An update for Mendeley users!
Mendeley Web Library has been updated and is now called Mendeley Reference Manager, effective from 7th Sept 2020. Mendeley Desktop remains available for use. See here for details.
| Criteria | Zotero | Mendeley | Endnote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website | https://www.zotero.org/ | https://www.mendeley.com/ | https://endnote.com/ |
| Operating System | Windows, Linux or Mac |
Windows, Linux or Mac |
Windows or Mac |
| Web/cloud-based | Yes, works with Firefox and Chrome, can sync with the online account, and Safari connector available | Yes, works with Firefox and Chrome, can sync with the online account, and Safari connector available | No, but can transfer library to EndNote Online |
| Desktop version | Yes (Since 2018) | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | Free for a basic account, some cost for more online storage | Free for a basic account, some cost for more online storage | Institution buys the license, staff/student download for free (Unitec subscription ended Oct 2020) |
| Word-processor compatibility | MS Word, Office 365, Google Docs | MS Word, Office 365, LaTex | MS Word, Office 365 |
| Number of citation styles | 16 pre-loaded, thousands available for download from Zotero | Over 1180 | Top 100 downloaded, over 4000 more available |
| Import from databases | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Import citation from web pages | Yes, can also add the snapshot and specify folder | Yes, can also specify folder |
only with EndNote Online bookmarklet |
| Storage capacity | 300 MB free storage (larger storage plans available for purchase) | 2GB free storage (larger storage plans available for purchase) |
Unlimited local storage |
| Attach associated files (PDFs, etc.) | Yes, with the option to attach automatically | Yes, and can highlight & annotate PDFs |
Yes, and can highlight & annotate PDFs |
| Search full text of PDFs | Yes | Yes |
Yes |
| Duplicate detection | Yes | Yes |
Yes |
| Create group or shared libraries | Yes | Yes, free for up to 5 group members (larger group plans available for purchase) |
Yes, with up to 100 people and includes attachments and PDFs |
| Create a bibliography with different styles | Yes | Yes |
Yes |
| Automatic citation extraction from PDFs | Yes | Yes |
Yes |
|
Other features |
Sync library with multiple computers. Use tags to organize/search. |
Sync library with multiple computers. Sync with Zotero library |
Insert figures and charts using word processor integration. |