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Explainpaper vs Manuscripts.app
A side-by-side comparison of pricing, ratings, features, pros and cons.
| Overview | |||
| Description | AI that explains confusing parts of research papers in plain language. | Mac app helping academics track research papers from draft through submission, revision, and publication. | |
| Category | |||
| Developer | Explainpaper | Jamie Forrest, PhD | |
| Verified Status | No | No | |
| Last Updated | Aug 2026 | Aug 2026 | |
| Pricing | |||
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid | |
| Free Plan | Yes | No | |
| Free Trial | — | No | |
| Open Source | No | No | |
| Capabilities | |||
| API Access | — | No | |
| Features | • Highlight-to-explain interface for confusing text in uploaded papers • PDF upload with explanations shown alongside the original text • Follow-up chat for asking questions about a paper or a highlighted section • No account required for basic use | • Manuscript records with submission history • ORCID-linked author library • AI extraction of reviewer comments into tasks • Journal requirements and pre-submission checklists • macOS Reminders/Calendar deadline sync • One-time $49 purchase, 14-day free trial | |
| Tags | papersexplanationaccessible | academic-toolsmanuscript-managementmacos-appresearch-workflowai-reviewer-extraction | |
| Platforms | — | Mac | |
| Mobile Apps | — | No | |
| Trust and Engagement | |||
| Review Count | 0 | 0 | |
| Saves | 0 | 0 | |
| Views | 66 | 6 | |
| Quality Score | 62/100 | 29/100 | |
| Website Status | Online | Online | |
| Availability | |||
| Website | explainpaper.com | manuscripts-app.com | |
| Social Links | 1 linked | — | |
| Screenshots | No | No | |
| Reviews | |||
| Pros | • Free to use | — | |
| Cons | — | • No free tier available | |
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