Compare software

BibDeskBookends
Free

Free and open source.

 Paid

Commercial software sold through the developer's site.

macOS macOS, iOS
  • Links references to their PDFs and web pages
  • One-click import from Google Scholar, arXiv and PubMed
  • Imports from many academic databases
  • Citation tools for Word, Mellel and Nisus Writer Pro
  • macOS only
  • Built around BibTeX, less suited to Word-based workflows
  • Mac and iOS only
  • Paid, unlike Zotero
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Closed source
License not stated License not stated
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked October 1, 2026

Checked October 2, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.