Best Reference Management Software
Best reference management software are SkillSurvey, Checkstar, Checkmate, ExactHire, and Xref. Reference management tools will make it possible for you to go through different types of references and choose only the best one for your business or organization.
No Cost Personal Advisor
Most Popular Reference Management Software
SoftwareSuggest offers verified & unbiased user reviews based on user ratings and feedback. Our ratings and reports do not contain any paid placements. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
List of 20 Best Reference Management Software
Emergents | 2025
Product Description
Paperguide, your AI-powered research assistant, enhances academic work with an advanced Reference Manager and AI Writer, streamlining paper understanding, citation management, and note-taking. Read More About Paperguide
Paperguide Is Tailored For
StartUps
SMBs
Mid-Market
Enterprises
Features
- Calendar Sync
- Mobile Access
- User Permissions
- Document Upload
- Feedback Collection
- Resource Library
- Advising Notes
- Course Planning
- View all Features
Paperguide Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score
Emergents | 2025
Reference checking integration with internal HR
Product Description
SkillSurvey is a reference-checking software designed specifically for startups, SMEs, and agencies. This program offers assessments, integration with internal HR, reporting/analytics, bulk reference requests, candidate scoring, and mobile access features. Read More About SkillSurvey
SkillSurvey Is Tailored For
StartUps
SMBs
Mid-Market
Enterprises
Features
- Email Templates
- Job Posting
- Candidate Self Service Portal
- Reporting And Analytics
- Compliance Management
- Candidate Sourcing
- Multi Language Support
- Customizable Workflows
- View all Features
SkillSurvey Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score
Emergents | 2025
Enhance HR activities with easy reference checking
Product Description
Automated Reference Checkup is reference-checking software for an efficient human resource management process. It offers integration with internal HR, education verifications, candidate scoring, completion alerts, and candidate assessments in one place. Read More About Checkster
Checkster Is Tailored For
StartUps
SMBs
Mid-Market
Enterprises
Features
- Mobile Accessibility
- Performance Reviews
- Automated Reference Checks
- Candidate Assessment
- Real Time Reporting
- Skill Testing
- Background Screening
- Customer Support
- View all Features
Checkster Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score
Emergents | 2025
Reference checking solution with background screening
Product Description
ExactHire is a reference checking software that makes hiring decisions easy. This program offers a survey library, reporting/analytics, background screening, job requisition, an applicant tracking system, candidate assessments, and a self-service portal. Read More About ExactHire
ExactHire Is Tailored For
StartUps
SMBs
Mid-Market
Enterprises
Features
- Electronic Forms
- New Hire Portal
- Digital Signatures
- Onboarding Progress Tracking
- Custom Branding
- Multi Language Support
- Document Management
- Training Management
- View all Features
Starter
$ 150
Per Month
ExactHire Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score
Emergents | 2025
Bulk reference request in reference checking solution
Product Description
Checkmate is a reference-checking software designed specifically for growing businesses, startups, and SMEs. This program offers candidate scoring, a survey builder, bulk reference requests, interview scheduling, and candidate assessment features. Read More About Checkmate
Checkmate Is Tailored For
StartUps
SMBs
Mid-Market
Enterprises
Features
- Collaboration Tools
- Customizable Filters
- Metadata Extraction
- Pdf Annotation
- Integration With Word Processors
- Tagging System
- Version Control
- Reference Import
- View all Features
Checkmate Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score
Emergents | 2025
Reference checking with efficient candidate assessments
Product Description
Xref is a reference-checking software for retention and business decision-making processes. This best reference-checking software offers candidate assessments, integration with internal HR, completion alerts, job requisition, and workflow management tools. Read More About xref
xref Is Tailored For
StartUps
SMBs
Mid-Market
Enterprises
Features
- Bulk Reference Requests
- Automated Reference Checking
- Custom Branding
- Real Time Reporting
- Compliance Tracking
- Gdpr Compliance
- Integration With Ats
- Api Access
- View all Features
xref Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score
Emergents | 2025
Product Description
ApplicantPRO is a reference checking solution for quick business decision making processes. This program offers completion alerts, mobile access, workflow management, candidate scoring, self-service portal, and applicant tracking system in one place. Read More About ApplicantPRO
ApplicantPRO Is Tailored For
StartUps
SMBs
Mid-Market
Enterprises
Features
- Applicant Tracking
- Email Templates
- Collaboration Tools
- Onboarding
- Candidate Database
- Mobile Accessibility
- Compliance Management
- Job Board Integration
- View all Features
ApplicantPRO Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score
Emergents | 2025
Reference checking program for growing businesses & startups
Product Description
