Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) review

Who Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) is for

• Students studying course material.
• Researchers and analysts working from a fixed set of documents.
• Anyone who wants answers that stay inside their own sources.

Maybe not for you: If you need fresh information from the open web, Perplexity is the better start.

Key features

• Answers grounded in the sources you add to a notebook.
• Audio Overviews and Video Overviews of your material.
• Reports, flashcards, infographics and slide decks.
• Higher notebook and source limits on paid Google AI plans.

Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) pricing (as of October 2026)

• Free with a Google account: up to 100 notebooks and 50 sources per notebook
• Higher limits come with Google AI Plus, Pro and Ultra plans, or Google Workspace
• Upgrade prices: see pricing on site

Google says your data is not used for training unless you choose to give feedback.

Prices checked against the official pricing page in October 2026. Plans change often, so confirm on the maker's site before you buy.

Pros

• Stays grounded in your sources, which reduces made-up answers.
• Audio and Video Overviews make material easier to absorb.
• Generous free plan.

Cons

• Only as good as the sources you add.
• Not built for open-web research.
• Higher limits require a separate Google AI subscription.

Best Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) alternatives

• Perplexity: Best for sourced answers from the web.
• ChatGPT deep research: Best for long reports on new topics.
• Claude: Best for writing up what you learned.

How Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) ranks on Pickd

Gemini Notebook ranks #3 for research: the best for studying your own material, while Perplexity and ChatGPT deep research cover open-web research.

Rankings are editorial and no one pays for a spot. Read how we pick.