kitio.aiGoogle AI Mode vs ReadPaper
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Google AI Mode is completely free, while ReadPaper is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Conversational search
- Query fan-out
- Multimodal questions
- Deep Search
- Follow-up questions
- Academic translation
- AI-assisted reading
- Literature search
- Reference management
- AI polishing (beta)
| Feature | Google AI Mode | ReadPaper |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Conversational AI search mode inside Google Search | AI paper reader with translation, search and reference management |
| Category | Research & search | Research & search |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | ReadPaper | |
| Based in | United States | China |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Google AI Mode is completely free, while ReadPaper 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
Google AI Mode
- Free and widely available
- Draws on Google's index
- Handles multimodal input
- Fewer citations than research tools
- Features vary by country
ReadPaper
- Side-by-side academic translation
- Large citation graph
- Data is private by default
- Interface is mainly in Chinese
- Free library limited to 200 papers
- Some features are still in beta
Which one should you choose?
Choose Google AI Mode if you want:
- Free and widely available
- Draws on Google's index
- Handles multimodal input
Watch out: fewer citations than research tools.
Choose ReadPaper if you want:
- Side-by-side academic translation
- Large citation graph
- Data is private by default
Watch out: interface is mainly in chinese.
Google AI Mode vs ReadPaper FAQ
What is the difference between Google AI Mode and ReadPaper?
Google AI Mode: Conversational AI search mode inside Google Search. ReadPaper: AI paper reader with translation, search and reference management. Both are research & search tools.
Is Google AI Mode or ReadPaper cheaper?
Google AI Mode is completely free, while ReadPaper is freemium.
Do Google AI Mode and ReadPaper have free plans?
Google AI Mode: Yes, fully free. ReadPaper: Yes.
Who makes Google AI Mode?
Google AI Mode is made by Google, based in United States.
Who makes ReadPaper?
ReadPaper is made by ReadPaper, based in China.
Which should I choose, Google AI Mode or ReadPaper?
Choose Google AI Mode if you value free and widely available and draws on google's index. Choose ReadPaper if you value side-by-side academic translation and large citation graph.