Research assistants
SciSpace: review, pricing, data and alternatives
SciSpace supports people searching and comparing scientific publications. It allows questions about articles and PDFs, comparisons across studies, data extraction into tables, and assistance with writing referenced text. A free tier exists; the first paid plan costs $12 per month. Access and transparency score: 71/100, #6 of 15 in its category.
| Access | 25/30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Openness | 10/30 | |
| Trust | 36/40 |
What is SciSpace?
SciSpace supports people searching and comparing scientific publications. It allows questions about articles and PDFs, comparisons across studies, data extraction into tables, and assistance with writing referenced text.
According to its documentation, SciSpace lets you:
- search for scientific publications
- ask questions about articles and PDFs
- compare findings from several studies
- extract data into a table
- help write text with references
We file it under Research assistants, the category of tools to find, read and summarise papers, and it also overlaps with aI for documents and PDFs and aI writing tools. The category lists 15 verified tools on this site.
The publisher is Pubgenius, Inc., based in United States. The service launched in 2022, which gives it some track record.
Who is it for?
It is mostly useful to these profiles: researchers, students, and teachers. The need it covers is simple to state: find, read and summarise papers.
SciSpace is a good candidate if:
- you want to try before paying
Before deciding, run a trial on a real task and measure the time saved: it is the only criterion that really counts.
How much does SciSpace cost?
Pricing model: freemium (limited free use, then paid). A free plan is offered, usually limited in volume or features.
The first paid plan costs $12 per month (Premium, monthly equivalent with annual billing, confirmed in the official credits guide), according to the pricing page, checked on October 24, 2026.
Per month, that is close to the category median ($12 per month, based on tools with a published price).
To estimate what the same work would cost done directly with an AI model, use our API price calculator. Prices change often: always check the official site before subscribing.
Data and privacy
According to its privacy policy, data is processed in the United States.
For professional use, check that a data processing agreement (DPA) is offered, and do not send customers' personal data or confidential documents without one.
Exporting your content: RIS, CSV, BIB, Excel, XML. Being able to get your data back makes switching tools easier later.
Three habits apply to every AI tool:
- turn off the use of your content for training if the option exists
- use a work account separate from your personal account
- review everything the tool produces before publishing or sending it
Platforms, languages and API
SciSpace runs on: web browser and browser extension.
Interface languages are not specified.
API availability is not documented.
How we scored it
Our 71/100 score does not judge output quality: it measures what can be publicly verified about access to the tool, its openness and how far the publisher can be trusted.
| Criterion | Points | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 25/30 | free tier, published price, French interface |
| Openness | 10/30 | API, data export, open code |
| Trust | 36/40 | identified publisher, declared hosting, age, presence in reference lists |
The full calculation is explained on our method page.
Comparison with alternatives
SciSpace against other tools in the research assistants category:
Verdict
SciSpace is a decent option; compare its price and terms with the category leaders.
Strengths
- Free tier to try it
- Established since 2022
Avoid if…
- You handle sensitive personal data without a processing agreement
Alternatives
Categories and jobs
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is SciSpace free?
Yes, a free plan exists, with usage limits. The first paid plan costs $12 per month.
Where is SciSpace data stored?
According to the publisher, in the United States.
Does SciSpace have an API?
It is not documented.
What are the alternatives to SciSpace?
In the same category: Consensus, AMiner, ASReview, and Elicit.
SciSpace or Consensus: which one to choose?
SciSpace starts at $12 per month, Consensus at $144 per year and our score is 71/100 for SciSpace and 81/100 for Consensus. Try both on the same task before paying.
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Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score