10 Best AI Tools For Research in December 2023 (Free & Paid)

In today’s fast-paced academic world, leveraging AI tools for research has become essential. Whether you’re a student, scholar, or researcher, the right AI tools can transform your study and research experience. With the explosion of information available online, sorting through articles and sources can be overwhelming. That’s where AI comes in, offering a streamlined, efficient way to enhance your research process.

These tools are not just about saving time; they’re about enriching your academic journey. They automate tedious tasks, allowing you to focus on the more creative and critical aspects of your work. The result? Better quality research, more insightful analysis, and ultimately, a more fulfilling academic experience.

In this post, we’ll explore the 10 best AI tools available for research in December 2023. From free options to premium ones, these tools are handpicked to help you elevate your academic research. Let’s dive into the world of AI and discover how these tools can make a significant difference in your scholarly pursuits.

What Makes the Best AI Tools For Research

When it comes to research, AI tools have transformed how we approach various aspects of the process, making tasks simpler, quicker, and more efficient. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just starting out, knowing what makes the best AI tools for research is crucial. Let’s break it down into key aspects.

1. Ease of Use
   Great AI research tools should be user-friendly. Simplicity is key. They should offer a straightforward interface that allows researchers, regardless of their technical background, to use them without a steep learning curve.
2. Versatility
   The best AI tools serve multiple purposes. They should assist in tasks ranging from data analysis to writing research papers. This versatility ensures that researchers can rely on a single tool for various aspects of their work, streamlining their workflow.
3. Efficiency and Time-Saving
   AI tools excel in automating repetitive tasks. Whether it’s data collection, analysis, or literature review, these tools should significantly reduce the time and effort required, allowing researchers to focus on the creative and strategic aspects of their work.
4. Accuracy and Reliability
   For research, accuracy is non-negotiable. AI tools should offer reliable algorithms and accurate data processing capabilities. This ensures that the insights and results derived from these tools are trustworthy and valuable.
5. Integration Capabilities
   The best AI tools should seamlessly integrate with other software and tools commonly used in research. This integration capability enhances the overall efficiency and productivity of the research process.
6. Support and Updates
   Continuous support and regular updates are crucial. AI tools should evolve with advancing technology and changing research needs, offering ongoing support to handle any issues or queries.
7. Cost-Effectiveness
   Lastly, the tool should offer great value for its price. Whether it’s a free tool with essential features or a paid one with advanced capabilities, it should justify its cost in terms of the benefits it provides to the research process.

By focusing on these key aspects, researchers can select AI tools that not only enhance their research capabilities but also make the entire process more enjoyable and productive. Remember, the right tool can make a significant difference in your research journey.

The Best AI Tools For Research on the Market

1. Consensus

Consensus is an AI-powered search engine designed for researchers, academics, and anyone seeking evidence-based answers from scholarly journals. What sets Consensus apart is its ability to provide clear, credible responses to complex queries, making it an invaluable tool in an era where misinformation is rampant. It’s special because it cuts through the noise, offering direct access to peer-reviewed research, ensuring that the information you rely on is not just accurate, but authoritative.

Key Features

• Evidence-Based Answers: Provides answers sourced from reputable journals, offering reliable insights for research.
• Easy Sharing: Allows for seamless sharing of findings, perfect for collaboration or publication.
• Comprehensive Citations: Supports proper academic practice with easy-to-copy citations in various formats.
• Direct Access to Articles: Offers links directly to journal articles for deeper research.
• Intuitive Analysis Tools: Includes a Summary function and a Consensus Meter to gauge overall agreement in the academic community.
• Optimal Search Recommendations: Advises on best practices for using the search tool effectively.
• Quality Indicators: Assists in evaluating the credibility of sources.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Price

• Free Plan: 20 monthly credits with basic features.
• Premium Plan: $9.99/month for unlimited GPT-4 usage.
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for team-focused features.

The Premium Plan is great for individual researchers, while the Enterprise Plan is ideal for larger teams or institutions.

