kitio.aiExplainpaper vs SciSummary
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Explainpaper starts at $16/mo and SciSummary starts at See pricing page. 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
- Highlight to explain
- Paper-grounded chat
- Auto outlines
- Equation explanations
- PDF upload
- Paper summaries
- Email submission
- Adjustable length
- Paper chat
- Figure extraction
| Feature | Explainpaper | SciSummary |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Highlight confusing text in a paper and get a plain explanation | AI summaries of scientific papers sent by upload or email |
| Category | Research & search | Research & search |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $16/mo | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Explainpaper | SciSummary |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Explainpaper starts at $16/mo and SciSummary starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Free
Free
- Unlimited highlight explanations
- Follow-up questions
- Zotero import
- Basic AI models
Pro
$16/mo
- Explain graphs, figures, equations
- Advanced AI models
- Automatic paper outlines
- 7-day free trial
Teams
Contact sales
- Everything in Pro
- Team management
- Priority support
- Volume discounts
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
Explainpaper
- Very easy to use
- Good for unfamiliar fields
- Free tier available
- One paper at a time
- No library features
SciSummary
- Very quick summaries
- Email workflow is handy
- Free tier available
- Basic interface
- Limited free summaries
Which one should you choose?
Choose Explainpaper if you want:
- Very easy to use
- Good for unfamiliar fields
- Free tier available
Watch out: one paper at a time.
Choose SciSummary if you want:
- Very quick summaries
- Email workflow is handy
- Free tier available
Watch out: basic interface.
Explainpaper vs SciSummary FAQ
What is the difference between Explainpaper and SciSummary?
Explainpaper: Highlight confusing text in a paper and get a plain explanation. SciSummary: AI summaries of scientific papers sent by upload or email. Both are research & search tools.
Is Explainpaper or SciSummary cheaper?
Explainpaper starts at $16/mo and SciSummary starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Explainpaper and SciSummary have free plans?
Explainpaper: Yes. SciSummary: Yes.
Who makes Explainpaper?
Explainpaper is made by Explainpaper.
Who makes SciSummary?
SciSummary is made by SciSummary.
Which should I choose, Explainpaper or SciSummary?
Choose Explainpaper if you value very easy to use and good for unfamiliar fields. Choose SciSummary if you value very quick summaries and email workflow is handy.