Top 3 Free AI Tools for Students, Researchers, and Academics in 2024

AI Riddle:

I am a room with no walls, filled with secrets big and small. I can hold what you imagine, yet empty I remain for all.

I’m where ideas are stored, but nothing physical you’ll find. I exist in every one of you, Though I’m neither matter nor mind.

What am I?

Today’s Motive:

• ✅ The top three free AI tools for researchers, students, and academics alike.
  Some of these platforms do offer paid features, but here we focus on how much you get without any cost to you. Want the best AI tools totally free? Read on.

AI Tools

📚 Perplexity AI, the best research assistant.

Perplexity AI has established itself as a robust and reliable tool in the field of AI-assisted research, consistently ranking among the best free resources available.
While it offers some premium features with a subscription fee, the array of free features provided at no cost is remarkable.
I utilize Perplexity AI frequently and have never felt pushed to upgrade to a paid version.
Perplexity AI operates as a refined version of ChatGPT, tailored to function as an interactive research assistant.

💪 Strengths:

1. Concise Responses: Delivers a bullet list of point-form answers directly related to your inquiries. A great tool for sourcing current scientific information in a easy to ready layout.

2. Visual Validation: Displays source images that contribute to the information provided. It can also identify complex math and physics formulas. The pro version will do all the mathematical work for you, but that is a paid feature.

3. Document Interaction: Allows users to upload PDFs and use the assistant feature for summaries and quick Q&A regarding the contained information. Highlight a chart or parabola and Perplexity will provide the necessary information regarding your questions.

4. Reduced AI Hallucinations: Personally, I have experienced limited AI hallucinations compared to other language models. That doesn't mean they don't happen.

🎯 The Motive

For those seeking precise and summarized research information from the vast expanse of the internet, Perplexity AI emerges as an unparalleled, cost-free tool ideal for taking on complex topics.
Check it out here.

AI Tools

🔬 SciSpace for sourcing research journals and publications.

SciSpace functions similarly to Perplexity AI but with a distinct focus on citing research papers and academic journals. This platform is ideally suited for students, researchers, and academics, providing an unparalleled resource for accessing research-backed material and facilitating organization.

✨ Free Highlights:

1. Paper Discovery and Management: SciSpace empowers users to efficiently discover and manage research papers. The platform offers access to an extensive database of academic articles, allowing users to search for, save, and organize papers into personalized collections.

2. PDF Annotator: The free version of SciSpace features a comprehensive PDF annotator, enabling users to highlight text, add notes, make comments directly on PDFs, ask for summaries, and gain insight on diagrams and equations.

3. Citation Generator: SciSpace includes an integrated citation generator supporting various citation styles, a valuable feature for ensuring proper referencing in academic work.

4. Extensive Database: SciSpace provides a vast repository of information, free from restrictive paywalls, ensuring open access to a wide range of academic resources.

🎯 The Motive:

Research-backed content is often hidden behind paywalls and subscription barriers—SciSpace removes these obstacles. By incorporating SciSpace into your AI toolset, you gain rapid and reliable access to academic research, complemented by features designed to streamline your workflow.

Check out Scispace here.

AI Tools

🔎 SearchGPT for general information searches.

While OpenAI has faced its share of controversies, the organization continues to develop cutting-edge AI tools that prove highly effective. SearchGPT stands out from traditional search engines by leveraging AI to scrape the internet for specific data. Traditional search engines rely on keyword-based input alone.

Although there is currently a waitlist for new users, those with an existing OpenAI account should make the most of this powerful tool.

SearchGPT differs from Perplexity.ai as a tool utilized for general internet queries.

💪 Strengths:

1. Sourcing: SearchGPT excels at interpreting and responding to complex queries with precise, relevant information, reducing the need to wade through irrelevant pages on the net.

2. Efficient Summarizing: The tool is particularly adept at summarizing extensive text, offering quick insights without compromising depth. It is ideal for cross-referencing multiple sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

3. User-Friendly Interface: SearchGPT is easy to use, with no steep learning curve. Simply type your query or idea as you would in any search engine, and the tool promptly delivers relevant information. While AI hallucinations are not entirely absent, they are notably infrequent.

A smooth clean interface.

Detailed reports and answers.

🎯 The Motive:

SearchGPT is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to streamline their research process. It offers precise, context-aware insights that enhance the quality of your work. The perfect tool to save valuable time searching the internet for specific answers.