kitio.aiASReview vs DistillerSR
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. ASReview is completely free, while DistillerSR is paid.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Active learning screening
- Local installation
- Simulation mode
- Multiple model choices
- Team screening
- AI-assisted screening
- Data extraction forms
- Audit trails
- Deduplication
- Reporting
| Feature | ASReview | DistillerSR |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Free open-source active learning tool for screening review papers | Enterprise systematic review software with AI screening |
| Category | Research & search | Research & search |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Free | $19.95/mo |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | No |
| Made by | Utrecht University | DistillerSR |
| Based in | Netherlands | Canada |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
ASReview is completely free, while DistillerSR is paid.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
4 plans
Student
$19.95/mo
- Three subscriptions for the price of one
Faculty
$94/mo
- Billed annually
Research Project
$194/mo
- 1 faculty + 4 students
- Billed annually
Institutional
Contact sales
- Departmental or institution-wide
- All DistillerSR capabilities
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
ASReview
- Completely free
- Transparent, open methods
- Data stays local
- Screening only, not full review workflow
- Setup needs some technical skill
DistillerSR
- Built for regulated industries
- Full audit trail
- Highly configurable
- Expensive
- Steep learning curve
Which one should you choose?
Choose ASReview if you want:
- Completely free
- Transparent, open methods
- Data stays local
Watch out: screening only, not full review workflow.
Choose DistillerSR if you want:
- Built for regulated industries
- Full audit trail
- Highly configurable
Watch out: expensive.
ASReview vs DistillerSR FAQ
What is the difference between ASReview and DistillerSR?
ASReview: Free open-source active learning tool for screening review papers. DistillerSR: Enterprise systematic review software with AI screening. Both are research & search tools.
Is ASReview or DistillerSR cheaper?
ASReview is completely free, while DistillerSR is paid.
Do ASReview and DistillerSR have free plans?
ASReview: Yes, fully free. DistillerSR: No.
Who makes ASReview?
ASReview is made by Utrecht University, based in Netherlands.
Who makes DistillerSR?
DistillerSR is made by DistillerSR, based in Canada.
Which should I choose, ASReview or DistillerSR?
Choose ASReview if you value completely free and transparent, open methods. Choose DistillerSR if you value built for regulated industries and full audit trail.