VidCruiter is a reference-checking solution to reduce the resources of the HR department. It offers candidate scoring, a survey library, bulk reference requests, an applicant tracking system, background screening, and interview scheduling tools for the HR department. Read More About VidCruiter
VidCruiter Is Tailored For
StartUps
SMBs
Mid-Market
Enterprises
Features
- Customizable Workflows
- Automated Reference Checking
- Resume Parsing
- Live Video Interviews
- Interview Reminders
- Branded Career Portals
- Collaborative Hiring
- Pre Recorded Video Interviews
- View all Features
VidCruiter Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score
Contenders | 2025
Improve efficiency in the hiring process with reference checking
Product Description
Greenhouse is a reference-checking solution that improves efficiency in the hiring process. This program offers interview scheduling, reference requests, employment background checks, an applicant tracking system, and completion alerts for an effortless recruitment process. Read More About Greenhouse
Greenhouse Is Tailored For
StartUps
SMBs
Mid-Market
Enterprises
Features
- Onboarding Integration
- Customizable Workflows
- Feedback Collection
- Automated Reminders
- Mobile Accessibility
- Offer Management
- Third Party Integrations
- Api Access
- View all Features
Greenhouse Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score
Emergents | 2025
Easy recruiting process with online reference checking
Product Description
TalentLyft is an online reference-checking software that improves efficiency in the recruiting process. It offers a survey builder, workflow management, job requisition alerts, candidate scoring, interview scheduling, and candidate assessment tools in one place. Read More About TalentLyft
TalentLyft Is Tailored For
StartUps
SMBs
Mid-Market
Enterprises
Features
- Candidate Assessments
- Gdpr Compliance
- Mobile Accessibility
- Job Posting
- Customizable Templates
- Offer Management
- Employee Referrals
- Candidate Sourcing
- View all Features
Growth
$ 99
Per Month
Professional
$ 149
Per Month
Success
$ 199
Per Month
TalentLyft Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score
Emergents | 2025
Product Description
Lever is an online reference-checking software connecting HR departments with applicants. This program offers job requisitions, bulk reference requests, candidate assessments, education verifications, and workflow management tools for recruiters. Read More About Lever
Lever Is Tailored For
StartUps
SMBs
Mid-Market
Enterprises
Features
- Collaborative Hiring
- Automated Workflows
- Referral Management
- Customizable Templates
- Career Site Management
- Candidate Relationship Management
- Diversity And Inclusion Tools
- Offer Management
- View all Features
Lever Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score
Emergents | 2025
Make recruitment process easy with reference checking
Product Description
Reference Checker is one of the best reference checking software for the recruitment process in the organization. It offers a self service portal, mobile access, reference request, candidate assessments, applicant tracking system, and interview scheduling. Read More About Reference Checker
Reference Checker Is Tailored For
StartUps
SMBs
Mid-Market
Enterprises
Features
- Mobile Friendly Interface
- Multi Language Support
- Email And Sms Notifications
- User Access Controls
- Candidate Feedback Collection
- Template Management
- Api Access
- Reference Verification
- View all Features
Reference Checker Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score
Emergents | 2025
Product Description
Hire Right is one of the best reference-checking software solutions for recruiting and HR management processes. This program offers bulk reference requests, reporting/analytics, candidate scoring, and integration with internal HR and applicant tracking systems. Read More About HireRight
HireRight Is Tailored For
StartUps
SMBs
Mid-Market
Enterprises
Features
- Fingerprinting
- Mobile Friendly Interface
- Education Verification
- Customizable Screening Packages
- Driving Records
- Credit Checks
- Identity Verification
- Reference Checks
- View all Features
HireRight Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score
Contenders | 2025
Product Description
MyBib is a free, user-friendly bibliography and citation generator designed for students, academics, and teachers. It creates precise citations for various sources, supporting over 9,000 styles, including APA, Chicago, Harvard, and MLA, ensuring academic accuracy. Read More About MyBib
MyBib Is Tailored For
StartUps
SMBs
Mid-Market
Enterprises
Features
- Reference Sharing
- Plagiarism Checker
- Pdf Annotation
- Export To Google Docs
- Import From Databases
- Collaboration Tools
- Multiple Citation Styles
- Custom Citation Styles
- View all Features
MyBib Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score
Contenders | 2025
Product Description
Snaphunt is a global remote hiring platform that helps fast-growing companies find, engage, and hire the worlds best remote talent. Read More About Snaphunt
Snaphunt Is Tailored For
StartUps
SMBs
Mid-Market
Enterprises
Features
- Integration With Hr Systems
- Mobile Accessibility
- Offer Management
- Onboarding Tools
- Interview Scheduling
- Background Checks
- Custom Workflows
- Candidate Matching
- View all Features
Free (Pay as you go)
$ 0
Single User
Subscription
$ 265
Single User/Per Month
Flexpert
$ 2000
Per Job
Snaphyre
$ 0
Contact us
Snaphunt Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score
