OpenMDict vs Chanary
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
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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
Chanary
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A dictionary app that allows for the importing of custom dictionary files and sharing example sentences to the AnkiMobile app.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is iOS requirement: OpenMDict at 15.6 against Chanary's 17.0. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
OpenMDict ships an update every 10 days, Chanary every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | OpenMDict | Chanary |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.5 (4 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 4 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days — better | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 83 MB | 25 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Han Yin | John Whatley |
In-app purchases
OpenMDict
No in-app purchases
Chanary
No in-app purchases
