Sourcely vs. Elicit AI: Comparing Features, Value, and Accuracy
Sourcely and Elicit AI are two AI-driven research tools designed to simplify academic work. Sourcely excels in advanced search features, citation management, and access to a database of 200 million research papers. Elicit AI focuses on answering research questions using AI-powered reasoning. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:
Key Features of Sourcely:
- Search using paragraphs, notes, or keywords
- Access to full-text PDFs and summaries
- Automatic citation suggestions and exports
- Advanced filters for precise search results
- Affordable plans starting at $0 (basic) to $347 (lifetime)
Key Features of Elicit AI:
- Focuses on answering complex research questions
- AI reasoning tools for hypothesis generation
- Limited database compared to Sourcely
- Primarily designed for systematic reviews and data synthesis
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Sourcely | Elicit AI |
|---|---|---|
| Search Capabilities | Paragraph, notes, keyword search | Question-based AI reasoning |
| Database Size | 200 million research papers | Smaller, focused on reviews |
| Citation Management | Automated and exportable | Not a primary feature |
| Access to PDFs | Direct downloads available | Limited |
| Pricing | Free to $347 (lifetime) | Free |
Why Choose Sourcely? If you need a tool for finding and managing academic sources with advanced search capabilities, Sourcely is a strong choice. For systematic reviews or question-based research, Elicit AI might be more suitable.
Main Features
Search Tools and Methods
Sourcely provides advanced search options that make finding academic sources easier and more precise. With features like filtering by publication year, author, relevance ranking, and specific keywords (both inclusion and exclusion), it simplifies the process of narrowing down results. These tools are designed to help users quickly locate high-quality resources.
"Sourcely is a game-changer for academic writing. It's like a reverse search engine - you input your uncited text, and it finds relevant articles across various disciplines... You can search by keywords or publication years, export citations, and even access article summaries and PDFs." – jasthephdstudent
Source Quality and Access
Sourcely boasts a large academic database that spans multiple fields of study. It offers users direct access to full-text PDFs and concise summaries of articles, along with quality indicators that make it easier to evaluate the credibility of a source at a glance.
Citation Tools
Sourcely takes citation management to the next level. It automatically highlights parts of your text that might need citations and suggests relevant sources. Its key features include:
- Exporting citations in various formats
- Maintaining an organized reference library
- Automating citation placement in your document
- Generating summaries for cited works
"Struggling to locate sources during drafting? Sourcely automatically identifies citation-worthy sections and suggests relevant sources... It helps you: - Find relevant sources for your text - Generate summaries of references - Export citations in various formats." – Aynur | PhD student in London (STEM)
Platform Design and Use
Getting Started
Sourcely makes onboarding simple and user-friendly. While its wide range of features might take a moment to get used to, the platform's intuitive layout helps users quickly adapt to the research workflow. The design ensures that even beginners can navigate with ease, setting the stage for efficient research.
Search Results Display
The search results interface is designed to save time and boost productivity. It highlights important quality indicators and gives users instant access to key details about each source. With advanced filters and a customizable layout, users can sort results by publication year, authorship, or relevance with minimal effort. Each result also includes a detailed summary and, when available, direct links to PDF downloads.
Device Support
Sourcely works seamlessly across various devices, making it suitable for different work setups.
| Requirement | Impact |
|---|---|
| Internet Connection | Needs a stable internet connection |
| System Resources | May require strong hardware for best use |
| Cross-Platform Support | Compatible with multiple devices and browsers |
It's worth noting that older hardware might struggle with the platform's more resource-heavy features, so meeting the minimum system requirements is crucial.
"I love Sourcely's intuitive layout and how easy it is to use. It's perfect especially when I'm trying to meet deadlines at the last minute." – Aryaman Himatsingka
Find Real ACADEMIC SOURCES IN SECONDS: How ...
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Plans and Pricing
Finding the right plan can streamline your research while keeping costs in check.
Basic vs. Premium Options
Sourcely offers a range of pricing options to suit different research needs. It starts with a free tier that provides basic search tools and limited downloads, plus a trial option to explore the platform.
| Plan Type | Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic search, limited downloads |
| Pro Monthly | $17/month | Unlimited sources, essay pasting, factual summaries |
| Pro Yearly | $167/year | Same as monthly, with cost savings |
| Believer | $347 one-time | 3-year access to all Pro features |
| Buy Credits | $7 | 2,000 characters in Pro mode |
These plans let users pick the features and pricing that match their research habits.
Best Plans by User Type
The free plan works well for those with occasional needs, covering basic functionality. For regular users, the Pro Monthly plan at $17/month unlocks advanced features like unlimited sources and factual summaries. If you're planning to use Sourcely long-term, the Pro Yearly or Believer plans offer better value with cost savings.
Premium Features
Upgrading to SourcelyPro opens up advanced tools, including unlimited source discovery, essay integration, enhanced source management, priority support, and an ad-free experience. These features are ideal for users who need more from their research platform.
Search Quality Testing
Sourcely ensures its research tools deliver accurate and relevant results through rigorous quality testing. These tests verify the performance of its features and their ability to meet user needs.
Result Accuracy
Sourcely's Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology is designed to precisely match search queries with relevant results. It allows users to refine their searches using filters for dates, source types, specific disciplines, citation counts, and keywords.
"Sourcely is an invaluable tool for anyone writing research papers or articles. Simply input your text, and it helps you find relevant citations effortlessly. What sets Sourcely apart is its advanced filtering system."
Specialized Research Results
When it comes to finding niche academic papers, Sourcely stands out. Its database scanning and context-aware search capabilities ensure users receive results tailored to their specific needs. By analyzing the context of queries, it delivers highly targeted outcomes.
Subject Area Coverage
Sourcely's extensive database supports research across a wide range of academic fields, offering access to various source types:
| Subject Areas | Source Types |
|---|---|
| Sciences | Peer-reviewed journals |
| Humanities | Academic books |
| Social Sciences | Research databases |
| Technology | Conference proceedings |
| Law | Scholarly publications |
"Using real & reliable sources as your references is the cornerstone of getting A+ grades for students"
With its broad coverage, Sourcely ensures researchers and students alike can access trusted, peer-reviewed materials across disciplines.
Conclusion
Looking at the features and testing outlined earlier, let’s recap what makes Sourcely stand out.
Key Features and Benefits
Sourcely simplifies academic research by letting users paste entire essays to find relevant academic sources. Its AI-powered system changes the way researchers discover and manage academic content.
| Feature | What It Does for You |
|---|---|
| Advanced Filters | Narrow results by year, citation count, or keywords |
| Personal Library | Keep your sources organized and easy to access |
| PDF Downloads | Get full access to research papers instantly |
| Citation Export | Supports multiple reference styles for convenience |
Plans for Every Researcher
Sourcely offers plans designed to fit different needs - whether you’re a student, an occasional user, or a dedicated researcher. Each plan is built to match how often you need the platform and the features you require.
Why Sourcely?
Sourcely’s user-friendly interface and extensive database make research faster and easier. With powerful search tools, dependable citation features, and pricing options that fit various users, it’s a go-to resource for students and researchers alike. It’s a tool built to save time and simplify the research process.
