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Paperpile alternatives: 2 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 30, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Paperpile: no free plan after the 30-day trial, and requires a Google account to sign in. We ranked 2 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Paperpile, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Zotero currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Zotero logoZoteroOpen sourceNoWindows, macOS, Linux +46 of 666.5
  1. Zotero logo

    1. ZoteroTop pick

    Best for: Students and academics who want a free, open-source library that works with any word processor

    Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Web, Browser extension

    66.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Paperpile

    Free and open source, also with a Google Docs plugin, and a full offline desktop app.

    Pros

    • Free and open source, run by a nonprofit
    • Citation plugins for Word, LibreOffice and Google Docs
    • Apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android
    • Unlimited group libraries at no cost

    Cons

    • Only 300 MB of free file storage before paying for more
    • Interface feels utilitarian next to newer commercial tools
    • Fewer built-in AI or discovery features than Mendeley or EndNote
    Visit Zotero Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Zotero a good Paperpile alternative?

    Verified facts

    6 of 6 verified
    Price
    Free
    Checked Oct 29, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    License
    AGPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 29, 2026zotero.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Free storage
    300 MB
    Checked Oct 29, 2026zotero.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Paid storage
    $20/year for 2 GB
    Checked Oct 29, 2026zotero.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
    Checked Oct 29, 2026zotero.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Citation styles
    9,000+
    Checked Oct 29, 2026zotero.org(opens source in a new tab)

The best Paperpile alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Zotero logo

Best Paperpile alternative for most people

Zotero

Free and open source, also with a Google Docs plugin, and a full offline desktop app.

Mendeley Reference Manager logo

Best Paperpile alternative for a free option

Mendeley Reference Manager

Free library with 2 GB of storage and desktop apps, for those who don't want a subscription.

Zotero logo

Best Paperpile alternative for Mac

Zotero

Free and open source, also with a Google Docs plugin, and a full offline desktop app.

Zotero logo

Best Paperpile alternative for Windows

Zotero

Free and open source, also with a Google Docs plugin, and a full offline desktop app.

Zotero logo

Best Paperpile alternative for Linux

Zotero

Free and open source, also with a Google Docs plugin, and a full offline desktop app.

Zotero logo

Best Paperpile alternative for iPhone and Android

Zotero

Free and open source, also with a Google Docs plugin, and a full offline desktop app.

Zotero logo

Best Paperpile alternative for working in the browser

Zotero

Free and open source, also with a Google Docs plugin, and a full offline desktop app.

Paperpile alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Paperpile?

Zotero ranks first right now. Free and open source, also with a Google Docs plugin, and a full offline desktop app.

Is there a free alternative to Paperpile?

Yes. Zotero (open source) and Mendeley Reference Manager (free) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Paperpile?

None of the 2 alternatives in this list is open source.

Which Paperpile alternatives work on Linux?

Zotero and Mendeley Reference Manager run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Paperpile?

The complaints we hear most: no free plan after the 30-day trial; requires a Google account to sign in; no full offline desktop app like Zotero or EndNote.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Paperpile, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.