Side by side
Rayyan vs Universal SLR Assistant
Both stand on systematic review software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+1
Rayyan supports the review workflow from reference import through reporting, with AI-assisted screening and extraction. Check the plan limits and database-import approach: external references are exported and uploaded, not connected directly.
Visit Rayyan Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3
Universal SLR Assistant covers much of a systematic or scoping review workflow and offers local workspace storage alongside cloud and local AI options. Review its data-transmission behavior and keep human verification central to the process.
Visit Universal SLR AssistantThe facts
| Rayyan | Universal SLR Assistant | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Web | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Essential: $4.99 per seat a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 5 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | rayyan.ai | sadeghanisi.github.io |
| On systematic review software | #6 of 30 | #2 of 30 |
Rayyan: what it does well
- Workflow covers screening, extraction, risk-of-bias assessment, and reporting.
- AI tools provide recommendations with reasoning or justification.
- Free plan allows three active reviews and two free reviewers.
- API supports programmatic access and workflow automation.
- Available on Android, iOS, and the web.
What to know first
- No direct connection to external databases.
- Free plan has limited mobile app access.
- Paid plans are billed annually.
Universal SLR Assistant: what it does well
- Imports RIS, BibTeX, CSV and plain-text references.
- Flags likely duplicates with DOI and fuzzy title matching.
- Workspace mode stores review data in local SQLite.
- Offers local and cloud AI provider options.
- Exports PRISMA-ready counts and decision logs.
What to know first
- Human verification and final decisions remain required.
- Cloud providers receive submitted paper text.
- Cloud AI provider API fees may apply.
- Web App is not intended as a public multi-user service.
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