Key takeaways
- Journal quality varies within each publisher—evaluate individual titles, not the publisher name.
- Acceptance rates range from 5% at top journals to 40%+ at specialised titles.
- Open access article processing charges differ widely between Elsevier and Springer journals.
Choosing between Elsevier and Springer journals is really a question of choosing the right individual journal for your paper. Both publishers maintain portfolios spanning low to very high impact titles. This comparison helps you evaluate quality, reach, and practical submission factors.
Quality and reach
- Elsevier: dominant in life sciences, medicine, engineering, and social sciences.
- Springer: strong in computer science, mathematics, physics, and chemistry.
- Both index top journals in Scopus and Web of Science.
- Nature portfolio (Springer Nature) includes the highest-impact multidisciplinary journals.
Acceptance rates and review time
Acceptance rates are journal-specific. Lancet and Nature reject 90%+ of submissions. Field-specific Elsevier and Springer journals may accept 25–40%. Check Scimago or journal websites for average review duration.
Open access and costs
APCs range from $500 to $5,000+ depending on journal. Some institutions have read-and-publish agreements covering APCs. Verify whether your university has Elsevier or Springer transformative agreements before paying personally.