Best Kotahi Alternatives in 2026
The top Kotahi alternatives are EasyChair, Microsoft CMT and OpenReview: 15 manuscript submission software our editors would look at instead of Kotahi, in our ranking order.
Kotahi: Kotahi combines configurable manuscript workflows with publishing and multi-group hosting. Where it falls short: managed hosting and implementation have no published prices.
Switching from Kotahi? For most manuscript submission software buyers the best Kotahi alternative is EasyChair, built for established conferences managing the full submission cycle.
Why People Look for a Kotahi Alternative
- Managed hosting and implementation have no published prices
- Its adaptable workflows may demand more setup than a fixed submission tool
- Reviewer and editorial tooling is less detailed than its workflow capabilities
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallEasyChair9.3
Established conferences managing the full submission cycle
Visit EasyChair - Best free optionEasyChair9.3
Has a free plan
Visit EasyChair
All 15 Kotahi Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forEstablished conferences managing the full submission cycle
- Better than Kotahi:
- Editor score 9.3 vs 6.9
A web-based conference system spanning submissions, review, scheduling, and proceedings.
9.3/10★★★★★Visit EasyChair -
Best forConferences needing a free, full-featured workflow
- Better than Kotahi:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 6.9
A free conference workflow spanning submissions, peer review, and presentation planning.
9.1/10★★★★★Visit Microsoft CMT -
Best forVenues needing configurable, open peer review
- Better than Kotahi:
- Editor score 9.0 vs 6.9
A free, configurable review workflow for conferences, journals, workshops, and symposia.
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit OpenReview -
Best forJournals wanting free, end-to-end publishing workflows
- Better than Kotahi:
- Editor score 8.9 vs 6.9
A free, open-source system for managing journal submissions through publication.
- ORCID integration
- Conference submissions
- Multi-journal management
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit site -
Best forResearch events needing free multi-stage review
- Better than Kotahi:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 6.9
A free web platform for scientific events with configurable submissions and multi-stage review.
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit Sciencesconf -
Best forJournals seeking a supported paid peer-review platform
- Better than Kotahi:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 6.9
A journal-focused peer-review system with configurable workflows and annual plus per-submission fees.
- ORCID integration
- Conference submissions
- Multi-journal management
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit Scholastica -
Best forConferences needing deployment and event management
- Better than Kotahi:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 6.9
Submission and peer review connect with scheduling, registration and event tools.
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit ConfTool -
Best forIEEE-oriented conferences processing papers
- Better than Kotahi:
- Editor score 8.5 vs 6.9
A conference workflow system with configurable peer review and IEEE proceedings support.
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit EDAS -
Best forLarge or hybrid conferences with varied submissions
- Better than Kotahi:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 6.9
A connected submission, review, scheduling and delivery system for scholarly conferences.
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Ex Ordo -
Best forConferences wanting submissions plus attendee tools
- Better than Kotahi:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 6.9
Fourwaves combines manuscript workflows with registration, scheduling, and attendee tools.
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit Fourwaves -
Best forAbstract-led events needing multi-stage review
- Better than Kotahi:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 6.9
A free-to-start platform for abstract review, decisions, and conference scheduling.
8.2/10★★★★☆Try Oxford Abstracts -
Best forSmall conferences needing free submission and review
- Better than Kotahi:
- Editor score 8.1 vs 6.9
Free web-based conference software for submission, blind review and proceedings workflows.
- Conference submissions
- Automated email notices
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit PaperDesk -
Best forInstitutions self-hosting events and submissions
- Better than Kotahi:
- Editor score 8.0 vs 6.9
A self-hosted event system with abstract and paper review workflows.
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit Indico -
Best forTeams wanting self-hosting and basic conference review
- Better than Kotahi:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 6.9
Self-hosted conference workflows, with a free edition and paid options for added capabilities.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit OpenConf -
Best forSmall events testing abstract review at no cost
- Better than Kotahi:
- Editor score 7.8 vs 6.9
A free starting point for small events managing abstract and paper reviews.
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit AbstractWiz
Kotahi Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Kotahi?
EasyChair: #1 in our Manuscript Submission Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.3 out of 10. A web-based conference system spanning submissions, review, scheduling, and proceedings.
Is there a free alternative to Kotahi?
Yes. EasyChair, Microsoft CMT, OpenReview, Open Journal Systems and Sciencesconf have a free plan or a free tier (12 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for Kotahi alternatives?
Managed hosting and implementation have no published prices; Its adaptable workflows may demand more setup than a fixed submission tool; Reviewer and editorial tooling is less detailed than its workflow capabilities.
How do I switch from Kotahi?
Export your data from Kotahi (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Kotahi.
How to Switch from Kotahi
- Export your data from Kotahi (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Kotahi.
Kotahi vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | Kotahi | Free | 6.9 | |
| 1 | EasyChair | Yes | $4/unit usage-based | 9.3 |
| 2 | Microsoft CMT | Yes | Free | 9.1 |
| 3 | OpenReview | Yes | Free | 9.0 |
| 4 | Open Journal Systems | Yes | Free | 8.9 |
| 5 | Sciencesconf | Yes | Free | 8.8 |
| 6 | Scholastica | No | $500/unit/yr | 8.7 |
| 7 | ConfTool | Yes | 8.6 | |
| 8 | EDAS | No | $6/unit usage-based | 8.5 |
| 9 | Ex Ordo | 8.4 | ||
| 10 | Fourwaves | Yes | $899/yr | 8.3 |
| 11 | Oxford Abstracts | Yes | 8.2 | |
| 12 | PaperDesk | Yes | Free | 8.1 |
| 13 | Indico | Yes | Free | 8.0 |
| 14 | OpenConf | Yes | $600/yr | 7.9 |
| 15 | AbstractWiz | Yes | $270/unit one-time | 7.8 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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