Link copied to clipboard # Mendeley vs RefWorks Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/mendeley/refworks/export.csv) MendeleyRefWorks[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Mendeley** No pricing available **RefWorks** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Perceived Cost **Mendeley** $$$$$ **RefWorks** $$$$$ Average Discount **Mendeley** Not enough reviews yet **RefWorks** Not enough reviews yet Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Time to Implement **Mendeley** 6 months Based on 100 responses **RefWorks** 6 months Based on 100 responses Return on Investment **Mendeley** 6 months Based on 100 responses **RefWorks** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Mendeley** Not enough data **RefWorks** Not enough data Integrations **Mendeley** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_89403f91f420a370f25b6800af702d70/microsoft-word.png "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft Word ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-word/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/mendeley/integrations) **RefWorks** Not enough data **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Mendeley** **8.6** /10 Based on 223 responses **RefWorks** **7.9** /10 Based on 26 responses Ease of Use **Mendeley** **8.7** /10 Based on 223 responses **RefWorks** **8.1** /10 Based on 27 responses Ease of Setup **Mendeley** **9.2** /10 Based on 17 responses **RefWorks** Not enough data Ease of Admin **Mendeley** **9.6** /10 Based on 9 responses **RefWorks** Not enough data Quality of Support **Mendeley** **7.9** /10 Based on 143 responses **RefWorks** **8.2** /10 Based on 15 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Mendeley** **8.9** /10 Based on 6 responses **RefWorks** Not enough data Product Direction (% positive) **Mendeley** **8.1** /10 Based on 216 responses **RefWorks** **5.0** /10 Based on 28 responses User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 30.7% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 20.9% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 48.4% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 30.7% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 20.9% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 48.4% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 20.7% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 24.1% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 55.2% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 20.7% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 24.1% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 55.2% **Reviewers' Industry** [![Mendeley](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_5a282d8d948142ab885657207e9c3426/mendeley.png "Mendeley")](https://www.g2.com/products/mendeley/reviews) Mendeley Higher Education 42.2% Research 23.8% Education Management 7.0% Hospital & Health Care 2.5% Mechanical or Industrial Engineering 2.0% Other 22.5% [![RefWorks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_e39812b59d9f0c9d5a53b9777df49d64/refworks.png "RefWorks")](https://www.g2.com/products/refworks/reviews) RefWorks Higher Education 41.4% Research 17.2% Education Management 10.3% Publishing 3.4% Non-Profit Organization Management 3.4% Other 24.1% Alternatives **Mendeley Alternatives** ![EndNote](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_79d1e55423c4e496e5de32d1d55e2efb/endnote.png "EndNote") [ EndNote ](/products/endnote/reviews) ![ReadCube](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/04acb9eb76dc91a3c8f563d1594800e4/readcube.svg "ReadCube") [ ReadCube ](/products/readcube/reviews) ![EasyBib.com](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_9ef7ead04618db7671a8a6b8650bbf4d/easybib-com.png "EasyBib.com") [ EasyBib.com ](/products/easybib-com/reviews) ![Zotero](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_10f1683f53cc35fb59cf660e80d6be20/zotero.png "Zotero") [ Zotero ](/products/zotero/reviews) **RefWorks Alternatives** ![EndNote](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_79d1e55423c4e496e5de32d1d55e2efb/endnote.png "EndNote") [ EndNote ](/products/endnote/reviews) ![EasyBib.com](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_9ef7ead04618db7671a8a6b8650bbf4d/easybib-com.png "EasyBib.com") [ EasyBib.com ](/products/easybib-com/reviews) ![Zotero](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_10f1683f53cc35fb59cf660e80d6be20/zotero.png "Zotero") [ Zotero ](/products/zotero/reviews) ![Citavi](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_8ca0f9584cad26937b9a93e429bedf73/citavi.png "Citavi") [ Citavi ](/products/citavi/reviews) ## Mendeley vs RefWorks FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Mendeley vs RefWorks? Mendeley stands out from RefWorks with a higher G2 rating, stronger ease of setup, and more robust reviewer-cited strengths in workflow automation and cross-device sync. | [Mendeley](https://www.g2.com/products/mendeley/reviews) | [RefWorks](https://www.g2.com/products/refworks/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.3/5 (250 reviews) | 3.9/5 (29 reviews) | | Enterprise | Enterprise | | 9.2 | — | | 7.9 | 8.2 | | Automated PDF metadata extraction, cross-platform sync, and Word plug-in for instant bibliography updates | Direct incorporation with Google Scholar and flexible bibliography formatting | ### How do the pricing models of Mendeley and RefWorks compare? Mendeley is favored by reviewers as the stronger value, reflected in higher satisfaction with price and cost-related dimensions. - **Mendeley:** Reviewers consistently highlight that Mendeley is free and easy to use, with strong value for academic and research workflows. - **RefWorks:** Reviewers note that RefWorks is often institutionally provided, but some express dissatisfaction with its value, citing limitations and a preference for alternatives. - **Switching reasons:** Recent reviewers mention switching from RefWorks to Mendeley due to Mendeley's free access and more modern features. ### What are the best alternatives to Mendeley and RefWorks? The top 3 alternatives to Mendeley and RefWorks are EndNote, ReadCube, and EasyBib.com. