Good but has some frustrating bugs
The core features work well for managing references, but I've encountered several glitches with the desktop app crashing. The web version is more stable. Customer support could be more responsive when issues arise.

Mendeley is a reference management platform and academic social network that helps researchers organize, share, and discover academic literature. The service allows users to store and annotate PDF documents, create bibliographies, and collaborate with other researchers through its online platform. Mendeley provides tools for citation management and offers features for academic networking within the research community.
Mendeley receives a generally positive reception from users, particularly for its robust features tailored for researchers. Many reviewers appreciate its comprehensive citation styles and effective collaboration tools, making it a valuable asset for academic work.
The ability to annotate PDFs and the automatic citation formatting are frequently highlighted as standout features that enhance productivity. However, some users express frustration with sync issues, noting that problems with syncing across devices can lead to lost annotations and outdated papers. Additionally, a few reviewers mention that the interface feels somewhat dated and that the limited storage on the free plan can be restrictive for heavy users. Overall, while Mendeley excels in many areas, the sync problems detract from the experience for some.
Summary generated with AI from recent reviews
Same method for every company: overall rating, legitimacy checks, the average rating of reviews mentioning each area and the 6-month trend · Productivity Tools.
| Company | Overall | Legit | Trend | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 67 out of 100 | — | 0 | |
| 4.9 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | — | 367 | |
| 4.1 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | +7% | 97 | |
| 4.6 out of 5 (good) | 50 out of 100 | — | 581 | |
| 2.2 out of 5 (poor) | 100 out of 100 | +8% | 224 |
12 reviews of Mendeley. Filter by what matters to you.
The core features work well for managing references, but I've encountered several glitches with the desktop app crashing. The web version is more stable. Customer support could be more responsive when issues arise.
Takes some time to learn all the features but once you do, it's quite powerful. The PDF viewer could be better - sometimes formatting gets messed up. Still, it's a solid choice for academic work and the price is right.
The reference management features are good and it handles most citation styles well. However, the 2GB storage limit on the free plan is restrictive for heavy users. Paid plans are reasonably priced but wish they offered more free storage.
Quick answers to the questions people ask most.
Mendeley is a reference management tool and academic social network that helps researchers organize their research, collaborate with others, and discover new research. It allows users to store, organize, and cite research papers, create bibliographies, and connect with other researchers in their field.
Yes, Mendeley offers a free plan that includes 2GB of storage space and basic reference management features. Premium plans with additional storage and advanced features are available for users who need more functionality.
You can contact Mendeley support through their online help center, submit a support ticket through your account, or access their community forums. Support is available via email and their comprehensive online knowledge base.
Mendeley offers several premium plans starting from individual subscriptions to institutional licenses. Pricing varies based on storage needs and features required, with options for students, researchers, and institutions available on their website.
Yes, Mendeley offers mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices. The mobile apps allow you to access your research library, read papers, and sync your references across all your devices.
Mendeley supports PDF files for research papers and can import references from various formats including BibTeX, RIS, and EndNote. It also integrates with popular databases and can automatically extract metadata from uploaded PDFs.
Mendeley implements industry-standard security measures to protect user data, including encrypted data transmission and secure storage. Users maintain control over their research libraries and can choose privacy settings for their profiles and shared content.
Anyone can write a CrowdTrust review. People who write reviews have ownership to edit or delete them at any time, and they'll be displayed as long as an account is active.
Yes, Mendeley allows you to create private or public groups to share references and collaborate with colleagues. You can also follow other researchers, discover their publications, and join groups based on research interests.
Yes, Mendeley provides plugins for Microsoft Word, LibreOffice, and browser extensions for easy citation insertion. These tools allow you to insert citations and automatically generate bibliographies in various citation styles while writing your papers.
If you cancel your account, you can export your reference library and attached files before deletion. Mendeley provides tools to export your data in standard formats, ensuring you don't lose your research organization when leaving the platform.
Mendeley is a reference management platform and academic social network that helps researchers organize, share, and discover academic literature. The service allows users to store and annotate PDF documents, create bibliographies, and collaborate with other researchers through its online platform. Mendeley provides tools for citation management and offers features for academic networking within the research community.