ASReview vs Open Notebook
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. ASReview starts at Free and Open Notebook starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
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
- Multi-format source import
- AI summaries and insights
- Podcast generator
- Choice of AI models
- Privacy controls
| Feature | ASReview | Open Notebook |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Free open-source active learning tool for screening review papers | Open-source, self-hosted research notebook with AI podcasts |
| Category | Research & search | Research & search |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Utrecht University | Open Notebook contributors |
| Based in | Netherlands | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
ASReview starts at Free and Open Notebook starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
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
Open Notebook
- Free and MIT licensed
- Keeps data under your control
- Works with the models you pick
- You must install and host it yourself
- Model API costs are on you
- Smaller feature set than hosted rivals
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 Open Notebook if you want:
- Free and MIT licensed
- Keeps data under your control
- Works with the models you pick
Watch out: you must install and host it yourself.
ASReview vs Open Notebook FAQ
What is the difference between ASReview and Open Notebook?
ASReview: Free open-source active learning tool for screening review papers. Open Notebook: Open-source, self-hosted research notebook with AI podcasts. Both are research & search tools.
Is ASReview or Open Notebook cheaper?
ASReview starts at Free and Open Notebook starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do ASReview and Open Notebook have free plans?
ASReview: Yes, fully free. Open Notebook: Yes, fully free.
Who makes ASReview?
ASReview is made by Utrecht University, based in Netherlands.
Who makes Open Notebook?
Open Notebook is made by Open Notebook contributors.
Which should I choose, ASReview or Open Notebook?
Choose ASReview if you value completely free and transparent, open methods. Choose Open Notebook if you value free and mit licensed and keeps data under your control.