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Best Online Encyclopedias in 2026
Online encyclopedias can help you explore a topic, check details, or find material for learning. Compare content formats and update frequency to see how information is presented and maintained. Citation tools are another consideration when tracing sources, while educator resources and institutional access may matter in learning settings. Mobile apps add an access detail, and free-plan availability and paid-from pricing help you weigh cost. The entries include Wikipedia, Store norske leksikon, and Encyclopedia.com, among other reference options. Consider which formats and access features suit what you need to research.
- 31 apps
- Research read 23 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
Wikipedia
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+2Wikipedia provides free encyclopedia content in many languages, with volunteer editors responsible for its entries.
- 2
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Free plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+1Britannica combines reference articles with multimedia and learning materials, while keeping some digital content available without a membership.
- 3
Baidu Baike
Free plan WebChoose Baidu Baike if you want a free, Chinese-focused encyclopedia with searchable entries, video sections and museum content.
- 4
Enciclopèdia.cat
Free plan WebEnciclopèdia.cat offers a large, varied reference collection for Catalan-language research and browsing.
- 5
Encyclopedia of Korean Culture
Free plan APIWebThe Encyclopedia of Korean Culture offers several ways to discover expert-written material, with free web access and an API for approved use.
- 6
Encyclopédie Larousse
Free plan WebChoose Encyclopédie Larousse if you want a free, searchable web reference with a large collection of definitions, articles and synonyms.
- 7
Encyclopedia.com
Free plan WebEncyclopedia.com provides a large free reference collection with keyword search and alphabetical browsing.
- 8
Encyclopedia of Alabama
Free plan WebThe Encyclopedia brings a broad range of Alabama topics together with search, collections, and galleries. Its reuse terms matter for anyone planning to reproduce material, especially commercially.
- 9
Store norske leksikon
Free plan APIiPhoneWebStore norske leksikon offers broad, free reference coverage with subject-editor oversight and daily updates.
- 10
Encyclopedia of Arkansas
Free plan WebEncyclopedia of Arkansas combines a large reference collection with browsing tools and classroom resources.
- 11
Encyclopedia Virginia
Free plan WebEncyclopedia Virginia combines reviewed historical writing with primary materials, media, and browsing tools.
- 12
Treccani
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWebTreccani combines reference works with app-based daily vocabulary and topical reading.
- 13
Citizendium
Free plan WebCitizendium offers a structured wiki with article statuses, subject grouping and contributor support.
- 14
Klexikon
Free plan WebKlexikon offers a substantial German-language reference collection shaped for children, with a separate set of especially simple articles.
- 15
Lex – Danmarks Nationalleksikon
Free plan WebLex brings a broad collection of Danish reference works together in one searchable, freely accessible platform.
- 16
New World Encyclopedia
Free plan WebChoose New World Encyclopedia for free, searchable reference articles spanning humanities, sciences, and the arts.
- 17
Oxford Reference
Free plan WebOxford Reference combines a broad reference collection with some free content and monthly Quick Reference updates. Public users can search abstracts and keywords, but full access requires payment.
- 18
The Canadian Encyclopedia
Free plan WebThe Canadian Encyclopedia is a free reference resource for Canadian history and culture, with articles and tools for learners and educators.
- 19
Vikidia
Free plan WebChoose Vikidia for a free web encyclopedia that welcomes both young readers and contributors, including school projects.
- 20
Infoplease
Free plan WebInfoplease combines broad reference material with subject-focused resources for learning and homework.
- 21
Wikiquote
Free plan WebChoose Wikiquote for browsing or contributing to a broad, collaboratively written quotation collection.
- 22
Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Free plan WebTe Ara brings contemporary reference stories, biographies, media, and a historic encyclopaedia together in one web resource.
- 23
Wikiwand
Free plan ExtensionWebWikiwand offers an alternate reading interface with navigation, language, and article tools. The Chrome extension listing shows in-app purchases, while the product also has a free plan.
- 24
Encyclopaedia Universalis
Free trial AndroidiPhoneWebEncyclopaedia Universalis combines reviewed reference articles with maps, country data, dictionary tools, and education editions.
6.2 Visit site - 25
Britannica Kids
Free trial WebBritannica Kids offers a broad, multimedia reference library with reading levels and school-subject coverage for children and families.
6.1 Visit site
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price
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