RefNow vs Paperpile Comparison
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…
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 leads on user satisfaction with a 4.6-star rating across 418 reviews.
SpotSaaS Analysis
RefNowPaperpile
The core difference between RefNow and Paperpile lies in their target functionalities, with RefNow focusing on automated reference checks for SMBs, while Paperpile is designed for managing academic papers and citations. RefNow is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking for efficient hiring processes, whereas Paperpile suits researchers and academics needing a streamlined way to organize their references.
- Best for small to medium-sized businesses - Offers automated reference checks - Prioritizes speed and security - User-friendly interface for HR teams - Ideal for frequent hiring needs - Suitable for companies with 1-500 employees
- Designed for managing academic references - Offers citation management tools - Ideal for researchers and academics - Priced at $2.99 per month - Focuses on organizing and sharing papers - Not specifically targeted at company sizes
RefNow vs Paperpile — at a glance
| Feature | RefNow | Paperpile |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6 / 5 | — |
| Reviews | 418 | — |
| Starting price | Contact for pricing | $2.99 /Month |
| Free trial | No | Yes |
| Free version | No | No |
| Best for | Individuals, Freelancers / Consultants, Medium Business | Individuals, Medium Business, Small Business |
| Category | Reference Check Software | Reference Check Software |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS |
| API | — | — |
| Support modes | Online | Online |
| Certifications | — | — |
| Data residency | US | US |
Key differences between RefNow and Paperpile
- Pricing: Paperpile starts at $2.99 /Month. RefNow pricing is not publicly listed.
- Free trial: Paperpile offers a free trial; RefNow does not.
- Deployment: RefNow supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android; Paperpile supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS.
RefNow vs Paperpile — 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
Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
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.
Individuals, Medium Business, Small Business
RefNow typically suits Individuals and Freelancers / Consultants. Paperpile tends to fit Individuals and Medium Business better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.
Description | 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 | 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 |
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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 RefNow and Paperpile Compare on Features?
Total Features | 0 Features | 6 Features |
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Unique Features | No features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare RefNow and Paperpile 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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Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
HIPAA | ✗ No | ✗ No |
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Data Residency | 🇺🇸 US | 🇺🇸 US |
RefNow User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | No reviews available for the product | |
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Rating Distribution | ||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | 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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Common complaints
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Positive Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
List of Customers
Customers |  NHS  Hasbro  River Island | No Customers information available. |
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Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  3 Screenshots | No screenshots available. |
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Videos |  3 Videos |  1 Videos |
Top Alternatives to RefNow and Paperpile 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, RefNow or Paperpile?
- RefNow edges out the other on user ratings (4.6 vs -1.0). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do RefNow and Paperpile offer a free trial?
- Paperpile offers a free trial. RefNow does not.
- What is the starting price of RefNow vs Paperpile?
- RefNow starts at Contact for pricing. Paperpile starts at $2.99 /Month.
- What are the top alternatives to RefNow?
- Top alternatives to RefNow include AutoRefs, SkillSurvey Reference, Refty, Xref, Referoo.
- What are the top alternatives to Paperpile?
- Top alternatives to Paperpile include Qualified, Workvivo, The Papers, nXr, JabRef.