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Head-to-head · Online Dictionaries

Collins Dictionary vs Merriam-Webster Dictionary

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Collins Dictionary #2 in Online Dictionaries 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Collins
Merriam-Webster Dictionary #5 in Online Dictionaries 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Dictionary

Collins Dictionary leads on 1 check, Merriam-Webster Dictionary on 0, and 5 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 · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth

Collins Dictionary scores higher on our rubric for online dictionaries: 9.3 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.

Collins Dictionary leads on languages covered: 27 versus 1.

Collins Dictionary is the better fit for broad everyday dictionary users. Merriam-Webster Dictionary is the better fit for english definition and thesaurus users.

  • Collins Dictionary fits best

    Broad everyday dictionary users

  • Merriam-Webster Dictionary fits best

    English definition and thesaurus users

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Side by side

Feature Collins Dictionary 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Merriam-Webster Dictionary 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.0
Ranking #2 in Online Dictionaries #5 in Online Dictionaries
Best for Broad everyday dictionary users English definition and thesaurus users
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile, Desktop Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android, macOS Web, iOS, Android
Features Collins Dictionary 4/4 · Merriam-Webster Dictionary 4/4
Audio pronunciation ✓ ✓
Usage examples ✓ ✓
Translation lookup ✓ ✓
Offline access ✓ ✓
Specs
Mobile apps Ios_android Ios_android
Languages covered 27 (best) 1
Our review
Pros
  • Free web access with definitions, examples, and pronunciation tools
  • Translations and bilingual lookup across 27 languages
  • Offline dictionary access in iOS and Android apps
  • Free definitions, audio pronunciations, examples, and thesaurus content
  • Offline definitions and synonyms are available in the mobile apps
  • Voice search, quizzes, games, favorites, and search history support learning
Cons
  • 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
  • The primary dictionary experience is focused on English
  • Premium access is required for an ad-free experience
  • Medical, legal, and kids dictionaries require additional purchases
Our verdict

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 →

Merriam-Webster Dictionary is an online English-language reference service for definitions, pronunciations, synonyms, usage examples, word histories, and related language information. It suits students, writers, learners, and anyone who…

Read the review →
  1. Collins DictionaryOnline Dictionaries 9.3Free plan
  2. Merriam-Webster DictionaryOnline Dictionaries 9.0Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • 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

  • Merriam-Webster Dictionary — where it wins

    • Free definitions, audio pronunciations, examples, and thesaurus content
    • Offline definitions and synonyms are available in the mobile apps
    • Voice search, quizzes, games, favorites, and search history support learning

    Where it doesn't

    • The primary dictionary experience is focused on English
    • Premium access is required for an ad-free experience
    • Medical, legal, and kids dictionaries require additional purchases
  • Collins Dictionary9.3/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit CollinsFull verdict →
  • Merriam-Webster Dictionary9.0/10 · Free plan

    A strong free English reference with audio, examples, thesaurus tools, and mobile lookup.

    Visit DictionaryFull verdict →

More comparisons

All online dictionaries comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update