Best PaperDesk Alternatives in 2026
The top PaperDesk alternatives are EasyChair, Microsoft CMT and OpenReview: 15 manuscript submission software our editors would look at instead of PaperDesk, in our ranking order.
PaperDesk: Free web-based conference software for submission, blind review and proceedings workflows. Where it falls short: focused on conference workflows rather than general journal publishing..
Switching from PaperDesk? For most manuscript submission software buyers the best PaperDesk alternative is EasyChair, built for established conferences managing the full submission cycle.
Why People Look for a PaperDesk Alternative
- Focused on conference workflows rather than general journal publishing
- Web-only access may not suit teams seeking other platform options
- The published product details do not describe a broader integration ecosystem
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 PaperDesk 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 PaperDesk:
- Editor score 9.3 vs 8.1
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 PaperDesk:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 8.1
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 PaperDesk:
- Editor score 9.0 vs 8.1
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 PaperDesk:
- Editor score 8.9 vs 8.1
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 PaperDesk:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 8.1
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 PaperDesk:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 8.1
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 PaperDesk:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 8.1
Submission and peer review connect with scheduling, registration and event tools.
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit ConfTool -
Best forIEEE-oriented conferences processing papers
- Better than PaperDesk:
- Editor score 8.5 vs 8.1
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 PaperDesk:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 8.1
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 PaperDesk:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 8.1
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 PaperDesk:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 8.1
A free-to-start platform for abstract review, decisions, and conference scheduling.
8.2/10★★★★☆Try Oxford Abstracts -
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
PaperDesk Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to PaperDesk?
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 PaperDesk?
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 PaperDesk alternatives?
Focused on conference workflows rather than general journal publishing; Web-only access may not suit teams seeking other platform options; The published product details do not describe a broader integration ecosystem.
How do I switch from PaperDesk?
Export your data from PaperDesk (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 PaperDesk.
How to Switch from PaperDesk
- Export your data from PaperDesk (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 PaperDesk.
PaperDesk vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | PaperDesk | Yes | Free | 8.1 |
| 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 | 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 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update