MDX Reader vs 1secDic
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Unlimited dictionary management
- Fast full-text search
- Smart favorites for saved words
- Customizable appearance
- Offline functionality
- Cross-dictionary search
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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!
1secDic
This app is a high-performance dictionary reader for language enthusiasts, offering instant searches across large EPWING and MDict collections. It features a customizable interface, AI chat capabilities, and multi-platform support.
- Blazing-Fast EPWING/MDict Engine
- AI Chat powered by Apple Intelligence
- Multi-Platform Support (macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Apple Watch)
- Retro Aesthetic (Vintage Mode)
- Precise Rendering of special characters
- Instant Access with search history and bookmarks
- Integrated Text-to-Speech (TTS)
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1secDic: Offline AI Dictionary & Flashcard Companion. Meet 1secDic—the next-generation dictionary crafted for serious language learners, polyglots, and researchers. By fusing offline authoritative dictionary archives with the reasoning power of Apple Intelligence, 1secDic doesn't just define words—it helps you truly understand and master them. Search across massive collections in an instant without an internet connection, ask on-device AI to explain subtle nuances, and turn your discoveries into active-recall flashcard study sessions. Key Features: - Offline-First Architecture & Private On-Device AI: Core dictionary lookups across your EPWING and MDict collections work completely offline. Apple Intelligence runs privately on-device for instant nuance breakdowns and example dialogues—with zero data tracking. Need deeper etymology or 32K context? Seamlessly tap to refresh via Apple's Private Cloud Compute on demand. - Interactive Flashcard Quiz Mode: Never forget a word again. Seamlessly convert your bookmarks and search history into active-recall study decks. Features fluid 3D card flips, auto-scrolling marquee cards for comprehensive definitions, and an intuitive spaced repetition workflow ("Keep" vs. "Got It"). - Blazing-Fast Zero-Latency Engine: Engineered in C++ and Swift for instant responsiveness. Decoded in-memory heading caches deliver 300ms live typing results across dozens of dictionaries simultaneously—with zero seek lag. - Complete Format Freedom (EPWING & MDict): Import your own EPWING and MDict (.mdx/.mdd) archives with ease, or get started immediately with free built-in downloadable dictionaries. Full support for subbooks, multi-book simultaneous search, embedded audio, and rare Kanji / Gaiji rendering. - Retro Electronic Dictionary Aesthetics: Relive the golden age of dedicated electronic dictionaries. Choose from authentic Green CRT, Plasma Amber, Blue Workstation, LCD, or E-Ink display styles, paired with custom bitmap typography (EtchedUD font) and subtle scanlines. - Unified Apple Ecosystem: Native apps crafted for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Apple Watch. Synchronize your bookmarks and history effortlessly across all your devices via iCloud. *Note on Apple Intelligence: AI features run on-device and require iOS 26+ / macOS 26+ on compatible Apple Silicon hardware (iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series, or M-series Macs/iPads). On other devices, all offline dictionary lookups, EPWING/MDict archives, audio, flashcards, and retro themes remain fully operational.*
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: MDX Reader at none against 1secDic's shown. 1secDic's advantage is device support (4 vs 2). 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
Both are free to download. MDX Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and 1secDic sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for MDX Reader against 5.0 for 1secDic. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.
MDX Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, 1secDic fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | MDX Reader | 1secDic |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks — better | Fortnightly |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 9 MB | 23 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Yulei Duan | editoy Inc. |
Customer experience
MDX Reader
1secDic
In-app purchases
MDX Reader
- MDX Premium (Lifetime)$3.99
1secDic
- Full Unlock (All Devices)$7.99