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Mendeley](https://www.g2.com/products/mendeley/reviews) | 4.3/5 (250 reviews) | Enterprise | Free tier available, strong value sentiment | Automated PDF metadata extraction, cross-device sync, Word integration | | [RefWorks](https://www.g2.com/products/refworks/reviews) | 3.9/5 (29 reviews) | Enterprise | Institutional access common, mixed value sentiment | Direct Google Scholar integration, flexible bibliography formatting | | [EndNote](https://www.g2.com/products/endnote/reviews) | 4.1/5 (183 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Comprehensive reference management for large academic projects | | [ReadCube](https://www.g2.com/products/readcube/reviews) | 4.4/5 (174 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Modern interface and advanced PDF management | | [EasyBib.com](https://www.g2.com/products/easybib-com/reviews) | 4.6/5 (153 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Quick citation generation and ease of use for students | ### Which Reference Management features should I prioritize when comparing Mendeley and RefWorks? Buyers comparing Mendeley and RefWorks should prioritize PDF metadata extraction, cross-device sync, Word integration, citation style management, and collaboration features. - **PDF metadata extraction:** Mendeley is frequently praised for automated PDF metadata extraction, saving significant manual entry time. - **Cross-device sync:** Mendeley reviewers highlight robust cross-platform synchronization, enabling access and annotation across devices. - **Word integration:** Mendeley is cited in 30+ reviews for its Microsoft Word plug-in, supporting real-time citation and bibliography updates. - **Citation style management:** Both products offer flexible citation style management, but Mendeley is noted for one-click style changes and real-time updates. - **Collaboration features:** Mendeley supports collaborative folders and group work, which reviewers describe as effective for team projects. ### What are the pros and cons of Mendeley vs RefWorks? Mendeley's headline strength is workflow automation and cross-device sync, while RefWorks is recognized for direct Google Scholar integration and flexible bibliography formatting. - **Mendeley strengths:** Automated PDF metadata extraction, cross-device sync, Word plug-in for instant bibliography updates, one-click citation style changes, and collaborative folders for group projects. - **Mendeley trade-offs:** Limited free storage (2GB), sync issues, occasional crashes, frequent logouts, and a learning curve for beginners. - **RefWorks strengths:** Direct Google Scholar integration, flexible bibliography formatting, and institutional access for many users. - **RefWorks trade-offs:** Customization limitations, interface described as outdated, Word integration issues, and slower resolution of support issues. ### Is Mendeley or RefWorks better for small businesses? Mendeley is the better fit for small businesses, with stronger reviewer sentiment and features supporting individual and small team workflows. - **Mendeley:** Largest segment is Enterprise, but reviewers consistently highlight ease of use, free access, and suitability for academic and small business research needs. - **RefWorks:** Largest segment is Enterprise, with reviewers noting it is often institutionally provided and less frequently chosen by small businesses for independent use. ### Which Reference Management platform has better integrations? Mendeley is favored for integrations, with reviewers frequently citing its Microsoft Word integration. - **Mendeley:** Microsoft Word integration is mentioned in 30+ reviews, supporting citation management and bibliography generation directly within Word. - **RefWorks:** Reviewers mention integration with Google Scholar and Microsoft Word, but with fewer recent mentions and some noted issues with Word plug-ins. ### How do Mendeley and RefWorks compare on customer support? Mendeley and RefWorks are rated in close parity on Quality of Support, with RefWorks holding a slight edge at 8.2 versus Mendeley's 7.9. - **Mendeley:** Reviewers describe support as responsive, with a large community and official website resources, though some note slow bug fixes and occasional lack of response. - **RefWorks:** Reviewers report generally positive support experiences, with some highlighting helpfulness and others noting slow resolution of technical issues. ### Which is easier to implement, Mendeley or RefWorks? Mendeley leads on Ease of Setup with a score of 9.2, while RefWorks does not have a reported score for this dimension. - **Mendeley:** Reviewers consistently describe setup as intuitive and quick, with minimal barriers to getting started and immediate productivity. - **RefWorks:** Reviewers note that initial setup can be challenging for new users, with a steeper learning curve and less intuitive onboarding. ## Mendeley vs RefWorks - Reviewers felt that Mendeley meets the needs of their business better than RefWorks. - When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that RefWorks is the preferred option. - For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of Mendeley over RefWorks.