Compare software

Consensus vs Google Scholar: catalog facts
Consensus	Google Scholar
Freemium Check the site for current free and paid plans.	Free Free to use.
Web	Web
Searches peer-reviewed literature rather than the open web Answers backed by scientific papers	Very broad coverage across disciplines Includes case law and court opinions
Web only, needs an internet connection Plan details are not given on the homepage	Library, alerts and profiles need a Google account Can throttle automated or heavy use
Web application	Web application
Closed source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Needs internet	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 26, 2026

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