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JabRef vs Mendeley: catalog facts
JabRef	Mendeley
Free Free and open source, funded by donations.	Freemium Free with 2 GB of storage, with paid options.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Browser extension	Web, Browser extension
Stores libraries in plain text BibTeX/BibLaTeX files Fits naturally into LaTeX writing	PDF reading, highlighting and annotation built in Generates references and citations
Centred on BibTeX, which is less familiar outside LaTeX users Maintained by volunteers in their spare time	Owned by the publisher Elsevier Free storage is limited to 2 GB
Downloadable app, Browser extension	Downloadable app, Web application, Browser extension
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
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

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