kitio.aiSciSpace vs Explainpaper
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Explainpaper has the lower starting price: about $16 a month, against $20 for SciSpace.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Paper search
- Chat with PDF
- Deep Review
- Data extraction tables
- Research agent
- Highlight to explain
- Paper-grounded chat
- Auto outlines
- Equation explanations
- PDF upload
| Feature | SciSpace | Explainpaper |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | AI workspace for finding, reading and reviewing research papers | Highlight confusing text in a paper and get a plain explanation |
| Category | Research & search | Research & search |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $20/mo | $16/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | SciSpace | Explainpaper |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Explainpaper has the lower starting price: about $16 a month, against $20 for SciSpace.
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
SciSpace
- Many research tools in one
- Good paper explanations
- Free sign-up
- Interface can feel crowded
- Credit limits on free use
Explainpaper
- Very easy to use
- Good for unfamiliar fields
- Free tier available
- One paper at a time
- No library features
Which one should you choose?
Choose SciSpace if you want:
- Many research tools in one
- Good paper explanations
- Free sign-up
Watch out: interface can feel crowded.
Choose Explainpaper if you want:
- Very easy to use
- Good for unfamiliar fields
- Free tier available
Watch out: one paper at a time.
SciSpace vs Explainpaper FAQ
What is the difference between SciSpace and Explainpaper?
SciSpace: AI workspace for finding, reading and reviewing research papers. Explainpaper: Highlight confusing text in a paper and get a plain explanation. Both are research & search tools.
Is SciSpace or Explainpaper cheaper?
Explainpaper has the lower starting price: about $16 a month, against $20 for SciSpace.
Do SciSpace and Explainpaper have free plans?
SciSpace: Yes. Explainpaper: Yes.
Who makes SciSpace?
SciSpace is made by SciSpace.
Who makes Explainpaper?
Explainpaper is made by Explainpaper.
Which should I choose, SciSpace or Explainpaper?
Choose SciSpace if you value many research tools in one and good paper explanations. Choose Explainpaper if you value very easy to use and good for unfamiliar fields.