Unpaywall is a popular open-source browser extension that locates free copies of research articles for readers. It works by scanning repositories of academic papers and journals to find open-access versions of the same article that readers would otherwise have to pay for. While Unpaywall is an effective tool, there are several alternatives and competitors in 2024 that offer unique features and capabilities. In this article, we will explore the 10 best Unpaywall alternatives and competitors in 2024.

1. Open Access Button

The Open Access Button is a browser extension that helps you find free, legal research articles. It works similarly to Unpaywall, but also provides a platform for users to request copies of articles that are not currently available in open-access repositories. The Open Access Button also offers a search feature that allows users to find articles directly from within the extension. Its focus on community-driven open access and its extensive database make it a strong alternative to Unpaywall.

2. Kopernio

Kopernio is a free browser extension that helps researchers access scientific articles quickly and easily. It provides a single-click access to PDFs and supports integration with library resources. Kopernio also offers a personal library feature that allows users to save and organize articles for future reference. Its seamless integration with existing library systems and its personalized approach make it a compelling competitor to Unpaywall.

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3. CORE

CORE is a global aggregator of open-access research papers and is one of the largest open-access repositories in the world. It offers a comprehensive database of over 25 million articles, making it a valuable resource for researchers. CORE also provides a powerful search engine that allows users to find articles based on keywords, authors, and other parameters. Its vast database and advanced search capabilities make it a strong alternative to Unpaywall.

4. ResearchGate

ResearchGate is a social networking site for researchers that also provides access to millions of research papers. It offers a personalized feed of articles based on users' interests and connections, making it a unique alternative to Unpaywall. ResearchGate also provides tools for collaboration and communication among researchers, including discussion forums, groups, and messaging features.

5. Sci-Hub

Sci-Hub is an online repository of over 80 million academic articles that are not available through traditional means. It works by bypassing paywalls and providing free access to copyrighted content. While controversial due to its disregard for copyright laws, Sci-Hub remains a popular alternative to Unpaywall due to its extensive database and ease of use.

6. Library Genesis (LibGen)

Library Genesis is another controversial alternative to Unpaywall that provides access to millions of books and articles. It works similarly to Sci-Hub by bypassing paywalls and providing free access to copyrighted content. While some view it as a necessary resource for those who cannot afford expensive paywalls, others criticize it for its disregard for copyright laws. Nevertheless, Library Genesis remains a popular choice among researchers who need access to hard-to-find articles.

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7. Google Scholar

Google Scholar is a free search engine that provides access to scholarly literature, including articles, theses, books, and conference papers. It offers advanced search features and allows users to save articles for future reference. While not focused solely on open-access articles, Google Scholar is a useful tool for researchers looking for a wide range of resources.

8. Pubmed Central

Pubmed Central is a free digital archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature. It offers access to over 6 million articles, including many that are open-access. Pubmed Central also provides a powerful search engine and advanced filtering options for finding relevant articles. Its focus on scientific research and its extensive database make it a strong alternative to Unpaywall.

9. Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)

The Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) is a comprehensive database of over 14,000 open-access journals. It offers a platform for authors and publishers to share their research with a global audience. DOAJ also provides a search engine and filtering options for finding relevant articles. Its focus on open-access journals and its extensive database make it a unique and valuable alternative to Unpaywall.

10. ArXiv

ArXiv is a free online repository of academic papers in the fields of physics, mathematics, computer science, quantitative biology, and statistics. It offers access to over 1.5 million articles and allows users to search by category or keyword. ArXiv also provides email alerts for new articles in specific categories. Its focus on cutting-edge research and its extensive database make it a compelling alternative to Unpaywall.

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In conclusion, while Unpaywall remains a popular and effective tool for finding free copies of research articles, there are several alternatives and competitors available in 2024 that provide unique features and capabilities. Whether you use Open Access Button for community-driven open access, Kopernio for personalized access to articles, or CORE for a vast database of articles, these alternatives offer diverse options for researchers to find the articles they need without breaking the bank. By exploring these alternatives, researchers can find the best tools that suit their needs and help them stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of research in 2024.