What is NotebookLM?
Google's NotebookLM lets you upload notes and PDFs and get grounded summaries, Q&A and even an audio overview — a free study superpower.
NotebookLM is one of the best free study tools available. You upload your own notes, PDFs or slides, and it answers questions and builds summaries grounded only in those sources, with citations back to the page — plus an audio overview you can listen to while commuting.
Grounding cuts both ways: it will not go beyond what you upload, so a thin set of sources produces thin answers, and it is not the tool for open-ended questions about the wider world.
For general questions beyond your own material, Gemini or ChatGPT. For research across the web with visible sources, Perplexity.
Pros
- Free
- Great for students
- Audio overviews of your notes
Cons
- Works best with your own sources
Frequently asked questions
What is NotebookLM?
Turn your notes & PDFs into summaries and audio.
Is NotebookLM free?
Yes, NotebookLM is completely free to use.
What are alternatives to NotebookLM?
Check our AI tools directory for alternatives to NotebookLM.
What platforms does NotebookLM support?
NotebookLM is available on Web.