Overview
Which citation manager is best for you? The links and table below can help you decide, but here are a few other questions to consider.
- Is ease of use all important? Zotero is easu to use.
- Is cost critical? Zotero is free (mostly).
- Do you save PDFs for every reference? Zotero automatically downloads PDFs when available.
- Is managing website important? Zotero excels at this.
- Is full functionality important? EndNote is more powerful and customizable.
- Do you plan to spend many years in academia? EndNote is best for large reference collections.
- Are journal abbreviations used in your preferred citation style(s)? EndNote handles this best.
- What do your colleagues use?
Comparisons by other universities
EndNote vs. RefWorks vs. Zotero Vs. Mendeley (UC Berkeley)
EndNote vs. RefWorks vs. Zotero vs. Mendeley (MIT)
| Feature | EndNote | EndNote Web | Zotero |
| Format | Desktop software for PC and Mac | Web-based | Web-based Firebox plug-in |
| Cost | Students $120, Faculty $180, Others $260 | Free for Auburn University students, faculty, and staff | Free with 300 MB free online file storage. More file storage starts at $20/year |
| How to get it | Purchase online or at AU Bookstore. Download free 30 day trial from www.endnote.com. | Register for free account at www.myendnoteweb.com. Use your Auburn email address. | |
| Ease of use | Moderate learning curve, especially for advanced features | Easier than EndNote | Easy to learn |
| Word processors | Word and Open Office | Word | Word and Open Office |
| Attach PDFs? | Yes | No. It can link to PDFs on your computer. | Yes |
| Share references? | No | Yes | Yes |
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