Top 7 Free Citation Generators (2025)

Manually citing sources in research papers and academic writing is not only tedious but also prone to error. Technology has made significant strides in streamlining this process through citation generators, which can help save time, ensure accuracy, and keep up with the constantly changing standards for academic referencing.

Manual citation requires meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the rules for each citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.). Even small mistakes in punctuation, author names, or titles can result in lost credibility or lower grades.

You can read the differences between APA and MLA.

Citing materials like the Bible, law cases, books, and plays can be especially complex. For example, the Bible requires specific formatting and citation rules that differ from those for other religious texts. Legal cases require correct reference to both the case name and the jurisdiction.

Citation Generator	Reliability (out of 100)	Accuracy (out of 100)	Convenience (out of 100)
🥇 Scribbr.com	95	95	90
🥈 MyBib.com	85	85	95
🥉 CitationMachine.net	80	80	85
💡 Grammarly.com	90	90	80
📚 EasyBib.com	80	75	85
📝 Citethisforme.com	85	80	90
🖋️ BibMe.org	80	75	80

Citing classic plays and literature can involve several nuances, like identifying the correct translator or edition. These complexities make it clear that using a citation generator, which can quickly format sources correctly, is a far more efficient and reliable solution than attempting to do so manually.

The Challenge of Understanding Citation Formats

Different citation styles have distinct rules and nuances. APA (American Psychological Association) format is used widely in the social sciences, while MLA (Modern Language Association) is preferred in the humanities. Chicago and Harvard styles are also popular in academic circles. Keeping track of these differences can be overwhelming, especially for students writing research papers in multiple subjects.

Citation generators are designed to automatically adjust to the citation style you select, ensuring that every detail—such as the order of author names, punctuation, and how to cite digital sources—is formatted correctly without the writer needing to memorize or research the specific rules for each style. These citation generators are available everywhere in the world, from UK, US, Canada, Australia, Middle East, Asia, and Europe.

Here is a detailed comparison of the 7 top citation generators for research paper and essay writing.

1. Scribbr.com

What It Does: Scribbr is an advanced citation tool that offers a comprehensive citation generator for various styles like APA, MLA, Chicago, and more. It also provides a plagiarism checker, proofreading service, and citation guides. Scribbr is the best citation generator for APA.

Pros:

• Highly accurate and reliable citations
• Multiple citation styles supported
• Additional features like plagiarism checks and proofreading
• User-friendly and intuitive interface

Cons:

• Some advanced features like plagiarism checking and proofreading are paid
• Limited functionality in the free version
• Can be slow when generating complex references

Verdict: Scribbr is excellent for serious researchers who need high-quality citations and additional academic services, though the paid features might deter some users.

2. MyBib.com

What It Does: MyBib is a free, easy-to-use citation tool that helps you create accurate references in APA, MLA, Chicago, and other citation styles. It also allows you to organize citations into projects.

Pros:

• Completely free to use
• Simple and intuitive interface, ideal for beginners
• Supports multiple citation styles
• Allows exporting citations to Word or Google Docs

Cons:

• Lacks advanced features like plagiarism detection
• No direct integration with academic databases like JSTOR
• Occasional formatting issues with more complex references

Verdict: MyBib is great for those looking for a straightforward, no-cost citation tool, but may not suit those needing advanced features.

3. CitationMachine.net

What It Does: Citation Machine is a widely-used citation tool that helps users create citations in various formats including APA, MLA, Chicago, and more. It offers both free and paid versions, with additional features in the premium option.

Pros:

• Broad support for citation styles and source types
• Free basic version available
• Includes educational resources and tutorials
• Citation export options to Word, Google Docs, etc.

Cons:

• Inaccurate citations at times, especially for complex sources
• Many advanced features require a paid subscription
• Frequent ads in the free version

Verdict: CitationMachine is a reliable tool for basic citations but may not be as accurate or feature-rich for advanced academic needs without upgrading.

4. Grammarly.com

What It Does: Grammarly is an AI-powered writing assistant that also offers citation support as part of its premium package. It provides grammar checking, style suggestions, and a built-in citation generator.

Pros:

• Comprehensive all-in-one writing and citation tool
• Offers in-text citation suggestions while writing
• Quality grammar and writing suggestions
• User-friendly and integrates well with writing platforms

Cons:

• Citation generation is locked behind a premium subscription
• Limited citation styles compared to specialized citation tools
• Sometimes too aggressive in suggesting writing corrections

Verdict: Grammarly is great for overall writing improvement and citation assistance, though the premium subscription makes it less accessible for users seeking only citation help.

