Best Open Journal Systems Alternatives in 2026
The top Open Journal Systems alternatives are EasyChair, Microsoft CMT and OpenReview: 15 manuscript submission software our editors would look at instead of Open Journal Systems, in our ranking order.
Open Journal Systems: A free, open-source system for managing journal submissions through publication. Where it falls short: conference registration and scheduling may require separate tools.
Switching from Open Journal Systems? For most manuscript submission software buyers the best Open Journal Systems alternative is EasyChair, built for established conferences managing the full submission cycle.
Why People Look for an Open Journal Systems Alternative
- Conference registration and scheduling may require separate tools
- Self-hosting requires an infrastructure choice and installation
- Support channels are community and documentation
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 Open Journal Systems 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 Open Journal Systems:
- Editor score 9.3 vs 8.9
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 Open Journal Systems:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 8.9
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 Open Journal Systems:
- Editor score 9.0 vs 8.9
A free, configurable review workflow for conferences, journals, workshops, and symposia.
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit OpenReview -
Best forResearch events needing free multi-stage review
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
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
Submission and peer review connect with scheduling, registration and event tools.
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit ConfTool -
Best forIEEE-oriented conferences processing papers
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
A connected submission, review, scheduling and delivery system for scholarly conferences.
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Ex Ordo -
Best forConferences wanting submissions plus attendee tools
Fourwaves combines manuscript workflows with registration, scheduling, and attendee tools.
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit Fourwaves -
Best forAbstract-led events needing multi-stage review
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
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
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
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
A free starting point for small events managing abstract and paper reviews.
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit AbstractWiz -
Best forEvents needing a configurable review process
A configurable submission-to-event workflow, with a free plan and paid capacity tiers.
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit Congressio
Open Journal Systems Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Open Journal Systems?
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 Open Journal Systems?
Yes. EasyChair, Microsoft CMT, OpenReview, Sciencesconf and ConfTool have a free plan or a free tier (12 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for Open Journal Systems alternatives?
Conference registration and scheduling may require separate tools; Self-hosting requires an infrastructure choice and installation; Support channels are community and documentation.
How do I switch from Open Journal Systems?
Export your data from Open Journal Systems (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 Open Journal Systems.
How to Switch from Open Journal Systems
- Export your data from Open Journal Systems (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 Open Journal Systems.
Open Journal Systems vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Open Journal Systems | Yes | Free | 8.9 |
| 1 | EasyChair | Yes | $4/unit usage-based | 9.3 |
| 2 | Microsoft CMT | Yes | Free | 9.1 |
| 3 | OpenReview | Yes | Free | 9.0 |
| 4 | Sciencesconf | Yes | Free | 8.8 |
| 5 | Scholastica | No | $500/unit/yr | 8.7 |
| 6 | ConfTool | Yes | 8.6 | |
| 7 | EDAS | No | $6/unit usage-based | 8.5 |
| 8 | Ex Ordo | 8.4 | ||
| 9 | Fourwaves | Yes | $899/yr | 8.3 |
| 10 | Oxford Abstracts | Yes | 8.2 | |
| 11 | PaperDesk | Yes | Free | 8.1 |
| 12 | Indico | Yes | Free | 8.0 |
| 13 | OpenConf | Yes | $600/yr | 7.9 |
| 14 | AbstractWiz | Yes | $270/unit one-time | 7.8 |
| 15 | Congressio | Yes | $490/yr | 7.7 |
Head-to-Head
- Open Journal Systems vs EasyChair
- Open Journal Systems vs Microsoft CMT
- Open Journal Systems vs OpenReview
- Open Journal Systems vs Sciencesconf
- Open Journal Systems vs Scholastica
- Open Journal Systems vs ConfTool
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update