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

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