4.7
References, free, until the storage runs out.
Elsevier’s reference manager, free until the 2 GB library fills.
Best for citing papers with a desktop library and a word plugin
Reviewed 16 September 2026 · Prices checked the same day
4.3
14K reviews
Mendeley is Elsevier’s reference manager: PDFs, collections, a citation plugin, and sync. The free plan includes 2 GB of storage. Paid Plus starts at $4.99 a month for 5 GB and unlimited Reading Assistant. Higher annual tiers list $110 a year for 10 GB plus Ask My Library. Prices checked 21 September 2026 on mendeley.com/pricing.
The library lives on Elsevier’s cloud. Export if you might leave. AI features are extra, not a replacement for reading the PDF.
Pricing
freemium
From $4.99/mo (5 GB); $110/yr for 10 GB and Ask My Library
Free version
2 GB storage and the core reference manager
Platforms
Windows · macOS · Linux · iOS
Fine if your lab already uses it. If you are starting from zero, Zotero is the open default and Paperpile is the Google Docs default.
Checked 2026-09-21
| Model | Freemium |
|---|---|
| What free actually includes | 2 GB storage and the core reference manager |
| Cheapest paid tier | From $4.99/mo (5 GB); $110/yr for 10 GB and Ask My Library |
| Student pricing | None published |
Links from StudyApps include ref=studyapps.
2 GB storage and the core reference manager Checked 16 September 2026.
Cheapest paid plan: From $4.99/mo (5 GB); $110/yr for 10 GB and Ask My Library. Prices checked 16 September 2026.
Citing papers with a desktop library and a Word plugin
Vendor lock-in on Elsevier’s cloud
References, free, until the storage runs out.
Reference manager built around Google Docs and Chrome.
Clarivate’s heavy reference manager, cheap only if campus already paid.