REVIEWER

In the IEEE ecosystem, journals are typically categorized as Hybrid, Fully Open Access, or Subscription-only. For authors looking for APC-free options, the best route is to submit to Hybrid Journals and choose the "Traditional" (Subscription-based) publishing model rather than Open Access.

Under the traditional model, you do not pay an Article Processing Charge (APC). However, be aware of "Overlength Page Charges" (fees for papers exceeding the standard page limit, usually 10–12 pages).

Here are the prominent IEEE journals in Computing and AI that offer a zero-APC (traditional) publishing route:

1. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

• IEEE Transactions on Artificial Intelligence (TAI): Covers all theories and methodologies of AI.

• IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence (TPAMI): One of the highest-impact journals in computer vision and machine learning.

• IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems (TNNLS): Focuses on neural networks and related learning systems.

• IEEE Transactions on Affective Computing (T-AFFC): Disseminates research on systems that recognize and interpret human emotions.

• IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems (TFS): Theory and application of fuzzy systems.

• IEEE Transactions on Evolutionary Computation (TEVC): Focuses on evolutionary algorithms and computation.

2. Core Computing & Data Science

• IEEE Transactions on Computers (TC): The flagship journal for computer architecture, hardware, and design.

• IEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems (TPDS): Covers parallel processing and distributed computing.

• IEEE Transactions on Knowledge and Data Engineering (TKDE): Focuses on data mining, database management, and knowledge-based systems.

• IEEE Transactions on Big Data (TBD): Research on big data analytics, infrastructure, and management.

• IEEE Transactions on Cloud Computing (TCC): Covers all aspects of cloud services and architecture.

• IEEE Transactions on Services Computing (TSC): Focuses on service-oriented architecture and cloud service engineering.

3. Robotics, IoT, & Intelligent Systems

• IEEE Transactions on Robotics (T-RO): High-impact research in robotics theory and application.

• IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters (RA-L): Fast-track journal for brief, innovative robotics research.

• IEEE Internet of Things Journal (IoT-J): Focuses on IoT architecture, protocols, and data analytics.

• IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Vehicles (T-IV): AI applications in autonomous and connected vehicles.

• IEEE Transactions on Cognitive and Developmental Systems (TCDS): Research on cognitive systems and biologically-inspired AI.

4. Surveys and Magazines (No APC for Traditional)

• IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials: Extremely high impact; publishes comprehensive tutorials and surveys.

• IEEE Computer Magazine: Monthly publication covering the latest trends in hardware and software.

• IEEE Intelligent Systems: Focuses on the "current" and "future" of AI applications.

Important Tips for APC-Free Publishing:

1. Select the Traditional Model: During the submission and post-acceptance stage (Rightslink/Author Gateway), ensure you select the Subscription/Traditional route. Do not select the Creative Commons (CC-BY) license unless you intend to pay the APC.

2. Check Page Limits: Most IEEE Transactions are free for the first 10 to 12 pages. After that, they charge roughly $110 to $200 per extra page.

3. Avoid "Open" Journals: Journals with "Open Journal of..." in the title (e.g., IEEE Open Journal of the Computer Society) are Fully Open Access and always require an APC.

4. IEEE Society Membership: Being a member of a specific society (like the IEEE Computer Society) often provides a 20% discount if you do decide to opt for Open Access later.