My Take

I’m impressed with Consensus for its straightforward, research-based approach to information gathering. It’s perfect for academics, researchers, or anyone who values evidence-based information. Its ease of use and direct access to credible sources make it a must-try tool in the world of research. If you’re seeking authentic information backed by scholarly work, Consensus is the way to go.

2. Scite

Scite is a cutting-edge AI tool designed to enhance academic research. It’s perfect for researchers, students, and academics needing reliable and detailed scholarly articles and citation analysis. What sets Scite apart is its use of natural language processing and machine learning to assess the dependability of references and evaluate research quality. Its innovative visualizations and metrics offer a clear view of the citation landscape, making it a standout choice in the world of academic research tools.

Key Features

• Search Citation Statements: Allows in-depth exploration of citations within scholarly articles, providing clarity and context.
• Create Dashboard: Users can organize and manage their research effectively with a customizable dashboard.
• Journal and Institution Metrics: Offers valuable insights into the impact and credibility of various journals and institutions.
• Interactive Visualizations: Enhances understanding of research trends and citation networks through engaging visual tools.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Price

• Monthly Plan: €15.92/month, with a 7-day free trial. Ideal for short-term or trial use.
• Yearly Plan: €9.55/month (billed annually at €114.63), also with a 7-day free trial. More cost-effective for long-term users.

Bold Both plans offer flexibility and a chance to explore Scite’s features before full commitment.

My Take

Scite is a game-changer for anyone involved in academic research. Its accuracy in citations and ability to streamline research processes are particularly impressive. Ideal for students, educators, and researchers, Scite offers a reliable way to enhance research quality and credibility. I highly recommend trying it out, especially with the convenient 7-day free trial. Scite isn’t just a tool; it’s an essential asset for academic success.

3. Elicit

Elicit is an AI-driven research assistant that’s reshaping how we handle data gathering and analysis. It’s a dream come true for researchers, students, and anyone seeking reliable insights. Elicit distinguishes itself with its user-friendly interface and robust features, making it superior to many alternatives. Imagine a tool that not only simplifies your research but also infuses it with speed and precision. That’s Elicit for you!

Key Features

• Intuitive Interface: Navigating Elicit feels like a breeze. Its layout is simple yet effective, displaying summaries, paper details, and abstracts in a structured manner.
• In-depth Information: Dive deeper into research papers, exploring interventions, outcomes, and participant numbers with just a click.
• Enhanced Search: The search bar is a magic wand for your research needs, allowing you to find specific data or widen your research scope effortlessly.
• NLP Capabilities: With Natural Language Processing, Elicit can analyze unstructured data like social media posts, offering a broader perspective.
• Survey Design & Distribution: Create and distribute customized surveys, enjoying features like branching and answer validation.
• Real-Time Analytics & Visualizations: Elicit brings your data to life with dynamic visual representations and instant analytics.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Price

• Basic: $0. Ideal for beginners or occasional users.
• Plus: $12 per month or $144 per year. Suited for regular users needing more features.
• Enterprise and Institutions: Custom pricing. Tailored for teams and institutions needing extensive support.

For those who need more than the basics, the Plus plan offers a great balance of features and affordability, especially with the yearly discount.

My Take

Elicit is like having a super-smart research buddy who’s always ready to help. Its intuitive design, coupled with powerful features, makes research less daunting and more exciting. It’s perfect for anyone looking to dive deep into data without getting lost. I highly recommend giving Elicit a try, especially if you value efficiency and depth in your research.

4. Research Rabbit

Research Rabbit is a cutting-edge AI tool designed for academics and researchers. Its primary function is to streamline and enhance the research process, making it more efficient and tailored to individual interests. What sets it apart is its unique ability to act like “the Spotify of research,” providing personalized paper recommendations and visualizing scholarly networks. This tool is especially valuable for anyone delving into academic papers, looking to save time, and seeking to discover new, relevant works efficiently.

