Tasks / Literature review
Best AI tool for literature review
One decision, not a directory. Pricing checked 2026-10-14.
Elicit
AI research assistant for academic papers.
Free tierFree Basic plan; Plus from $11/user/mo billed annuallyResearch
Consensus
Search engine answering from scientific papers.
Free tierFree tier, paid plans availableResearch
- Phrase your review question precisely in Elicit, including population and outcome.
- Screen the returned papers using the one-line summaries, and run extra searches with alternative wording.
- Add extraction columns for the variables in your review protocol (design, sample, effect, limitations).
- Check every extraction against the original paper before using it.
- Export the table for your PRISMA flow or analysis; systematic review features are on higher plans.
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.
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Pricing at a glance
| Tool | Pricing | Free tier |
|---|---|---|
| Elicit | Free Basic plan; Plus from $11/user/mo billed annually | Yes |
| Consensus | Free tier, paid plans available | Yes |
| Scite | Paid from $12/mo billed yearly; 7-day free trial | No |
| Claude | Free tier; Pro $20/mo ($17/mo billed annually) | Yes |
| GitHub Copilot | Free tier, paid from ~$10/mo | Yes |
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.