Compare software

EndNoteBibDesk
Paid

Paid licence, with a free trial available.

 Free

Free and open source.

Windows, macOS, Web macOS
  • Formats citations and bibliographies automatically
  • Widely used in academic institutions
  • Links references to their PDFs and web pages
  • One-click import from Google Scholar, arXiv and PubMed
  • Paid software with no free tier
  • AI features depend on an online service
  • macOS only
  • Built around BibTeX, less suited to Word-based workflows
Downloadable app, Web application Downloadable app
Closed source Open source
License not stated License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed No account needed
Not stated if it works offline Works offline

Checked September 23, 2026

Checked October 1, 2026

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