Comparison

MaruReader vs LibreDict

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

Head to head
About

MaruReader

Learn Japanese by reading manga, eBooks, and web content with an integrated dictionary. Instantly look up words, create flashcards, and utilize OCR for text recognition. Supports custom dictionaries and Anki integration for efficient vocabulary building.

Highlights
  • Instant word lookup
  • OCR text recognition for manga
  • Anki flashcard creation
  • Custom dictionary support
  • EPUB and ZIP/CBZ import
  • Web browsing with dictionary
Features
Read full description

Learn Japanese while you read! MaruReader combines a powerful dictionary with readers for eBooks, manga, and the web, all with instant word lookup at your fingertips. Whether you're just getting started learning Japanese or studying for an advanced JLPT level, reading can sometimes be intimidating because of the time it takes to look up words with unfamiliar kanji. MaruReader makes reading more fun with a dictionary ready to help with whatever you're reading and one tap Anki flashcard creation, so you can spend more time getting used to the language. POWERFUL DICTIONARY • Tap any word to look it up instantly—works across all reading modes • Auto-converts verbs to dictionary form for faster searching • Search within definitions to explore vocabulary chains • Supports Yomitan dictionary format—add your own J-E, J-J, pitch accent, or frequency dictionaries to supplement the included ones • Integrated grammar guide with custom grammar dictionary support • Auto-generated furigana helps you read unfamiliar kanji READ MANGA WITH TEXT RECOGNITION • On-device OCR reads text from any manga page—no preprocessing needed • Tap areas of interest to see recognized text and look up words • Import ZIP/CBZ files from your collection • Apple Intelligence can help organize your library by extracting titles and authors from filenames OPTIMIZED EBOOK READER • Beautiful vertical text (tategaki) display designed for Japanese • Compact popup dictionary keeps you close to your reading • EPUB support for your Japanese eBook library BROWSE THE WEB WITH A DICTIONARY • Select text or use OCR mode on any webpage • Built-in content blocker reduces ads and distractions • Perfect for manga, social media, and more PHOTO SCANNER • Snap or import photos to look up words from signs, apps, or games • Use the Share extension from any app for quick lookups ANKI INTEGRATION • Create flashcards with one tap—includes context, readings, and definitions • Built-in support for Lapis note format • Configure custom fields for your preferred note types • AnkiMobile and Anki-Connect support WHY MARUREADER? • Free and open source • All OCR runs on-device—your reading stays private Download MaruReader and transform any Japanese content into a learning opportunity. The manga shown in the screenshots is used under the author's terms. Title: Give My Regards to Black Jack Author: SHUHO SATO

About

LibreDict

This app provides a fast, offline dictionary with over 300,000 words across five languages. It prioritizes privacy with no ads or tracking, offering a clean interface and customizable search results.

Highlights
  • 100% Offline access
  • Five built-in dictionaries
  • Supports four app languages
  • Smart Arabic search
  • Color-coded results
  • Customizable dictionary order
  • Import custom dictionaries
Read full description

LibreDict is a lightweight, ultra-fast dictionary built for focus and privacy. With over 300,000 words across five built-in dictionaries, you can search and learn without ever needing an internet connection. Key features: - 100% Offline: Every dictionary lives on your device — perfect for travelers and students. - Five Dictionaries Included: English (WordNet), Russian–English, Spanish–English, English–Spanish, and Arabic–English. - Four App Languages: Use LibreDict in English, Russian, Spanish, or Arabic — with full right-to-left layout for Arabic. - Smart Arabic Search: Type Arabic words without diacritics and still find the vocalized entries. - Color-Coded Results: Each dictionary has its own colored stripe, so you instantly see where a word comes from. - Your Order, Your Way: Sort by relevance or put your preferred dictionaries first, and drag to reorder them. - Expandable Library: Import your own custom dictionaries via .json or .sqlite files. - Privacy First: No ads, no tracking, no accounts, no data collection. - Minimalist Design: A clean, fast interface optimized for readability. - Manage Sources: View detailed statistics for each dictionary and toggle any of them on or off. LibreDict stays out of your way — just you and the words.

Screenshots

MaruReader4 screens
LibreDict3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: MaruReader at 5.0 against LibreDict's 3.7. LibreDict's advantage is iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

MaruReader holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 3 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MaruReader ships an update every 2 weeks, LibreDict every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
MaruReader versus LibreDict: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMaruReaderLibreDict
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (4 ratings) — better3.7 (3 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS26.017.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB103 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperSAMUEL ALLEN SMOKERKIRILL YUKHIN

In-app purchases

None

MaruReader

No in-app purchases

None

LibreDict

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MaruReader free?
MaruReader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is LibreDict free?
LibreDict is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, MaruReader or LibreDict?
MaruReader is rated higher. MaruReader averages 5.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while LibreDict averages 3.7 from 3 ratings.
Do MaruReader or LibreDict have ads?
Neither MaruReader nor LibreDict shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MaruReader or LibreDict?
MaruReader ships an update every 2 weeks, and LibreDict every 3 weeks. Most recently, MaruReader was updated on September 14, 2026 and LibreDict on September 18, 2026.

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