Key Features

• Personalized Collections: Create collections of literature based on your research interests, enabling tailored recommendations.
• Intelligent Recommendations: Receive suggestions for new literature that aligns with your specific areas of study.
• Scholarly Network Visualization: Explore connections between various fields, authors, and research groups through intuitive graphs.
• Collaboration Tools: Share your collections with collaborators, enhancing teamwork and information sharing.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Price

• Free: Research Rabbit is entirely free, making it an excellent option for students, academics, and independent researchers.

For those seeking a cost-effective, efficient way to manage and discover academic literature, Research Rabbit’s free offering is unbeatable.

My Take

I’m particularly impressed with Research Rabbit’s approach to customizing research experiences. Its ability to recommend relevant papers and visualize scholarly networks is a game changer, especially for those in academia. This tool is ideal for researchers, academics, and students who want to stay on top of their field without the hassle of manually sifting through endless papers. I highly recommend giving Research Rabbit a try, especially since it’s free – it’s a smart move for anyone serious about research.

5. ChatPDF

ChatPDF is a cutting-edge AI app designed to simplify the process of reading and analyzing research papers. It’s perfect for researchers, students, and professionals who regularly engage with scholarly articles. What sets ChatPDF apart is its ability to interact with PDFs in a conversational manner, much like ChatGPT does with text. This tool not only saves time but also offers a unique and interactive way to digest complex material.

The app allows users to upload a PDF and then pose questions to it. ChatPDF responds by providing a concise summary and suggesting relevant questions based on the entire article, making it an invaluable tool in the research process.

Key Features

• Interactive PDF Conversations: Engage in a dialogue with your PDFs, asking questions and getting succinct summaries.
• Semantic Index Creation: ChatPDF generates a semantic index for each paragraph, enhancing comprehension.
• Versatility in PDF Handling: Use it for various PDF types, including books, articles, and legal documents.
• Translation and Text Extraction: Translate languages and extract text from PDFs, broadening its utility.
• Privacy-Focused: Ensures user privacy with encrypted data, deleted post-session.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Price

• Free: ChatPDF offers its services at no cost.

My Take

I’m impressed with ChatPDF for its innovative approach to interacting with research papers. It’s ideal for anyone involved in research or academia, simplifying what is often a time-consuming task of dissecting scholarly articles. The ability to ask direct questions and receive summarized answers is a game-changer. Plus, the fact that it’s free makes it a must-try tool for enhancing your research capabilities. Try ChatPDF; it’s a smart move for anyone looking to streamline their research process!

6. Trinka

Trinka is an AI-powered grammar checker and writing enhancement tool, ideal for academic and technical writers. It’s designed to elevate the quality of manuscripts, aligning with specific style guides and subject areas. What sets it apart is its tailored approach to academic writing, offering tools like the Publication Readiness Check and Consistency Checks. It’s a game-changer for researchers and students, ensuring their work is polished and publication-ready.

Key Features

• Customization: Tailors corrections to your manuscript type and subject area, ensuring relevancy.
• Academic Style Alignment: Adheres to academic style guides for precise word and grammar usage.
• Auto File Edit: Integrates with Microsoft Word for seamless editing.
• Publication Readiness Checks: Over 20 checkpoints to ensure your work is ready for publication.
• Consistency Checks: Identifies and corrects inconsistencies in your writing.
• Downloadable Changes: Allows downloading of files with all applied changes.
• One-click Corrections: Simplifies accepting or ignoring suggestions.
• Personal Dictionary: Customize your writing experience.
• Trinka Cloud: Offers real-time editing via a web browser.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Price

• Basic Plan: Free, access to all features, 5,000 words/month limit, 1 free Plagiarism Check score, and 4 free credits for additional checks.
• Premium Plan: Unlimited usage, 2 free Plagiarism Check scores, 10 free credits for additional services, early access to new features. Monthly and yearly subscriptions are available.
• Premium Plus Plan: Includes Premium features, unlimited Standard Plagiarism Check, and 120 pages from day one. Monthly subscription.
• Enterprise Solutions: Customized for teams, unlimited access, and attractive team discounts. Custom pricing for organizations.

