Elsevier vs MDPI: Which Publisher Should You Choose? (2026-2027)

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Quick Answer: Elsevier vs MDPI (2026-2027)

Choose Elsevier → best if your university requires high impact, Scopus indexed journals and you can allow several months for peer review.

Choose MDPI → suitable if you need faster open access publication, shorter review time, and your institution accepts MDPI journals.

⚠️ Always confirm with your supervisor or university guidelines before submitting to any journal, especially when publication requirements are strict.

What to Look for When Choosing a Publisher

• Academic Credibility: Some institutions and committee members favour certain publishers for their prestige and reliability.
• Visibility and Reach: Effective publishers ensure your work is discoverable, indexed, and widely cited.
• Speed versus Quality: Fast publication helps with deadlines; rigorous multi round peer review supports credibility.
• Cost and Access Model: Fees vary, and access may be open access or subscription based.

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Elsevier – Reputation, Prestige and Rigorous Review

Elsevier manages thousands of high impact journals, many indexed in Scopus and Web of Science (WoS). It maintains a strong reputation for quality, credibility, and structured peer review processes.

Pros

• Rigorous, multi stage peer review
• Universally recognised among academic institutions
• Extensive indexing in Scopus, WoS, and PubMed
• Strong citation visibility and editorial credibility

Cons

• Open access charges (APCs) can exceed £2,000 to £4,000
• Subscription model limits immediate global access
• Review and publication may take 4 to 6+ months

Need help targeting a Scopus indexed journal? Read our detailed How to Publish in Scopus Journals Guide.

Publishing in a Scopus indexed journal?
Read our step by step guide: How to Publish in Scopus Journals Guide – written for UK dissertation and PhD students.

MDPI – Fast Publishing, Open Access and Large Portfolio

MDPI operates 500 peer-reviewed journals (as of January 2026), including 365-369 indexed in Scopus across diverse disciplines, including Applied Sciences, Sensors, and Sustainability. It is known for fast publication cycles and transparent submission workflows.

For a detailed explanation of how MDPI impact factors work, typical ranges, and where to check a specific journal's current figure, see our MDPI impact factor guide.

Pros

• Publication typically within 4 to 8 weeks
• Fully open access and globally available immediately
• Many journals indexed in Scopus, WoS, and DOAJ
• Clear, transparent submission process

Cons

• Peer review depth can vary between titles
• Some institutions remain cautious of MDPI's consistency
• Mandatory APCs ranging from £800 to £2,500

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Publishing Criteria: Elsevier vs MDPI

Criteria	Elsevier	MDPI
Business Model	Hybrid (subscription + open access)	Fully open access (APC funded)
Peer Review	In depth and rigorous	Faster but sometimes questioned
Publishing Speed	4 to 6 months +	Usually 4 to 8 weeks
APC Range	£2,000 to £4,000 (OA only)	£800 to £2,500
Indexing	Scopus, WoS, PubMed	Scopus, WoS, DOAJ, PubMed
Institutional Acceptance	Widely recognised	Mixed; policy dependent
Visibility	High citation potential	High download stats via OA

Is MDPI Reliable or Predatory? A Quick Summary

MDPI is not currently classified as predatory, but its history includes real, documented controversy. For a complete, evidence-based assessment of MDPI's legitimacy, including the full timeline and what to check before submitting, see our dedicated guide:

Is MDPI Reliable or Predatory? A Full 2026-2027 Assessment →

Elsevier's Competitors in Academic Publishing

Elsevier competes with major publishers such as Springer Nature, Taylor & Francis, Wiley, and SAGE. Each offers distinct editorial policies, acceptance rates, and open access options.

Elsevier vs Springer | Elsevier vs Taylor & Francis

Recent MDPI Updates (2014 – 2026)

MDPI has faced scrutiny over the years, including Beall's list, editorial resignations, and Web of Science delistings. For the full chronology and current institutional policies, see our MDPI reliability assessment.

Final Verdict

Choose Elsevier if:

• You value prestige, institutional trust, and deep peer review
• Your university or funders prefer high impact journals
• You are prepared for a longer publication timeline

Choose MDPI if:

• You need rapid, open access publication
• You want global visibility without paywalls
• You prefer faster review cycles and flexible feedback

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Frequently Asked Questions: Elsevier vs MDPI

Is MDPI as credible as Elsevier?

Not universally. Elsevier has stronger overall institutional prestige and dominates Scopus indexing. However, individual MDPI journals indexed in Scopus or Web of Science are credible and accepted by many universities. Always verify the journal indexing status and check your institution policy before submitting.

How long does publication take with MDPI vs Elsevier?

MDPI often completes peer review and publication within a few weeks, while Elsevier journals may take several months from submission to decision. This makes MDPI a faster option for students working under academic deadlines.

Which is cheaper – Elsevier or MDPI?

MDPI publication fees are usually lower than Elsevier open access charges. Costs vary by journal, so always check the official journal website before submitting.

Can I publish my dissertation in an MDPI journal?

Yes, if the journal is indexed in Scopus or Web of Science and your university accepts it. Always confirm with your supervisor and review the journal scope, editorial board, and recent publications before submission.

Was MDPI listed as a predatory publisher?

MDPI has a contested history but is not currently classified as predatory. For a full, evidence-based assessment, see our Is MDPI Reliable? guide.

✓ Reviewed by Katherine Alexander, PhD, UK Academic Editor at Premier Dissertations ✓ Updated August 2026 ✓ Trusted by 15,000+ UK and international students/researchers ✓ Ethical academic support since 2010