OpenMDict vs 1secDic
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
Read full descriptionHide 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
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)
Read full descriptionHide full description
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 rating: 1secDic at 5.0 against OpenMDict's 4.5. OpenMDict's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement 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. 1secDic sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. OpenMDict asks for nothing beyond the download.
1secDic holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 1 respectively.
OpenMDict ships an update every 10 days, 1secDic fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | OpenMDict | 1secDic |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.5 (4 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 4 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days — better | Fortnightly |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 83 MB | 23 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Han Yin | editoy Inc. |
Customer experience
OpenMDict
1secDic
In-app purchases
OpenMDict
No in-app purchases
1secDic
- Full Unlock (All Devices)$7.99








