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Best Reference Manager Apps

210+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.5 avg rating
19 free apps
Updated June 2026

Looking for free reference manager apps? 19 of our 210+ tracked titles are free to download — no subscription, no trial. The rest are premium picks worth paying for.

Top Picks for Reference Manager

Zotero#1

Zotero by Corporation for Digital Scholarship

Your research assistant
Editor's Choice
📊 Productivity
4.6😊(411 ratings)
Free
Zotero screenshot 1
Zotero screenshot 2

Zotero is a free research tool for collecting, organizing, annotating, citing, and sharing academic work. Easily save articles, books, and webpages, generate citations in various formats, and collaborate with colleagues on research projects. Visit zotero.org for more information and support.

What We Love

  • 👍 Simple and powerful
  • 🚀 Convenient and useful
  • 🚀 Seamless syncing across devices
  • 🚀 Excellent reference management

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Crashes frequently
  • 🐛 Syncing issues with WebDAV
  • 🐛 Metadata not automatically extracted from PDFs
ReciMe: Recipe Manager#2

ReciMe: Recipe Manager by ReciMe Pty Ltd

Cook Book & Grocery Lists
Strong Contender
🍔 Food & Drink
4.8😐(1.1K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#1in Food & Drink
ReciMe: Recipe Manager screenshot 1
ReciMe: Recipe Manager screenshot 2
ReciMe: Recipe Manager screenshot 3
ReciMe: Recipe Manager screenshot 4
ReciMe: Recipe Manager screenshot 5
ReciMe: Recipe Manager screenshot 6

ReciMe is a user-friendly recipe management app that lets you organize, store, and discover new recipes easily. With features like meal planning and shopping lists, it's your go-to tool for delicious home-cooked meals. Download now and start cooking!

What We Love

  • 🚀 Easy to import recipes
  • 📚 Helpful for organizing recipes
  • 🤝 Good for sharing recipes with friends
  • 🍲 Useful for meal planning and grocery lists

Room to Improve

  • 💰 Expensive subscription model
  • 🐛 Bugs and glitches with importing recipes
  • 🔍 Limited free version with restrictions
References On Tap#3

References On Tap by ReferencesOnTap

Reference management on the go
Worth Considering
📊 Productivity
4.7(295 ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
References On Tap screenshot 1
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This application allows users to manage references on the go by searching various academic databases, organizing references in groups, and sharing them with others. With a one-time purchase or premium subscription, users can access features such as unlimited searches, importing, and cloud sync across iOS and macOS devices.

More Reference Manager apps to explore

4
CLZ Books - library organizer
CLZ Books - library organizer
CLZ Books - library organizer
Just scan ISBN barcodes
Free

Catalog and organize your book collection effortlessly with this app. Easily add books by scanning ISBN barcodes or searching the online database. Manage multiple collections, edit book details, and customize your library inventory with ease. Start organizing your books today!

📚 Books
(2.4K)
5
Bookends
Bookends
Bookends
Reference management on the go
Free
$10.99 | 100% OFF

Bookends is the ultimate reference management app that enables users to search online databases, download PDFs, autofill references, annotate PDFs, and organize reference information effectively. With both basic and pro features, including cloud sync, sharing libraries, and PDF annotation extraction, Bookends is a must-have for researchers and academics. Get organized and stay on top of your references with Bookends!

📊 Productivity
(392)
6
BookBuddy: Book Tracker
BookBuddy: Book Tracker
BookBuddy: Book Tracker
Bookshelf & reading list
Free

Track, organize, and share your book collection with ease using this powerful book management app. Quickly add books through various methods, categorize them, and access insightful reading statistics. Manage your classroom library efficiently as a teacher. Start managing your library today!

📚 Books
(14K)
7
Amerigo File Manager
Amerigo File Manager
Amerigo File Manager
The go-to Cloud File Manager
Free

A versatile file management app that seamlessly integrates with various cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and iCloud. Manage, organize, and access files from different sources with features such as virtual folders and advanced search. Enhance productivity with iOS Files app integration and a built-in PDF viewer with annotation capabilities.

