Mendeley Reference Manager alternatives: 2 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Mendeley Reference Manager: mendeley Cite works in Microsoft Word only, with no Google Docs plugin, and not open source, and your library lives on Elsevier's cloud. We ranked 2 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Mendeley Reference Manager, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Zotero currently ranks first.
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Show all 2 alternativesThe best Mendeley Reference Manager alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Mendeley Reference Manager alternative for most people
ZoteroFree, open-source and run by a nonprofit, with Word, LibreOffice and Google Docs plugins plus mobile apps.
Best Mendeley Reference Manager alternative for a free option
ZoteroFree, open-source and run by a nonprofit, with Word, LibreOffice and Google Docs plugins plus mobile apps.
Best Mendeley Reference Manager alternative for Mac
ZoteroFree, open-source and run by a nonprofit, with Word, LibreOffice and Google Docs plugins plus mobile apps.
Best Mendeley Reference Manager alternative for Windows
ZoteroFree, open-source and run by a nonprofit, with Word, LibreOffice and Google Docs plugins plus mobile apps.
Best Mendeley Reference Manager alternative for Linux
ZoteroFree, open-source and run by a nonprofit, with Word, LibreOffice and Google Docs plugins plus mobile apps.
Best Mendeley Reference Manager alternative for iPhone and Android
PaperpileBuilt around Google Docs and Google Drive, with unlimited PDF storage for a modest subscription.
Best Mendeley Reference Manager alternative for working in the browser
ZoteroFree, open-source and run by a nonprofit, with Word, LibreOffice and Google Docs plugins plus mobile apps.
Mendeley Reference Manager alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Mendeley Reference Manager?
Zotero ranks first right now. Free, open-source and run by a nonprofit, with Word, LibreOffice and Google Docs plugins plus mobile apps.
Is there a free alternative to Mendeley Reference Manager?
Yes. Zotero (open source) has a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Mendeley Reference Manager?
None of the 2 alternatives in this list is open source.
Which Mendeley Reference Manager alternatives work on Linux?
Zotero runs on Linux.
Why do people switch from Mendeley Reference Manager?
The complaints we hear most: mendeley Cite works in Microsoft Word only, with no Google Docs plugin; not open source, and your library lives on Elsevier's cloud; no current mobile app for reading papers on a phone.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Mendeley Reference Manager, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.