Compare software

I, LibrarianReadCube Papers
Freemium

The open source version is free to self-host; the hosted and professional editions are…

 Paid

Paid product with a free trial.

Web, Self-hosted Web, Browser extension
  • Imports references from major academic databases
  • Boolean search and bulk tagging for literature reviews
  • PDF annotation combined with reference management
  • Imports papers with full metadata and citations
  • Needs Apache and PHP when installed manually
  • AI research features belong to the commercial edition
  • Paid after the trial
  • Much of the product is aimed at companies and research teams
Self-hosted, Hosted service Downloadable app, Web application, Browser extension
Open source Closed source
License: GPL-3.0 License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed Account needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked October 2, 2026

Checked September 23, 2026

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