Comparison

Dicty vs MDX Reader

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

Head to head
About

Dicty

This app allows you to view dictionaries in StarDict format on your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. It offers fast searching, contextual word lookup, and a dark color scheme for comfortable reading. Dictionaries are not included and must be downloaded separately.

Highlights
  • StarDict format support
  • Fast search while typing
  • Contextual word lookup
  • Dark color scheme
  • Clipboard support
  • Share extension
Features
Read full description

Dicty is a viewer application for dictionaries in StarDict format. Thanks to Dicty, thousands of free dictionaries become available for use with your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad ¹. Features: * StarDict format support (plain text, html, xdxf). * Fast search over all dictionaries while typing. * Contextual word lookup. Tap and hold on a word in the text to lookup it in all dictionaries. * Special "Dark" color scheme. Makes the text easier to read in the dark and saves your eyes. * Clipboard support. Allows to copy last translated word to clipboard. * Portrait and Landscape viewing modes. * iTunes File Sharing support. * Share extension. Allows to translate selected words from other apps. ¹ No dictionaries are provided with the application. You can find them on the Internet free of charge and download inside the application or copy using iTunes.

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!

Screenshots

Dicty4 screens
MDX Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: MDX Reader at 5.0 against Dicty's 4.3. MDX Reader also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). Dicty's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (35 vs 1). On price, ads and device support 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. Dicty asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

MDX Reader holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Dicty has 35 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Dicty ships an update every 2 months, MDX Reader every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Dicty versus MDX Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDictyMDX Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (35 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews87.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings35 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB9 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAliaksandr StrakovichYulei Duan

Customer experience

Dicty

All ratings31 ratings
Positive77.4%
Neutral9.7%
Negative12.9%
Written reviews23 reviews
Positive87.0%
Neutral8.7%
Negative4.3%

MDX Reader

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

In-app purchases

None

Dicty

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

MDX Reader

One-time1
  • MDX Premium (Lifetime)$3.99

Questions

Is Dicty free?
Dicty is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is MDX Reader free?
MDX Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Dicty or MDX Reader?
MDX Reader is rated higher. Dicty averages 4.3 out of 5 from 35 ratings, while MDX Reader averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Dicty or MDX Reader have ads?
Neither Dicty nor MDX Reader shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Dicty or MDX Reader?
Dicty ships an update every 2 months, and MDX Reader every 2 weeks. Most recently, Dicty was updated on October 21, 2026 and MDX Reader on October 16, 2026.

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