliar terms within definitions until every word is clear. ► iCLOUD SYNC & UNLIMITED GROUPS - Dictionaries, bookmarks, history, and lookup counts sync across all your devices - Import unlimited dictionaries, create unlimited groups, no subscriptions, no ads, no paid tiers. ► PRESET DICTS INCLUDED & DARK ENHANCEMENTS - Choose from 65 curated open-source dictionaries (WordNet, JMdict, CC-CEDICT, and more) — download and start using immediately. - Enhance third-party dictionaries' readability in dark mode, with 7 levels of adjustable brightness per dictionary. MORE FEATURES • Full MDict format support: V1 (LZO), V2 (zlib), MDD resources, obfuscated dictionaries • Lemma-aware search — finds base forms and inflected variants automatically • Siri Shortcuts, Spotlight search, Quick Actions, Share Extension, Drag & Drop • 13 languages: English, 简体中文, 繁體中文, 日本語, 한국어, Español, Deutsch, Français, Português (BR), Русский, Українська, العربية, हिन्दी

Screenshots

MDX Reader4 screens
OpenMDict4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: OpenMDict at none against MDX Reader's 1. On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence 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. MDX Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. OpenMDict asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for MDX Reader against 5.0 for OpenMDict. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MDX Reader ships an update every 11 days, OpenMDict every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and August 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
MDX Reader versus OpenMDict: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMDX ReaderOpenMDict
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings12 — better
Update frequencyEvery 11 daysEvery 10 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.015.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB83 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYulei DuanHan Yin

Customer experience

MDX Reader

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

OpenMDict

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

MDX Reader

One-time1
  • MDX Premium (Lifetime)$3.99
None

OpenMDict

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MDX Reader free?
MDX Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is OpenMDict free?
OpenMDict is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, MDX Reader or OpenMDict?
MDX Reader and OpenMDict are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 2 ratings respectively.
Do MDX Reader or OpenMDict have ads?
Neither MDX Reader nor OpenMDict shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MDX Reader or OpenMDict?
MDX Reader ships an update every 11 days, and OpenMDict every 10 days. Most recently, MDX Reader was updated on September 20, 2026 and OpenMDict on August 15, 2026.

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