The Free Dictionary vs Van Dale Online

The Free Dictionary brings together dictionaries, a thesaurus, specialized reference works, encyclopedias, literature references, and a search engine. Its app adds audio pronunciations, example sentences, etymologies, word games, and a daily word and idiom. It offers dictionaries in 13 other languages and translations from English into more than 40 languages. The app provides free offline access to English dictionary and thesaurus content; offline dictionaries in other languages are Pro features. Users can save bookmarks and sync them across devices. The website and app are free, while the app includes ads and in-app purchases. Listed one-time options are 5.99 USD for an ad-free upgrade and 9.99 USD for Dictionary Pro, which includes ad-free use, offline dictionaries, and translations. It is available on Android, iOS, macOS, and the web. Other apps can access it through API calls; developers are directed to contact Farlex for instructions. The app directs users with questions or problems to Feedback in Settings for email support.

Van Dale Online provides access to online dictionaries for professionals, secondary and higher education, and NT2 learners. A search checks all available sources together, with further searching available within results. Van Dale says it continues to add words and improve definitions, translations, expressions and example sentences. The professional workspace brings dictionaries in major European languages and professional reference sources onto one screen. The school edition covers Dutch, English, French, German and Spanish, with spelling, meanings, translations, examples, idioms and grammatical explanations. Its school environment has no distracting advertisements and is described as a safe learning environment. The service runs on web, iOS and Android. The mobile app requires a Van Dale Online account and an internet connection; it does not let users download dictionaries. An account can be used on one mobile device at a time, although it can be installed on multiple devices. Eligible students and staff at participating Dutch higher education institutions can sign in through SURFconext without registering. Plans include a school licence at €3 a year and professional dictionary subscriptions at €19.80 a month or €198 a year.