Best Option: The Premium Plan is ideal for individual researchers needing unlimited usage, while the Enterprise Solutions are perfect for teams and institutions.

My Take

Trinka impresses with its specialized focus on academic and technical writing. Its customization options and specific checks make it a must-have for scholars and students. It’s especially beneficial for those looking to publish, ensuring their work meets high academic standards. I recommend it for anyone involved in academic research, as it simplifies the editing process and elevates the quality of your writing.

7. Semantic Scholar

Semantic Scholar is a cutting-edge, AI-powered research tool designed for the exploration of scientific literature. It’s perfect for researchers, educators, students, and anyone hungry for scientific knowledge. Its standout feature is its AI-driven approach, which simplifies navigating through over 211 million scientific papers. What sets it apart is its ability to offer concise, one-sentence summaries and enhanced reading tools, making research less overwhelming and more accessible, especially on mobile devices.

Key Features

• Extensive Database: Access to over 211 million papers across various scientific fields.
• AI-Powered Summaries: Offers one-sentence summaries using advanced AI, ideal for quick understanding.
• Research Feeds & Semantic Reader: Adaptive research recommender and augmented reading experience with in-line citation cards.
• API for Developers: Enables integration with other applications for broader use.
• Machine Learning & NLP: Utilizes cutting-edge technology for efficient and relevant content analysis.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Price

• Free: Semantic Scholar is entirely free to use.

My Take

I’m genuinely impressed by Semantic Scholar. Its blend of AI and machine learning to distill complex scientific information into digestible summaries is a game-changer. It’s ideal for anyone involved in scientific research or academia. The fact that it’s free just adds to its appeal. I highly recommend giving Semantic Scholar a try – it’s a smart choice for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of scientific literature without getting lost in the sea of information.

8. Scholarcy

Scholarcy is a versatile AI-powered research tool designed to streamline the process of studying and understanding complex academic materials. It’s a great fit for students, educators, and researchers looking to enhance their research efficiency. What sets Scholarcy apart is its unique ability to summarize long articles, suggest background reading, and highlight critical points. Its functionality is not just a time-saver, but also ensures you don’t miss out on key information.

Key Features

• Background Reading Suggestions: Generates a reading list to help grasp the main topics, enhancing understanding and research depth.
• Robo-Highlighter™: Automatically highlights significant phrases, saving time on manual highlighting.
• Referenced Summaries: Creates concise summaries with references, ideal for integrating into reports or theses.
• Reference Finding: Easily locates open-access PDFs, simplifying literature reviews.
• Table and Figure Extraction: Identifies and converts tables and figures for quick reference and analysis.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Price

• Browser Extension and Flashcards: Free, suitable for basic document summarization.
• Personal Library: $4.90/month, ideal for individual researchers seeking advanced features.
• Academic Institution License: $8,000+, best for organizations requiring comprehensive access and support.

Bold $4.90/month Personal Library plan offers the best value for individual researchers.

My Take

I’m impressed with Scholarcy’s ability to make academic research more accessible and efficient. Its automated summarization and key point highlighting are particularly valuable. Scholarcy is perfect for students, educators, and independent researchers who need a reliable, AI-driven assistant for their studies. If you’re in the world of academia, giving Scholarcy a try might just transform how you approach research.

9. SciSpace

SciSpace is an innovative AI-powered platform tailored for academic research. It’s designed for students, educators, researchers, and academic professionals, offering a suite of tools to streamline the research and publication process. What sets SciSpace apart is its comprehensive database, AI copilot, and extensive journal template gallery, making it a go-to resource for academic work. Imagine having an AI assistant that simplifies understanding complex papers – SciSpace makes this a reality!