🔧 Utilities
(63K)
8
Lipid Manager
Lipid Manager
Lipid Manager
by American College of Cardiology
Free
🏥 Medical
(3)
9
iCollect Movies: DVD Tracker
iCollect Movies: DVD Tracker
iCollect Movies: DVD Tracker
Catalog list of Blu-ray 4K VHS
Free

Easily organize your movie collection with detailed information on Blu-ray, 4K, and VHS titles. Simplify tracking and managing your DVDs with iCollect Movies app!

🔍 Reference
(7.8K)
10
BookBuddy Pro: Book Tracker
BookBuddy Pro: Book Tracker
BookBuddy Pro: Book Tracker
Bookshelf & reading list
$9.99

Track and manage your book collection effortlessly with an intuitive book management app. Easily organize, share, and keep tabs on your books, lending, and reading habits. Access your entire library catalog on multiple devices with powerful syncing capabilities.

📚 Books
(5.8K)
11
File Manager & Documents
File Manager & Documents
File Manager & Documents
Files &Folder With Browser App
Free

An intuitive file management app that organizes documents, images, and files efficiently. Simplify your digital life with ease and declutter your device today.

🔧 Utilities
(4.6K)
12
Raindrop.io
Raindrop.io
Raindrop.io
All in One Bookmark Manager
Free

Organize and save your bookmarks in collections with custom icons and screenshots easily with this all-in-one bookmark manager. Clip articles, photos, videos, and web pages to keep your bookmarks organized and accessible. Start organizing your bookmarks today!

📊 Productivity
(399)
13
URL Manager Pro
URL Manager Pro
URL Manager Pro
Professional bookmark manager
Free

This professional bookmark manager allows you to easily save and organize web pages, add notes, and categorize them into folders, making it simple to access and share your favorite links. With its robust features, you can create multiple collections, automate tasks, and seamlessly integrate with other apps, making it an ideal tool for research, productivity, and more.

🔍 Reference
(7)
14
KeePass Touch
KeePass Touch
KeePass Touch
The Password Manager
Free

Access all your passwords securely anytime, anywhere with a cross-platform password manager. Never struggle with password resets again - manage all your passwords easily on any device with just one Master Password.

📊 Productivity
(339)
15
hobbyDB Collection Management
hobbyDB Collection Management
hobbyDB Collection Management
Barcode UPC Pop Vinyl Prices
Free

Discover and catalog your Funko pops, die-cast cars, and more with ease. Keep track of your collectibles, connect with other enthusiasts, and explore new items to add to your collection. Start organizing your hobbies today!

🎬 Entertainment
(8.2K)
16
Essayist: Academic Writing App
Essayist: Academic Writing App
Essayist: Academic Writing App
APA, MLA, Chicago & More
Free

An academic writing app designed to assist users in creating essays and research papers in various citation styles such as APA, MLA, and Chicago format. Perfect for students and researchers looking to streamline their writing process and ensure proper formatting. Get started today and elevate your academic writing!

📊 Productivity
(378)
17
NYT Cooking: Quick Tasty Meals
NYT Cooking: Quick Tasty Meals
NYT Cooking: Quick Tasty Meals
Easy recipes and kitchen tips
Free

Get expert-tested recipes and simplify your time in the kitchen with this app. Access thousands of New York Times recipes, create personalized recipe folders, plan your meals, and get cooking tips. Subscribe for unlimited access or log in if you're already a subscriber.

🍔 Food & Drink
(536K)
18
Stamp Value Stamp Identifier
Stamp Value Stamp Identifier
Stamp Value Stamp Identifier
Stamp Scanner Stamp Collection
Free

Identify, appraise, and explore stamps effortlessly with a cutting-edge stamp recognition app. Enhance your stamp collecting experience with detailed information on origin, date, denomination, and value. Subscription details and terms provided for easy management.

📚 Education
(3.1K)
19
Hadith حديث‎ - Sahih Bukhari
Hadith حديث‎ - Sahih Bukhari
Hadith حديث‎ - Sahih Bukhari
صحيح البخاري، صحيح المسلم
Free

Access a comprehensive collection of Prophet Muhammad's sayings in Arabic with six main hadith books included. Explore Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, and more. Now available in English too.

🔍 Reference
(3.5K)
20
EndNote
EndNote
EndNote
by Clarivate Analytics (US) LLC
Free

A research management tool with flexible tools for searching, organizing, and creating bibliographies. Easily view, edit, and share research material across multiple devices and platforms. Access cutting-edge research and stay connected with your research library on the go.

📊 Productivity
(162)

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