kitio.aiASReview vs SurfSense
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. ASReview is completely free, while SurfSense is freemium.
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
- Runs fully offline
- Local models or your own keys
- Windows, macOS and Linux app
- Scraper plugins
- Web crawler
- No account needed
| Feature | ASReview | SurfSense |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Free open-source active learning tool for screening review papers | Private, open-source research notebook that runs on your own machine |
| Category | Research & search | Research & search |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | Utrecht University | SurfSense |
| Based in | Netherlands | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
ASReview is completely free, while SurfSense is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
2 plans
Free
Free
- Full app on Windows, macOS, Linux
- Runs offline
- 14-day plugin licence
Individual
$60 first year, then $120/yr
- All scraper plugins
- Web crawler
- Priority support
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
SurfSense
- Data never leaves your machine
- Free app with no usage cap
- Source code is public
- Plugins and support need a licence
- You supply the model or keys
- Moving to a local app changes older setups
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 SurfSense if you want:
- Data never leaves your machine
- Free app with no usage cap
- Source code is public
Watch out: plugins and support need a licence.
ASReview vs SurfSense FAQ
What is the difference between ASReview and SurfSense?
ASReview: Free open-source active learning tool for screening review papers. SurfSense: Private, open-source research notebook that runs on your own machine. Both are research & search tools.
Is ASReview or SurfSense cheaper?
ASReview is completely free, while SurfSense is freemium.
Do ASReview and SurfSense have free plans?
ASReview: Yes, fully free. SurfSense: Yes.
Who makes ASReview?
ASReview is made by Utrecht University, based in Netherlands.
Who makes SurfSense?
SurfSense is made by SurfSense.
Which should I choose, ASReview or SurfSense?
Choose ASReview if you value completely free and transparent, open methods. Choose SurfSense if you value data never leaves your machine and free app with no usage cap.