5. EasyBib.com

What It Does: EasyBib is one of the oldest citation generators, known for its user-friendly interface and support for multiple citation styles. It also includes some additional research tools.

Pros:

• Free basic version available
• Supports a variety of citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.)
• Includes website citation tools
• Offers plagiarism checking in the premium version

Cons:

• Premium features are locked behind a subscription
• Ads in the free version can be distracting
• Some citation formats may require manual adjustments

Verdict: EasyBib is ideal for casual users needing quick citations, but those requiring advanced features should consider upgrading to the premium version.

6. Citethisforme.com

What It Does: Cite This For Me offers a free citation generator with both basic and premium options. It supports a variety of citation styles, including APA, MLA, and Chicago.

Pros:

• Free and premium versions available
• Covers a variety of citation formats and media sources
• Allows saving and managing citations across different projects
• Simple interface that’s easy to navigate

Cons:

• Premium features are necessary for more complex citation tasks
• Citation generation can be slow for complex sources
• Some formatting issues, especially with uncommon source types

Verdict: Citethisforme is a good choice for casual users who need simple citations quickly, but for advanced citation management, the premium version may be required.

7. BibMe.org

What It Does: BibMe is a citation tool that allows users to generate citations in multiple styles, including APA, MLA, and Chicago. It offers both free and premium options for citation and bibliography generation.

Pros:

• Free citation tool available
• Easy-to-use interface
• Allows citation export to different formats (Word, Google Docs)
• Covers multiple citation styles

Cons:

• Limited features in the free version
• Formatting issues can occur with obscure sources
• Ads in the free version

Verdict: BibMe is a great option for students needing a quick and easy citation tool, though advanced features may require upgrading to the premium version.

When to Cite and Why

A citation is needed whenever you use someone else’s ideas, data, or words to support your argument or analysis in a research paper. This includes direct quotes, paraphrases, or even when you refer to an idea that influenced your thoughts.

Citing these sources serves several important purposes: it acknowledges the original author’s work, prevents plagiarism, and adds credibility to your own writing by demonstrating that it’s backed by research. Additionally, citations allow readers to verify the sources you have used, giving them a path to explore further if they wish.

When Not to Cite

Not everything in your paper requires a citation. Common knowledge, or information that is widely known and accepted by the general public, doesn’t need to be cited. For instance, stating that the Earth orbits the sun or that Shakespeare wrote “Romeo and Juliet” doesn’t require a citation, as these facts are universally acknowledged.

However, the line between common knowledge and information that needs to be cited can sometimes be blurry. When in doubt, it’s safer to include a citation.

What Are Acceptable Academic Sources?

Academic sources include peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and credible reports published by recognized institutions. These sources are typically vetted for accuracy and reliability by experts in the field.

Websites, blogs, and other online content may not always be acceptable sources, especially if they lack scholarly rigor or transparency about their authorship. It’s essential to rely on materials that are academically sound to ensure that the research in your paper is credible.

How Many References Are Needed in an Essay?

The number of references required for an essay depends on the assignment and its length. As a general rule, the more substantial the paper, the more references you will need. In short essays, around five to ten sources may suffice, but for longer papers or research projects, this number could increase to 20 or more. Quality is more important than quantity; every reference should contribute meaningfully to your argument or provide necessary background information.

Which Parts of an Essay Should Not Be Cited?

Certain sections of your essay should not require citations. These include your introduction and conclusion, as these are your own original thoughts and analysis. Your thesis statement should also be an original expression of your argument.

Additionally, any general observations or logical conclusions based on your understanding don’t require citation, as long as they don’t rely on someone else’s ideas or research. When you are interpreting the results of your research or offering your personal insight, those sections also don’t need to be cited. However, every claim you make based on someone else’s work should be appropriately cited.

Final Recommendation

• Scribbr.com scores the highest overall as the best citation generator in the world, with this citation tool offering excellent reliability and accuracy, but with slightly lower convenience due to its paid features.
• MyBib.com is a close second citation machine, providing great convenience with a straightforward, free platform. If you are writing a basic paper in APA style, Mybib.com is a good free option to citation generator.
• CitationMachine.net and Citethisforme.com rank well in reliability and convenience, though they can have issues with accuracy for complex citations.
• Grammarly.com is a strong contender in reliability and accuracy but is less convenient due to its premium subscription and writing-focused tools.
• EasyBib.com and BibMe.org are reliable free tools but may have accuracy issues, especially with more complex citations.

All things considered, Scribbr.com is the best citation generator for accuracy, convenience, and ease of use. If you find it hard to cite or do the paper yourself, you can always pay someone on Coursepivot.com to do any term paper for you cheaply.