Category Champions | 2025
Product Description
Fountain is a comprehensive frontline workforce management solution that streamlines hiring, onboarding, and compliance. With AI-driven tools and seamless integration, it enhances efficiency, reduces administrative burdens, and boosts employee engagement, ensuring a smoother experience for both workers and supervisors. Read More About Fountain
Fountain Is Tailored For
StartUps
SMBs
Mid-Market
Enterprises
Features
- Data Analytics
- Applicant Tracking
- Real Time Notifications
- Employee Onboarding
- Background Checks
- Reporting And Analytics
- Third Party Integrations
- Interview Scheduling
- View all Features
Fountain Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score
Emergents | 2025
Product Description
Crosschq is a comprehensive hiring intelligence platform that enhances recruitment processes through advanced analytics and real-time insights. It streamlines candidate evaluation and pipeline management, ensuring top-quality hires. Read More About Crosschq
Crosschq Is Tailored For
StartUps
SMBs
Mid-Market
Enterprises
Features
- Integration With Ats
- Reference Scorecards
- Mobile Accessibility
- Reference Feedback
- Multi Language Support
- Real Time Analytics
- Customizable Surveys
- Api Access
- View all Features
Crosschq Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score
Emergents | 2025
Product Description
Qiqqa is a knowledge management platform for optimizing customer relations. This program offers various features, including collaboration, full-text search, a self-service portal, knowledge-base management, and cataloging/categorization tools. Read More About Qiqqa
Qiqqa Is Tailored For
StartUps
SMBs
Mid-Market
Enterprises
Features
- Search And Filter
- Ocr (optical Character Recognition)
- Document Import
- Pdf Management
- Metadata Extraction
- Duplicate Detection
- Collaboration Tools
- Mind Maps
- View all Features
Qiqqa Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score
Emergents | 2025
Product Description
OpenConf is a versatile conference management software known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, supporting events and journals worldwide. It offers customizable submission forms, automated reviewer assignments, and multilingual access, making it a preferred choice for organizers. Read More About OpenConf
OpenConf Is Tailored For
StartUps
SMBs
Mid-Market
Enterprises
Features
- Badge Printing
- Reporting And Analytics
- Attendee Management
- Payment Processing
- Mobile Access
- Customizable Forms
- Certificate Generation
- Session Management
- View all Features
OpenConf Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score
Emergents | 2025
Product Description
TeleReference is an innovative software that streamlines reference checks, offering automated workflows, secure data handling, and real-time updates. Users benefit from increased efficiency, reduced hiring time, and enhanced decision-making, making it an essential tool for modern HR departments. Read More About TeleReference
TeleReference Is Tailored For
StartUps
SMBs
Mid-Market
Enterprises
Features
- Progress Tracking
- Role Based Access Control
- E Signatures
- Training Management
- Multi Language Support
- Mobile Accessibility
- Collaboration Tools
- Reporting And Analytics
- View all Features
TeleReference Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score
Get Free Expert Advice
With the evolution in the education system, thesis and dissertations have become crucial parts of learning. However, preparing a dissertation or thesis is not a cakewalk. You need to be top-notch with your references and citations, with accurate research and writing skills.
And, this is where referencing software for the thesis helps! Reference management software is a tool to help students, research scholars, and individuals cite others’ material efficiently and accurately. It is also known as citation management tools or bibliographic management software.
With the best options for reference management tools, you can choose the best one to create your bibliographies.
Why Use Reference Management Software?
Generating Citations
With a referencing tool, users can choose the citation style and quote sources by including specific pages. Reference management system software can create citations for users seamlessly.
Collecting and Organizing Sources
Users take references from multiple sources while writing a dissertation or creating a presentation. Users can organize sources in one place with the best reference management tools. The users can also keep track of when the resources were found.
The best citation manager software accurately and efficiently tracks sources when working on a project. Users can create their own source libraries and forms that generate total citations. Using reference management tools, users can save time during the research process.
10 Best Reference Management Software for 2022
1. Mendeley
Mendeley reference manager is a web and desktop program for sharing and managing business and academic research. You can collaborate in online web services and discover research data with Mendeley.
Pros of Mendeley
-
Annotating documents
-
Organizing references effectively
-
Easy user interface
-
Sharing references
-
Easy indexing with drag and drop options
Cons of Mendeley
-
Syncing errors using multiple devices
-
Server issues
-
Cannot recognize existing references
Pricing
-
The price of Mendeley ranges from $55/year for 5GB to $165/year for unlimited storage.
