Side by side
EndNote vs JabRef
Both stand on reference management software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan ExtensioniPhoneMac+2
EndNote combines reference organization, citation tools, and research discovery with a broad set of writing integrations. Check the license type and the read-only limit for simultaneous network-library access against your collaboration needs.
Visit EndNote
Free plan Open source APIExtensionLinux+2
JabRef combines reference organization, catalog search, and citation workflows without a listed paid plan. Check its Chrome extension limitation and external AI processing before relying on those features.
Visit JabRefThe facts
| EndNote | JabRef | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Extension, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows | API, Extension, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | endnote.com | jabref.org |
| On reference management software | #6 of 26 | #2 of 26 |
EndNote: what it does well
- Offers more than 7,000 citation styles.
- Includes over 4,000 database and library connection files.
- Supports several major word processors.
- Trial includes all paid-version features.
- Libraries can be shared with up to 1,000 people.
What to know first
- Single-user license covers one person.
- Simultaneous access to a network library is read-only.
- Student License requires eligibility verification.
- Listed licenses require one-time purchases.
JabRef: what it does well
- Free and open-source.
- Imports over 15 reference formats.
- Extracts metadata from PDFs.
- Supports Word and LibreOffice/OpenOffice citation workflows.
- Libraries use a text-based format.
What to know first
- The browser extension is documented as non-functional on Chrome.
- Excessive catalog searching may result in temporary blocking.
- AI features send requests to external providers.
Alternatives to EndNote Alternatives to JabRef The whole list