kitio.aiConsensus vs alphaXiv
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. alphaXiv is completely free, while Consensus is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Answers from research papers
- Consensus Meter
- Deep Search reviews
- Study filters
- Citation export
- Line-level discussions
- AI paper chat
- Paper summaries
- Trending papers feed
- Author responses
| Feature | Consensus | alphaXiv |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | AI search engine that answers questions from peer-reviewed studies | Discuss arXiv papers and chat with them using AI |
| Category | Research & search | Research & search |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | See pricing page | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Consensus | alphaXiv |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
alphaXiv is completely free, while Consensus is freemium.
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
Consensus
- Answers grounded in studies
- Useful study-quality filters
- Easy for non-experts
- Free plan has few Pro searches
- Simplifies nuanced findings
alphaXiv
- Free for researchers
- Active discussion community
- Easy switch from arXiv
- Limited to arXiv papers
- Discussion depth varies
Which one should you choose?
Choose Consensus if you want:
- Answers grounded in studies
- Useful study-quality filters
- Easy for non-experts
Watch out: free plan has few pro searches.
Choose alphaXiv if you want:
- Free for researchers
- Active discussion community
- Easy switch from arXiv
Watch out: limited to arxiv papers.
Consensus vs alphaXiv FAQ
What is the difference between Consensus and alphaXiv?
Consensus: AI search engine that answers questions from peer-reviewed studies. alphaXiv: Discuss arXiv papers and chat with them using AI. Both are research & search tools.
Is Consensus or alphaXiv cheaper?
alphaXiv is completely free, while Consensus is freemium.
Do Consensus and alphaXiv have free plans?
Consensus: Yes. alphaXiv: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Consensus?
Consensus is made by Consensus, based in United States.
Who makes alphaXiv?
alphaXiv is made by alphaXiv, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Consensus or alphaXiv?
Choose Consensus if you value answers grounded in studies and useful study-quality filters. Choose alphaXiv if you value free for researchers and active discussion community.