2. EndNote
Users can use, find and share with EndNote. It is a referencing software for MAC. You can also sync the EndNote library online and across your desktop.
Pros of EndNote
-
Import file formats and searches PDFs
-
ADA compliant and offers accessibility features
-
Annotates and organizes your search
-
Attached are more than 30 files for reference.
-
Collaborate your research with other EndNote users.
Cons of EndNote
-
Clunky user interface
-
No automatic updates
-
Less functionality with a web version of EndNote
Pricing
- The pricing of EndNote is $115.95 for a student license, $99.95 for an upgraded license, and $249.95 for a full license.
3. ReadCube Papers
Papers offer a cross-platform suite of the software reference guide and discovery tools that can improve how researchers find, organize, access, read, annotate, cite and share research literature.
Pros of ReadCube Papers
-
Built-in search engines
-
Enhanced PDF viewing
-
Sync across devices (MAC/PC, iOS/Android, and web)
-
Full-text library search
-
Advanced article metrics
Cons of ReadCube Papers
-
Manual control on preprints
-
Importing and syncing issues
-
Slow and cumbersome
Pricing
- The price of ReadCube Paper ranges from $3/month for individual licenses to $20/month for the enterprise edition.
4. Evernote
Evernote is a suite of services and software for archiving and note-taking. Users can sort the notes into folders, import references, and export file formats. It can then be edited, tagged, annotated, edited, searched, and exported as part of the notebook on word documents.
Pros of Evernote
-
Intuitive user interface
-
Track meetings and encourage them to work in groups and collaborate
-
Easy to store, access, and edit data.
-
Seamless sync information
-
Multiple features
Cons of Evernote
-
Expensive premium plan
-
Rapid changes to layout and startup screen
-
Difficult to navigate
Pricing
- You can get access to Evernote for free, and its price range begins from $7.99/month.
5. OneNote
OneNote is Microsoft Word’s digital note-taking app that supports annotation, photos, emailing, synchronizing google docs notes, and web page clipping across devices. It is free for all users, whether you have a PC, a MAC, an iPad/iPhone, or an Android device.
Pros of OneNote
-
Organize notes and run translation on them
-
Real-time collaboration
-
Extensive integrations
-
Better productivity
-
Available on multiple devices
Cons of OneNote
-
Cumbersome copy and paste options
-
Lacking in speed
-
Average layout tabs
Pricing
- Users can unlock multiple premium features with Microsoft 365 subscription that starts at $6.99/month.
6. Zotero
Zotero is a desktop and web reference library manager that provides tools to organize, add and share your citations. Zotero helps use your computer storage to save citations, sync data across devices, and back it up using cloud storage.
Pros of Zotero
-
Easy to learn
-
Open source software
-
Collaborative group libraries
-
Edit PDFs in the iOS app and desktop app
-
Add citations with one click
Cons of Zotero
-
No first-party mobile app for Android
-
Requires laptop/desktop application to use all the features
-
Only 300 MB of free cloud storage
Pricing
- The price range for Zotero starts from $20/year for 2GB and $120/year for an unlimited storage quota.
7. Sciwheel
Sciwheel is an online referencing tool that provides library patrons with intuitive, accessible, and customizable tools to annotate, read, discover, and write. It supports the entire science writing process, from discovering research papers to saving and annotating references.
Pros of Sciwheel
-
Browser extension to annotate and collect references.
-
Free for UC users
-
Useful for academic and scholarly articles
-
The best option for life scientists
-
Web-based application
Cons of Sciwheel
-
No default citation styles
-
Not user friendly
-
Issues while importing references from the website
Pricing
- For students, the pricing is $4.95/month, and users can avail of the premium version at $6.99/month.
8. My Bib
My Bib is an open-source citation management tool for educators. Users can automatically find reference list file formats, create bibliographies, and citations in Harvard, Chicago, MLA, APA various other styles.
Pros of My Bib
-
Free of cost
-
More than 7,000 citation styles
-
Ready-to-use citation
-
Time savior
-
Proofreading feature
Cons of My Bib
-
Available only for desktop
-
Does not open up websites with the PDF version of articles
-
Cannot switch the language of your bibliography.
Pricing
- My Bib is 100% free.
9. EasyBib
EasyBib provides note-taking, research tools, and citations. It is a bibliographic and reference management software. EasyBib also works as a plagiarism-checking tool.
Pros of EasyBib
-
Easy user interface
-
Highlights grammatical errors, text similarity, and plagiarism.
