Paperpile vs RefNow Comparison
Paperpile
Starting at $2.99 /Month
- Free Trial
- Individuals
- Medium Business
Paperpile is the perfect reference management tool for streamlining your research library. Access your PDFs anywhere with the intuitive interface. Get organized with folders, labels, and stars. Enhance your papers with h…
RefNow
Starting at Contact for pricing
- Individuals
- Freelancers / Consultants
RefNow is an automated recruitment tool which helps HR managers when it comes to the referencing process. Employers can create a reference request for potential candidates and then request their most recent referee detai…
RefNow leads on user satisfaction with a 4.6-star rating across 2,031 reviews.
Spotsaas Analysis
PaperpileRefNow
The core difference between Paperpile and RefNow is that Paperpile is a reference management tool, while RefNow focuses on automating reference checks for SMBs. Ideal buyers for Paperpile are those looking for a straightforward citation management solution, whereas RefNow is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses that prioritize efficient and secure reference checking in their hiring processes.
Who should pick which
- Reference management tool for academic and professional use:
- Simple pricing at $2.99:
- Ideal for users needing citation organization:
- Not specifically tailored for company sizes:
- Lacks detailed buyer guidance:
- Focuses on streamlining citation processes:
- Automated reference checking solution:
- Best for small to medium-sized businesses:
- Ideal for HR teams seeking efficiency:
- Emphasizes quick and secure reference completion:
- Supports companies with 1-500 employees:
- User-friendly interface for ease of use:
Paperpile vs RefNow — at a glance
| Feature | Paperpile | RefNow |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
| Reviews | 15 | 2,031 |
| Starting price | $2.99 /Month | Contact for pricing |
| Free trial | Yes | No |
| Free version | No | No |
| Best for | Individuals, Medium Business, Small Business | Individuals, Freelancers / Consultants, Medium Business |
| Category | Reference Check Software | Reference Check Software |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android |
| API | — | — |
| Support modes | Online | Online |
| Certifications | — | — |
| Data residency | US | US |
Key differences between Paperpile and RefNow
- Pricing: Paperpile starts at $2.99 /Month. RefNow pricing is not publicly listed.
- Free trial: Paperpile offers a free trial; RefNow does not.
- User satisfaction: RefNow scores higher with a 4.6-star average.
- Deployment: Paperpile supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS; RefNow supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android.
Paperpile vs RefNow — find the better fit before you commit.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
Where each product wins, per real buyers
Most Reference Check Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
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Paperpile vs RefNow: Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Individuals, Medium Business, Small Business
Best for SMBs needing simple, fast, and secure automated reference checks.
- You are a small to medium-sized business hiring frequently and want streamlined referencing.
- Your HR team values an easy-to-use interface with quick reference completion.
- You require role-based access controls with strong SSL encryption for data security.
- You are a large enterprise needing complex, multi-stage reference workflows.
- You want a fully integrated ATS and reference checking platform in one solution.
Paperpile typically suits Individuals and Medium Business. RefNow tends to fit Individuals and Freelancers / Consultants better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.
Description | Paperpile is the perfect reference management tool for streamlining your research library. Access your PDFs anywhere with the intuitive interface. Get organized with folders, labels, and ... Read More about Paperpile | RefNow is an automated recruitment tool which helps HR managers when it comes to the referencing process. Employers can create a reference request for potential candidates and then request ... Read More about RefNow |
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Entry Level Pricing |
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Free Trial Availability |
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User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||
Best Company Size | — | 1-50 employees51-500 employees |
Get pricing help | Get pricing help |
Software Demo
Demo |
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How do Paperpile and RefNow Compare on Features?
Total Features | 2 Features | 7 Features |
|---|---|---|
Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare Paperpile and RefNow on pricing
Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.
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Paperpile vs RefNow: Other Details
Organization Types supported |
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Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
Paperpile vs RefNow Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
HIPAA | ✗ No | ✗ No |
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Data Residency | 🇺🇸 US | 🇺🇸 US |
Paperpile User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | ||
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Rating Distribution | ||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Buyer sentiment is very strong across 25 reviews, with consistently positive feedback. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Users generally praise RefNow for its ease of use, efficiency, and clear interface, though some experience challenges with verification and editing processes. What buyers like
Common complaints
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Pros and Cons |
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Positive Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
Paperpile and RefNow Customers
Customers | No Customers information available. |  NHS  Hasbro  River Island |
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Media and Screenshots
Screenshots | No screenshots available. |  3 Screenshots |
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Videos |  1 Videos |  3 Videos |
Top Alternatives to Paperpile and RefNow in 2026
Alternatives |
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Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better, Paperpile or RefNow?
- RefNow edges out the other on user ratings (4.6 vs 4.5). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do Paperpile and RefNow offer a free trial?
- Paperpile offers a free trial. RefNow does not.
- What is the starting price of Paperpile vs RefNow?
- Paperpile starts at $2.99 /Month. RefNow starts at Contact for pricing.
- What are the top alternatives to Paperpile?
- Top alternatives to Paperpile include Qualified, Workvivo, The Papers, nXr, JabRef.
- What are the top alternatives to RefNow?
- Top alternatives to RefNow include AutoRefs, SkillSurvey Reference, Refty, Xref, Referoo.