Underleaf vs Yila AI
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Underleaf has the lower starting price: about $12 a month, against $20 for Yila AI.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Handwriting to LaTeX
- PDF to LaTeX
- Table and TikZ generation
- AI edits on output
- Chrome extension
- Multi-database paper search
- Cited literature reviews
- Bilingual paper reading
- Data analysis and write-up
- Posters and slide decks
- Journal formatting
| Feature | Underleaf | Yila AI |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Converts handwritten math, PDFs and photos into compilable LaTeX | Research agents for literature reviews, analysis and academic writing |
| Category | Research & search | Research & search |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting price | $12/mo | $20/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Made by | Underleaf | Yila |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Underleaf has the lower starting price: about $12 a month, against $20 for Yila AI.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
2 plans
Essentials
$12/mo
- 200 credits a month
- 10 pages per PDF
- Chrome extension
Pro
$24/mo
- 500 credits a month
- All LaTeX tools
- 20 pages per PDF
- Priority support
3 plans
Starter
$20/mo
- 10,000 credits per period
- Lite and Pro models
- Standard support
Pro
$49/mo
- 30,000 credits per period
- Expert models included
- Priority support
Flagship
$99/mo
- 60,000 credits per period
- For high-volume research
Prices in USD, checked Nov 5, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Underleaf
- Handles handwriting and scans
- Output compiles without retyping
- Whole documents in one upload
- PDF conversions capped at 10 or 20 pages
- Conversion history kept only 7 to 30 days
- Free tier details are not spelled out
Yila AI
- Uses real papers from major databases
- Covers search through to slides
- Free citation and summary tools
- Expert models need the Pro plan or higher
- Credit use is hard to predict
- No free plan listed beyond free tools
Which one should you choose?
Choose Underleaf if you want:
- Handles handwriting and scans
- Output compiles without retyping
- Whole documents in one upload
Watch out: pdf conversions capped at 10 or 20 pages.
Choose Yila AI if you want:
- Uses real papers from major databases
- Covers search through to slides
- Free citation and summary tools
Watch out: expert models need the pro plan or higher.
Underleaf vs Yila AI FAQ
What is the difference between Underleaf and Yila AI?
Underleaf: Converts handwritten math, PDFs and photos into compilable LaTeX. Yila AI: Research agents for literature reviews, analysis and academic writing. Both are research & search tools.
Is Underleaf or Yila AI cheaper?
Underleaf has the lower starting price: about $12 a month, against $20 for Yila AI.
Do Underleaf and Yila AI have free plans?
Underleaf: Yes. Yila AI: No.
Who makes Underleaf?
Underleaf is made by Underleaf.
Who makes Yila AI?
Yila AI is made by Yila.
Which should I choose, Underleaf or Yila AI?
Choose Underleaf if you value handles handwriting and scans and output compiles without retyping. Choose Yila AI if you value uses real papers from major databases and covers search through to slides.