ResearchGate will remain a free platform while +Plus will add additional features that help you build new connections. You must be registered for ResearchGate in order to sign up for +Plus.
See more readers
Provided you have your reader visibility settings enabled, as a +Plus user you will see the profiles of all of your readers who are logged in and also have their visibility settings enabled. Those who don’t fit these criteria will show up on the total reads numbers but you won’t see their individual profiles.
Advanced stats
As a +Plus user you will see advanced stats about your readers, including a breakdown by seniority and discipline. You’ll also get information about how your readers discover your research on ResearchGate (such as through ResearchGate, Google, etc.).
Increased visibility
Provided you have your reader visibility settings enabled, every time you read a publication as a +Plus user your profile will be visible to publication authors, even those who aren’t subscribed to +Plus and can only see a limited number of weekly readers, as long as the authors also have their visibility settings enabled.
Web mentions
As a +Plus user you can see when others mention and link to your research on Twitter and Wikipedia.