Side by side
Consensus vs Google AI Mode
Both stand on ai search tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidAPIExtension+2
Consensus combines broad academic search with filters, research workflows, and citations linked to paper passages. The free tier supports unlimited paper searches, while Pro and Deep add higher usage allowances for other features.
Visit Consensus Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb
AI Mode combines search links and AI responses with varied input options, follow-up searches and interactive visuals. Treat answers as a starting point and verify important details; Gemini 3 Pro access has account and usage-limit conditions.
Visit Google AI ModeThe facts
| Consensus | Google AI Mode | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, Extension, iPhone, Web | Android, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Pro: $20 a month | Google AI Plus: $4.99 a month |
| Plans published | 5 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | consensus.app | google.com |
| On ai search tools | #1 of 21 | #4 of 21 |
Consensus: what it does well
- Searches a weekly updated database of over 220 million papers.
- Research Agent plans multi-step searches and returns cited answers.
- Medical Mode includes papers and clinical guidelines.
- Imports Zotero libraries and exports CSV or RIS.
- Available on web, Android, iOS, and as an extension.
What to know first
- Free tier limits Pro messages and Deep reviews.
- Free tier includes 30 API and MCP calls monthly.
- Paid plans have monthly API and MCP call allowances.
Google AI Mode: what it does well
- Accepts text, voice, images, PDFs and files.
- Searches multiple subtopics simultaneously.
- Provides follow-up questions and search history.
- Can generate interactive diagrams, charts and calculators.
- Free plan and free trial are listed.
What to know first
- Responses can contain mistakes.
- Gemini 3 Pro requires a personal Google Account.
- Gemini 3 Pro has daily usage limits.
- Availability is limited to listed countries and languages.
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