Key Features

• Comprehensive Searchable Database: Access over 270 million resources, making research broad and extensive.
• AI Copilot: This feature acts as a virtual assistant, clarifying complex research material.
• Plagiarism Checker: Ensures the uniqueness of your work, safeguarding academic integrity.
• Journal Submission: Streamlines the often tedious process of submitting papers to journals and conferences.
• XML Converters: Converts research papers into various formats effortlessly.
• Customizable Templates: Over 40,000 templates to format papers according to specific journal requirements.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Price

• Basic Plan: Cost: $0. Ideal for beginners or those with limited needs.
• Premium Plan: Cost: $20 per month. Best for regular users requiring more advanced features.
• Enterprise Pricing: Tailored for research teams. Contact sales for pricing.

The Premium Plan for its comprehensive features, making it the best value for most users.

My Take

SciSpace is a standout in the realm of academic research tools. Its AI copilot and extensive database make research and writing simpler and more efficient. Ideal for anyone in academia, from students to professionals. Investing in SciSpace, especially the Premium Plan, makes sense for seamless research and publication processes, ensuring quality and efficiency.

10. PDFGear

PDFgear is a versatile and user-friendly PDF editor designed for a broad audience, especially those involved in academic research. It stands out in the crowded field of PDF tools with its free access, ease of use, and robust editing capabilities. What sets PDFgear apart is its commitment to a seamless user experience, free of ads and unnecessary sign-ups, making it an excellent alternative to more expensive options like Adobe PDF editor. For researchers, students, and anyone needing reliable PDF editing, it’s a game-changer.

Key Features

• OCR Converting Capabilities: Converts scanned documents into editable text, facilitating easy data management and analysis.
• Direct Text Editing: Allows users to modify text in PDFs directly, which is invaluable for quick corrections or updates.
• Combination and Compression Tools: Merge, split, and compress PDFs, optimizing document handling and storage.
• Marking and Signature Options: Essential for reviewing documents and authenticating them with digital signatures.
• Format Conversion: Converts PDFs to other formats like Word, enhancing versatility.
• Highlighting and Commenting: Ideal for collaborative reviews and personal study notes.
• No Watermarks or Ads: Offers a clean, professional output and uninterrupted usage experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Price

• Completely Free: All basic features are available at no cost.

The best part about PDFgear is that it’s entirely free, making it an excellent choice for students, educators, and researchers who need a reliable PDF tool without the financial burden.

My Take

I’m genuinely impressed by PDFgear’s robust functionality coupled with its user-friendly design. It’s perfect for academic researchers who require a versatile PDF tool without the hassle of subscriptions or ads. Its ability to handle a variety of tasks, from text editing to OCR conversion, makes it an invaluable asset. If you’re in need of a comprehensive, cost-free PDF editor, PDFgear is undoubtedly worth trying out.

Wrapping Things Up

As we wrap up this exploration of the top 10 AI tools for research in December 2023, it’s clear that the landscape of academic research and learning is rapidly evolving, thanks to the incredible advancements in AI technology. Bill Gates aptly highlighted in his blog that AI’s impact will be monumental, akin to the revolution brought by the Internet or the mobile phone. It’s not just about the technology itself, but about how it transforms the way we learn, teach, and conduct research.

These tools, from complex data analysis programs to intuitive learning aids, are not just tools but gateways to a new era of efficiency and insight. Whether you’re a seasoned academic, a curious learner, or somewhere in between, these AI applications offer something unique and valuable. They stand out not just for their technical prowess but for how they make research more accessible, more comprehensive, and, perhaps most importantly, less stressful.

Remember, the power of AI in research is not just in the processing of information, but in the way it can free up your time and mental energy. This allows for deeper thinking, more creative approaches, and a focus on the parts of research that truly require the human touch. The future of research is not just about AI; it’s about how AI and human intellect can work together to achieve more than ever before.

So, whether you’re looking to streamline your research process, dive deeper into complex data, or simply make learning more engaging and effective, these AI tools are more than just a smart choice—they’re a step towards a brighter, more informed future. Explore them, use them, and see how they can transform your approach to research and learning. The age of AI in research has just begun, and the possibilities are as exciting as they are endless.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best AI academic research tool?

