Mendeley vs Zotero:Which is more popular in New Zealand?
In October 2026, Zotero had more branded searches than Mendeley among reference manager software in New Zealand. Zotero had about 2,640 branded searches, while Mendeley had 720. Zotero made up 60.8% of all reference manager software searches we track, and Mendeley accounted for 16.6%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about reference manager software, both Mendeley and Zotero appeared in all five answers. Zotero was mentioned before Mendeley in every answer.
Who do people search for more?
Zotero, about 4 searches for every 1 for Mendeley
Who does AI mention more?
Both are mentioned in every answer we collected.
Who does AI recommend more?
Zotero, named ahead of Mendeley in every answer
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Top reference manager software in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, both Mendeley and Zotero showed up in all five answers. Zotero was listed before Mendeley in every answer.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
See every answer about reference manager software
5 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which reference manager software should I use in New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best reference manager software options in New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best reference manager software in New Zealand for a research team?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“reference manager software”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“best reference manager”
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in New Zealand on October 21, 2026.
Is Mendeley or Zotero more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for Mendeley and Zotero by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all four reference manager software we track, month by month, from searches in New Zealand.
Share of searches by month for Zotero, Mendeley. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Zotero | EndNote | Mendeley | Paperpile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2025 | 57.3% | 20.5% | 19.7% | 2.5% |
| Dec 2025 | 51.8% | 22.9% | 22% | 3.2% |
| Jan 2026 | 56.1% | 23.4% | 18.4% | 2.2% |
| Feb 2026 | 55.1% | 28.3% | 15.1% | 1.5% |
| Mar 2026 | 57% | 29.4% | 12.7% | 0.88% |
| Apr 2026 | 59% | 25% | 15% | 1% |
| May 2026 | 59% | 24.9% | 15.1% | 1.1% |
| Jun 2026 | 57.9% | 20.7% | 19.6% | 1.9% |
| Jul 2026 | 56.5% | 29.4% | 12.8% | 1.2% |
| Aug 2026 | 56.8% | 27.9% | 14.3% | 1% |
| Sep 2026 | 54.9% | 28.6% | 15% | 1.5% |
| Oct 2026 | 60.8% | 21% | 16.6% | 1.6% |
How has branded search for Mendeley and Zotero changed in New Zealand over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- Zotero was ahead of Mendeley in every measured month of the 12 months ending October 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending October 2026, Mendeley’s share of searches among reference manager software in New Zealand moved from 19.7% to 16.6%, and its estimated monthly branded searches held steady at 720.
- Across the 12 months ending October 2026, Zotero’s share of searches among reference manager software in New Zealand moved from 57.3% to 60.8%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 2.1K to 2.6K.
How did search popularity change for New Zealand reference manager software in October 2026?
2 changes
In October 2026, Zotero gained share of searches among reference manager software in New Zealand, from 54.9% to 60.8%.
In October 2026, Mendeley gained share of searches among reference manager software in New Zealand, from 15% to 16.6%.
How are Mendeley’s and Zotero’s branded searches counted?
6 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Mendeley’s and Zotero’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
Other head-to-heads among reference manager software
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