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Best AI tool for literature review

One decision, not a directory. Pricing checked 2026-10-14.

Best pick

Elicit

AI research assistant for academic papers.

Free tierFree Basic plan; Plus from $11/user/mo billed annuallyResearch

Alternative

Consensus

Search engine answering from scientific papers.

Free tierFree tier, paid plans availableResearch

How to set it up with Elicit
  1. Phrase your review question precisely in Elicit, including population and outcome.
  2. Screen the returned papers using the one-line summaries, and run extra searches with alternative wording.
  3. Add extraction columns for the variables in your review protocol (design, sample, effect, limitations).
  4. Check every extraction against the original paper before using it.
  5. Export the table for your PRISMA flow or analysis; systematic review features are on higher plans.

Open Elicit →

Why Elicit

Elicit speeds up the slowest parts of a literature review, which are finding, screening and extracting data from papers, while keeping links to the sources.

When to choose Consensus instead

Choose Consensus for a fast overview of what the evidence says on a question before committing to a full review.

Pricing at a glance

ToolPricingFree tier
ElicitFree Basic plan; Plus from $11/user/mo billed annuallyYes
ConsensusFree tier, paid plans availableYes
ScitePaid from $12/mo billed yearly; 7-day free trialNo
ClaudeFree tier; Pro $20/mo ($17/mo billed annually)Yes
GitHub CopilotFree tier, paid from ~$10/moYes

Pricing changes often; check the official site before buying.

FAQ

What is the best AI tool for literature review?

Our pick is Elicit: AI research assistant for academic papers. Pricing: Free Basic plan; Plus from $11/user/mo billed annually.

When should I choose Consensus instead?

Choose Consensus for a fast overview of what the evidence says on a question before committing to a full review.

Does Elicit have a free plan?

Yes. Elicit: Free Basic plan; Plus from $11/user/mo billed annually.

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