This comparison table features three popularly used citation managers.
More charts comparing Zotero, Mendeley and EndNote are available at Harvard Library, UC Berkeley Library and UMass Boston
Citation Managers Comparison Chart |
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Feature |
Zotero |
Mendeley |
EndNote Online. Basic |
|
Cost |
Free basic account. Cost for additional storage. |
Free basic account. Cost for additional storage. |
Free basic account. X8 Student discount costs around $100+. Most sophisticated of the citation tool options. |
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Website |
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Support |
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Web Based? |
Yes. However, Zotero for Firefox is no longer available. Now a Standalone with connectors for Firefox, Chrome & Safari (with Zotero 5.0 upgrade). |
Not primarily, but syncs with an online account & a web import button. |
Yes. Formerly known as EndNote Web. Basic account - online only. |
|
Can I work on multiple computers? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Can I work without an internet connection? |
Yes |
Yes |
No - for basic account. Purchased - yes! |
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Can I work on a group project or share citations? |
Yes |
Yes (up to 3 collaborators) |
Yes |
|
Word-processor compatibility |
Open/Libre Office plugin (Win/Mac/Linux) |
MS Word plugin (Win/Mac) Open/Libre Office plugin (Win/Mac/Linux) |
MS Word Plugin |
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Import from databases? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Import from web pages? |
Yes |
Yes (Bookmarklet for limited number of sites) |
Yes (Web capture tool) |
|
Import PDF metadata? |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Storage capacity |
300 MB |
5GB |
2GB |
|
Attach files (i.e. PDFs) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Create a bibliography |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Number of Citation Styles |
8100+ (selected default styles installed, more styles can be found in the Zotero Style Repository) |
7000+ (selected default styles installed, more styles can be found at CitationStyles.org) |
3400+ |
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Insider tip |
Known accessibility issues for screen reader users. |
Not as agile with EBSCO database, CINAHL or PsycNET. Citations may need editing. |
Steeper learning curve for importing from databases. |
Comparison chart created and shared with permission by The Library & Learning Commons of the University of Guelph-Humber.
