| 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 (unlimited number of groups and group members) - be aware of storage use | Yes, free account can have for up to 5 groups, each with a max of 25 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. |