ASReview

ASReview is an open-source software tool that uses artificial intelligence and active learning algorithms to accelerate systematic reviews and large-scale text screening. Coordinated at Utrecht University, the platform provides features such as AIScreen, Simulate and Benchmark, and Crowdscreen to help researchers sift through literature and propose relevant texts. It is aimed at researchers, information specialists, data scientists, developers, institutions, and students who need to process large volumes of text while maintaining data privacy.

• AIScreen for systematic, reliable, and rapid AI-screening
• Simulate and Benchmark to test and compare performance to optimize workflows
• Crowdscreen for parallel screening where AI agents propose records to a crowd of experts
• Data privacy and GDPR compliance with no tracking cookies
• Support for additional software suites including Datasets, Datatools, Docker, DORY, Insights, Makita, Server and cloud, and Templates
• Integration with Zotero databases

Pros

• Reduces workload for large-scale text screening and systematic reviews through active learning algorithms
• Offers simulation capabilities to test and find the best performing model for specific workflows
• Enables collaborative parallel screening through Crowdscreen to finish reviews faster
• Maintains full data privacy and GDPR compliance with open-source code for transparency

Cons

• Requires self-hosting or technical setup as an open-source tool coordinated at Utrecht University
• Users must manage their own server and cloud infrastructure depending on the deployment method chosen
• Relies on community support and documentation rather than a commercial enterprise service agreement

ASReview fits researchers, information specialists, data scientists, students, and institutions conducting systematic reviews, literature screening, or large-scale text analysis who require open-source tools with strong privacy controls. It is a poor fit for teams looking for a turnkey, closed-source commercial software product with dedicated enterprise customer support and fixed commercial pricing tiers.

The listing and website state that ASReview is a free, fully open-source software tool.

Unlike commercial or proprietary literature review software, ASReview is entirely open-source with transparent code coordinated at Utrecht University. It combines active learning AI algorithms with specialized tools like Simulate, Benchmark, and Crowdscreen to let researchers test models and collaborate in parallel. It emphasizes complete user control over data and alignment with AI regulations without proprietary platform locks.

GitHub, Zotero database, Docker, and additional software suites including Datasets, Datatools, DORY, Insights, Makita, and Server and cloud templates.

ASReview is worth trying for researchers, students, and institutions conducting systematic reviews who want a transparent, open-source AI tool to accelerate literature screening. It provides robust capabilities for active learning, simulation, and collaborative crowdscreening without licensing costs. Those who require fully managed proprietary software or lack the resources to handle a self-hosted open-source tool may need to look elsewhere.