The best AI-powered tool for academic research in 2023 is widely acknowledged as Consensus. Excelling as an AI-powered search engine, Consensus leverages artificial intelligence to efficiently resolve scientific queries. Utilizing AI language models, it scans research articles, extracting pivotal conclusions, thereby enhancing the research process. As one of the best AI tools for researchers, Consensus ensures rapid, ad-free access to extensive scientific data. This AI-powered tool for academic research is renowned for its evidence-based results, derived from peer-reviewed articles, marking it as a top-tier resource to help make the research process more efficient for scholars and researchers.

Is there a free AI academic research tool?

Yes, there are free AI academic research tools available. Consensus, for example, offers a free version of its AI-powered search engine, which allows users to access information from peer-reviewed papers and even create a limited number of summaries per month without any cost. This makes Consensus a highly accessible tool for researchers and academics who are looking for evidence-based answers to their queries without incurring expenses

Which AI model supports academic research?

In the realm of academic research, several AI models offer robust support. Consensus operates as an AI-powered search engine, delivering answers based on academic consensus for specific topics. Elicit serves as an AI research assistant, proficient in summarizing and extracting key information from academic papers. Scite specializes in providing real citations to published papers, aiding in verifying and corroborating claims. Lastly, ChatPDF streamlines the process of reading and analyzing journal articles, offering concise summaries and insights derived from the full content of research papers. Each of these tools enhances research workflows with unique capabilities tailored to the needs of the academic community.

What is the best free AI for academic research?

The best free AI tool for academic research as of 2023 is Consensus. It is an AI-powered search engine that provides rapid access to information from peer-reviewed studies. It stands out for its ability to scan and extract the main conclusions from each study, offering users evidence-based, ad-free results. Notably, Consensus is accessible without cost, making it an ideal choice for researchers and academics seeking reliable, efficient, and free AI support for their research endeavors.

Can AI be used for research?

Yes, AI can be extensively used for research. AI technologies are increasingly being utilized in various fields of research, including data analysis, pattern recognition, prediction modeling, and literature review. AI tools can process large volumes of data efficiently, identify trends, assist in hypothesis generation, and even help in drafting research papers. These tools save researchers significant time and effort, allowing them to focus on more complex, creative aspects of their work. AI’s capability to analyze and synthesize information rapidly makes it a valuable asset in accelerating and enhancing the research process across disciplines.

Which AI is best for research?

For academic research, several AI tools stand out: Consensus provides consensus-based answers to research questions, especially useful for specific topics like economics and medicine. Elicit acts as a research assistant, adept at summarizing and extracting information from academic papers. Scite offers real citations to published papers, enhancing research authenticity. Research Rabbit organizes papers into collections and recommends relevant new research. Finally, ChatPDF focuses on summarizing and analyzing journal articles. Each tool offers unique benefits, catering to various research needs.

How is AI used in scientific research?

Artificial Intelligence plays a crucial role in scientific research by handling large data sets for analysis and identifying patterns, aiding in predictive modeling across various fields, and streamlining literature reviews. It also assists in designing experiments, accelerates drug discovery processes by predicting potential drug candidates, and automates routine tasks. These applications of AI significantly enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and scope of scientific investigations, facilitating more in-depth and comprehensive research outcomes.

Is there an AI that can read scientific papers?

Yes, there are AI tools capable of reading and analyzing scientific papers. These Artificial Intelligence systems can process the content of research papers, summarize key findings, and even provide context or comparisons with other studies. They are designed to help researchers quickly grasp the essence of a paper, identify relevant research, and stay up-to-date with developments in their field. This capability significantly reduces the time and effort required for literature reviews and enhances the efficiency of the research process.

What is the smartest AI today?

As of the latest information, Consensus is often regarded as one of the smartest AI tools available, especially in the context of academic and scientific research. Its ability to rapidly access and analyze information from a vast array of peer-reviewed studies, and then provide concise, evidence-based answers to complex research questions, sets it apart in the realm of AI applications. Its design and functionality, tailored to the needs of researchers and academics, make it a highly intelligent and efficient tool for navigating the expansive world of scientific literature.