-
Generates citations of the websites used
-
Easy navigation
-
Time-saving
Cons of EasyBib
-
Way too many advertisements
-
Accuracy issues with citation
-
Lack of versatility
Pricing
- The pricing of EasyBib starts at $9.95/month. It also has a free version.
10. Wizdom.ai
Previously known as Colwiz, Wizdom.ai is a free and comprehensive research management software for students, academicians, and researchers. It utilizes mobile, web, operating system support, and desktop technologies synced in real-time. It tracks trends, searches databases, study design, grant-seeking guidance, or bibliographic reference for research projects.
Pros of Wizdom.ai
-
Rapid research landscape exploration
-
Reference creation through different web pages with a single click.
-
Annotation creation on PDF pages
-
Easy sharing and collaboration
-
Instant access to all research articles
Cons of Wizdom.ai
-
Average user interface
-
Issues with missing citation elements’
-
Average integration services
Pricing
- Wizdom.ai’s pricing is not available. To know the rates, users will need to connect with the service provider.
Who uses Referencing Software?
Students- Students from grade school to university use a software reference guide to track resources. Students can utilize the best reference manager software for numerous projects simultaneously.
Teachers- Many teachers introduce reference management system software into lessons to help students with the resources and knowledge available to execute their individual cited projects.
Independent Researchers: Individuals researching in specific fields, like literature and medicine, often need a good list of reference tools to collect and monitor sources used in their projects.
What are the Features of Reference Management Software?
Some of the crucial reference management software features include:
1. Personal Source Library
Users can compile their own collection of sources relevant to their specific needs. A personal source library allows easy access to sources viewed earlier. In addition, it saves time for researchers as many of them use the same sources for numerous projects.
2. Citation Generation
Users can generate citations from multiple sources, including academic journals, books, and websites. Moreover, users can also create citations in numerous styles like APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and others.
3. Resource Database
With reference management tools, users can connect to online databases with multiple resource materials, including blogs, books, online publications, journals, and others. The users can also get reliable sources in reference management software.
4. Bibliography Generation
The reference management software can create a bibliography with many resources, saving the researchers enough time.
5. Essay Checker
With the essay checker feature in reference management software, users can submit their thesis or essay for a grammatical and spelling check. In addition, some reference manager software can scan the papers for plagiarism by comparing the material to the database of the source materials.
What is the cost of Reference Management Tools?
Many reference management tools usually have a free version for users working on a one-time project. However, the free version of reference management tools allows a limited number of users.
For paid subscriptions, the price range is typically between $5/month-$20/month, depending on the user.
What does a Reference Manager do?
A reference manager allows the users to accurately and efficiently cite their papers. With the reference manager software, you can create citations in your own style.
The reference management software automates the creation of footnotes, bibliographies, or reference sections in research papers. In addition, the software allows users to organize personal research libraries to manage access to outside referral sources.
Trends Related to Referencing Management Tools
- One of the most crucial trends related to referencing management tools is its exquisite user-friendly interface.
- Referencing management software is created for the users. So, seamless user experience is what it aims for!
- Making the customer experience straightforward is a hot topic affecting the edtech industry.
- In the academic world, there is a myriad of users. Some may have top-notch experience with technology, while others may be negligent.
- Therefore, the common goal of reference management software is to help and allow users of all experience levels to use the software for anything they want successfully.
Software and Services Related to Reference Management Software
1. Document Creation Software
Reference management software tools integrate with the document creation tools to allow flawless transfer of information cited from one location to another. It will save time in the editing process and make the placement of citations up-to-date in the research project.
2. Cloud Content Collaboration Software
Multiple reference management software tools have features that integrate with the cloud content collaboration software. This software allows information to be accessed and shared by large groups of people.
FAQs
What does reference management software do?
Reference management software allows users to efficiently and accurately cite sources in their research papers.
What are the benefits of using reference management software?
The major benefits of using reference management software are:
- It saves time.
- It organizes resources for future access.
- It enables users to focus on their research.
- It allows users to focus on the quality of the project.
- It helps users to deliver a plagiarism-free paper.
What are the best reference management software products?
The best reference management software is:
- Mendeley
- EndNote
- OneNote
- Zotero
- RefWorks
What is RMS (Reference Management System)?
Reference management software is a tool to help research scholars, students, and individuals cite others’ material efficiently and accurately.
How to write references for a project?
References for a project differ with each citation style. But, some of the elements that need to be cited include:
- Author’s name, initials.
- Year of Publication.
- Title of the article.
- Journal.
- Volume and part number in the bracket.
- Page number of contributions.