Last reviewed on October 3, 2026.
Relativity (founded in 2001 as kCura, Chicago) is the long-established platform, used directly by law firms and corporations and through a large network of service providers. Everlaw (founded 2010, Oakland) is cloud-only and sells mainly direct. Both now offer generative-AI review tools, and both are credible for large, complex matters.
At a glance
| Everlaw | Relativity | |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Cloud only (SaaS) | RelativityOne (cloud) and Relativity Server (self-hosted) |
| How it is bought | Mostly direct from Everlaw | Direct, or through many certified partners and service providers |
| Classic analytics | Predictive coding, clustering, search term reports | Active learning, clustering, email threading, conceptual analytics |
| Generative AI | Everlaw AI Assistant (review, summaries, drafting) | Relativity aiR (aiR for Review, aiR for Privilege, and related tools) |
| Case building | Storybuilder (timelines, deposition prep, drafts) | Case dynamics and fact management via apps and partners |
| Customisation | Opinionated, consistent UI | Highly extensible; large app and integration ecosystem |
| Pricing model | Quote-based; typically tied to data volume | Quote-based; typically tied to data volume, set by Relativity or the partner |
Choose Everlaw if
- You want a cloud-only platform that reviewers can learn quickly and that looks the same on every matter.
- Your team builds the case narrative inside the review tool (Storybuilder, timelines, deposition prep).
- You prefer buying direct rather than through a service provider.
Choose Relativity if
- You need self-hosting (Relativity Server) or want a choice of hosting partners.
- You rely on a service provider that already runs Relativity and staffs reviewers trained on it.
- You need deep customisation, scripting or third-party apps for unusual matters or regulators.
AI review: what to test
Both vendors market generative-AI review that suggests relevance or privilege calls with explanations. Treat these as you would technology-assisted review: agree the protocol with opposing counsel where needed, validate with statistical sampling, and document decisions. Our guide to AI document review in eDiscovery explains TAR 1.0, continuous active learning and generative-AI review and how to validate each.
About pricing. We do not publish price figures for these products. Both vendors quote on a case-by-case basis or change list prices often, and what you pay depends on seats, data volume, modules and contract term. Ask each vendor for a written quote on the same scope.
Bottom line
Neither platform is a universal winner. Everlaw tends to appeal to teams that value a consistent, modern cloud experience and buy direct; Relativity tends to appeal to organisations that need flexibility, self-hosting options or a partner ecosystem. Run a pilot on the same real data set in both, measure reviewer throughput and accuracy, and compare total cost including hosting, processing, user licences and AI usage. See also our eDiscovery platform selection guide and reviews of DISCO and Exterro.
Frequently asked questions
Is Everlaw cheaper than Relativity?
There is no reliable public answer. Both quote individually, usually based on data volume plus users and AI usage, and Relativity pricing also depends on the hosting partner. Get quotes for the same matter profile.
Can Relativity be self-hosted?
Yes. Relativity Server is the self-hosted version; RelativityOne is the cloud version. Everlaw is cloud-only.
Do Everlaw and Relativity have generative AI?
Yes. Everlaw offers the Everlaw AI Assistant, and Relativity offers its aiR family of tools for review and privilege. Validate results with sampling before relying on them.