VerlumoAIAI search assistant that answers questions with cited sources.
View detailsZotero
Free reference manager for collecting, organising and citing research sources.
Zotero is a free reference manager for collecting, organising, and citing research sources. Its browser extension saves papers, web pages, and PDFs to your library with one click, and its Word and Google Docs plugins insert citations and build bibliographies in any style — APA, MLA, Chicago, and thousands more.
Key Features
- One-click saving of papers, web pages, and PDFs
- Citations and bibliographies in 10,000+ styles
- Word and Google Docs plugins
- Free and open source
- Group libraries for collaboration
- PDF annotation and notes
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Full reference manager with 300 MB cloud storage. |
| 2 GB Storage | $20/yr | 2 GB cloud storage. |
| 6 GB Storage | $60/yr | 6 GB cloud storage. |
| Unlimited Storage | $120/yr | Unlimited cloud storage. |
Prices as listed in 2026 research. Always check the official site for the latest price — plans change. Free plan: Yes — it has a free plan.
Best for: students and researchers who want a free, open-source reference manager for citations.
Popular with: Students, Teachers, Writers
Popular with: Students, Teachers, Writers
How it works
The software is open source and free, with 300 MB of free cloud storage. Paid storage plans start at $20 a year for 2 GB, $60 for 6 GB, and $120 for unlimited storage. The core reference manager — collecting, organising, and citing — is fully free, and your data stays yours.
Zotero is the standard free reference manager for students and researchers. It is not the prettiest tool, but it is reliable, open source, and supported by a huge community. For anyone writing a thesis or paper with citations, it is the first tool to install.
Pros and Cons
✓ Pros
- Completely free and open source
- Citations in 10,000+ styles
- One-click saving from the browser
- Group libraries for team research
✗ Cons
- Free storage is only 300 MB — paid storage needed for large libraries
- Interface looks dated compared with newer tools
- Syncing large PDF libraries can be slow
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zotero free?
Yes — Zotero has a free plan. Free; storage from $20/yr
What is Zotero best for?
students and researchers who want a free, open-source reference manager for citations.
What kind of tool is Zotero?
Zotero is a Research Tools tool on VerlumoAI.
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View detailsLast reviewed: November 2026