Q2 journals without APC are often useful when researchers want recognised indexing and visibility while keeping author costs low. The category covers many different disciplines, publishers, and editorial models.
Do not assume that Q2 means easy or fast. Review time, acceptance criteria, article type, and methodological expectations remain journal-specific.
Quick answer: Q2 journals can offer strong disciplinary visibility and a more realistic target than a prestige-only shortlist, but selectivity still varies widely by journal.
Journal list and current catalog signals
The table presents 12 examples from 265 matching catalog records. SJR, H-index, and quartile refer to the linked SCImago data year in the catalog. Fees and policies must be verified on the official journal website.
| Journal | Quartile | SJR | H-index | Fee | Country | Pre-review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish Journal of Marketing-ESICEmerald Publishing | Q2 | 1.263 | 44 | No APCPublication fee | United Kingdom | Pre-review |
| Journal of Movement DisordersKorean Movement Disorder Society | Q2 | 1.026 | 24 | No APCPublication fee | South Korea | Pre-review |
| Clinical Psychology in EuropePsychOpen GOLD/ Leibniz Institute for Psychology | Q2 | 0.932 | 21 | No APCPublication fee | Germany | Pre-review |
| Brazilian Journal of PsychiatryAssociação Brasileira de Psiquiatria (ABP) | Q2 | 0.863 | 76 | No APCPublication fee | Brazil | Pre-review |
| International Review of Social PsychologyUbiquity Press | Q2 | 0.848 | 32 | No APCPublication fee | United Kingdom | Pre-review |
| Blood ScienceWolters Kluwer Health | Q2 | 0.827 | 16 | No APCPublication fee | United States | Pre-review |
| Medical Principles and PracticeKarger Publishers | Q2 | 0.787 | 70 | No APCPublication fee | Switzerland | Pre-review |
| UltrasonographyKorean Society of Ultrasound in Medicine | Q2 | 0.787 | 47 | No APCPublication fee | South Korea | Pre-review |
| Trends in Psychiatry and PsychotherapyAssociação de Psiquiatria do Rio Grande do Sul | Q2 | 0.776 | 34 | No APCPublication fee | Brazil | Pre-review |
| Pathogens and ImmunityCase Western Reserve University | Q2 | 0.753 | 26 | No APCPublication fee | United States | Pre-review |
| Balkan Medical JournalTrakya University | Q2 | 0.746 | 35 | No APCPublication fee | Türkiye | Pre-review |
| Transactions on Machine Learning ResearchJournal of Machine Learning Research Inc. | Q2 | 0.744 | 41 | No APCPublication fee | United States | Pre-review |
Data note: The catalog only labels a journal no APC when a zero-fee record is present; unknown fees are not included as free. Search the complete Journal Finder.
How to choose from this list
Start with scope precision
Specialist Q2 journals can be a stronger destination than a broader higher-ranked journal when the audience fit is exact.
Verify the no-fee route
Check whether no APC applies to the selected publication route and whether optional open access changes the cost.
Read author instructions early
Word limits, anonymisation, data statements, figure formats, and reporting checklists can affect preparation time.
Use metrics comparatively
SJR and H-index provide context, but recent article relevance is often the better submission signal.
Check the manuscript against the journal you selected
PapeReview evaluates clarity, methods, evidence, contribution, limitations, and journal-target fit before you enter the publisher submission system.
Frequently asked questions
Is Q2 acceptable for academic promotion?
Requirements vary by institution, funder, country, and discipline. Check your applicable policy.
Can a Q2 journal later become Q1 or Q3?
Yes. Quartiles are recalculated by category and year.
Should I submit directly from this list?
Use the list to shortlist, verify the official journal information, and review the manuscript against the selected target first.
Sources and verification
PapeReview combines catalog fields from journal and publisher records with DOAJ and SCImagoJR-linked information. These services answer different questions: DOAJ focuses on open-access journal records, while SCImagoJR presents Scopus-based citation indicators. PapeReview adds filtering and a manuscript pre-review workflow but does not replace official publisher verification.