Suggestions appear as you type. Use the up and down arrows to choose one and Enter to open it.

Head-to-head · Online Dictionaries

Cambridge Dictionary vs Collins Dictionary

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Cambridge Dictionary #1 in Online Dictionaries —/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit site
Higher score Collins Dictionary #2 in Online Dictionaries 7.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Collins

Cambridge Dictionary leads on 1 check, Collins Dictionary on 1, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreCollins Dictionary · 7.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresCollins Dictionary · 4 of 4

Our editors rank Cambridge Dictionary at #1 and Collins Dictionary at #2 for online dictionaries; Cambridge Dictionary has no rubric score yet (facts researched, not yet scored), so the checks below decide.

Collins Dictionary offers offline access; Cambridge Dictionary doesn't publish it. Cambridge Dictionary leads on languages covered: 29 versus 27.

Cambridge Dictionary is the better fit for learners needing authoritative English tools. Collins Dictionary is the better fit for broad everyday dictionary users.

  • Cambridge Dictionary fits best

    Learners needing authoritative English tools

  • Collins Dictionary fits best

    Broad everyday dictionary users

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. It never changes our verdict. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Cambridge Dictionary —/10 Visit ↗ Collins Dictionary 7.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score — 7.4
Ranking #1 in Online Dictionaries #2 in Online Dictionaries
Best for Learners needing authoritative English tools Broad everyday dictionary users
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile, Desktop
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android, macOS
Features Cambridge Dictionary 3/4 · Collins Dictionary 4/4
Audio pronunciation ✓ ✓
Usage examples ✓ ✓
Translation lookup ✓ ✓
Offline access Not published ✓ (best)
Specs
Mobile apps Ios_android Ios_android
Languages covered 29 (best) 27
Our review
Pros
  • British and American audio pronunciations with usage examples
  • Bilingual dictionaries and translation lookup across 29 languages
  • Free learning resources, mobile apps, and Dictionary API access
  • Free web access with definitions, examples, and pronunciation tools
  • Translations and bilingual lookup across 27 languages
  • Offline dictionary access in iOS and Android apps
Cons
  • Mobile applications provide access to selected Cambridge content
  • Some mobile content and ad-removal options may involve in-app purchases
  • The service centers on English learning and reference needs
  • Paid mobile and desktop applications sit alongside the free service
  • Offline access is provided through mobile apps rather than the web
  • Its focus is language reference rather than a broader writing suite
Our verdict

Cambridge Dictionary is an online reference service from Cambridge University Press for English learners, teachers, and general language users. Its core offering combines English definitions with British and American audio pronunciations,…

Read the review →

Collins Dictionary is an online reference service for people who need everyday definitions, translations, pronunciations, examples, and language-learning tools. It covers British and American English, with specialized subject definitions,…

Read the review →
  1. Cambridge DictionaryOnline Dictionaries —Free plan
  2. Collins DictionaryOnline Dictionaries 7.4Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Cambridge Dictionary — where it wins

    • British and American audio pronunciations with usage examples
    • Bilingual dictionaries and translation lookup across 29 languages
    • Free learning resources, mobile apps, and Dictionary API access

    Where it doesn't

    • Mobile applications provide access to selected Cambridge content
    • Some mobile content and ad-removal options may involve in-app purchases
    • The service centers on English learning and reference needs

  • Collins Dictionary — where it wins

    • Free web access with definitions, examples, and pronunciation tools
    • Translations and bilingual lookup across 27 languages
    • Offline dictionary access in iOS and Android apps

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid mobile and desktop applications sit alongside the free service
    • Offline access is provided through mobile apps rather than the web
    • Its focus is language reference rather than a broader writing suite
  • Cambridge Dictionary—/10 · Free plan

    A broad English learning reference with free access, audio, examples, and bilingual lookup.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • Collins Dictionary7.4/10 · Free plan

    A broad free dictionary for definitions, language tools, translations, and offline mobile lookup.

    Visit CollinsFull verdict →

More comparisons

All online dictionaries comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026