| Criteria | Zotero | Mendeley |
|---|---|---|
| Website | https://www.zotero.org/ | https://www.mendeley.com/ |
| Operating System | Windows, Linux or Mac |
Windows, Linux or Mac |
| Web/cloud-based | Yes, works with Firefox, Chrome and Edge, can sync with the online account, and Safari connector available | Yes, works with Firefox, Chrome and Edge, can sync with the online account, and Safari connector available |
| Desktop version | 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 |
| Word-processor compatibility | MS Word, Office 365, Google Docs | MS Word, Office 365, LaTex |
| Number of citation styles | 16 pre-loaded, more than 7000 available for download from Zotero | 10 pre-loaded, more than 7000 available for download from Mendeley |
| Import from databases | Yes | Yes |
| Import citation from web pages | Yes, can also add the snapshot and specify folder | Yes, can also specify folder |
| Storage capacity | 300 MB free storage (larger storage plans available for purchase) | 2GB free storage (larger storage plans available for purchase) |
| Attach associated files (PDFs, etc.) | Yes, with the option to attach automatically | Yes, and can highlight and annotate PDFs |
| Search full text of PDFs | Yes | Yes |
| Duplicate detection | 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 private groups, each with a max of 50 members (larger group plans available for purchase) |
| Create a bibliography with different citation styles | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic citation extraction from PDFs | Yes | Yes |
|
Other features |
Sync library with multiple computers Use tags to organise or search |
Sync library with multiple computers Add item to Favourite |
See another comparison at York University Libraries