Google’s NotebookLM is a brilliant AI note-taking software powered by Gemini 2.5, which excels at summarizing paperwork. Nonetheless, it nonetheless has limitations in software use, like supply caps, cloud dependence, and the latest “Uncover” characteristic, which has restricted contextual understanding. Therefore, we convey you this checklist of among the greatest AI note-taking apps and free alternate options to NotebookLM, that supply extra flexibility, collaboration, or offline help. On this information, we’ll discover the highest NotebookLM alternate options and discover out which of them work greatest for various workflows.
What Ought to You Search for in a NotebookLM Various?
NotebookLM gives a novel combination of AI and observe administration, but it surely’s nonetheless evolving and has some limitations, like restricted file help. So, when choosing a note-taking software program different for NotebookLM, we have to contemplate the components that’ll assist us enhance our productiveness and in addition arrange our notes higher. Listed below are among the options we should contemplate earlier than choosing an alternate:
- Ease of Use: Choosing a note-taking software program that’s straightforward to make use of and intuitive will assist in finishing the duty with effectivity whereas spending restricted time.
- AI Capabilities and Integrations: Search for instruments that supply significant help like auto-summarization, Q&A, voice transcription, and so forth. Whereas supporting the sync talents with calendars, e-mail, and cloud drives, so your notes can seize every part.
- Observe Group: It must also have options like tagging, tagging, databases, backlinks, or graph views that can assist to construction the consumer’s info.
- Search and Discovery: Having a robust search, filter, or “join the dots” characteristic will assist in retrieving the knowledge sooner and even present surface-level notes robotically.
- Collaboration: Whereas working with a staff, one hav eot search for real-time sharing, commenting, and entry controls.
- Pricing: Pricing is without doubt one of the most essential components when selecting a brand new software.
Additionally Learn: 5 NotebookLM Makes use of that You Should Know
The 7 Finest NotebookLM Alternate options
Utilizing the right note-taking methods helps us enhance our productiveness, arrange conferences effectively, and helps in managing our each day duties. To make this much more environment friendly, on this part, we’ll cowl the 7 greatest free alternate options for NotebookLM.
1. ClickUp
ClickUp is an all-in-one work platform that mixes notes, duties, docs, wikis, whiteboards, and extra in a single interface. Its Docs characteristic enables you to write and format paperwork that combine along with your tasks and duties. ClickUp’s “Mind” AI assistant can summarize content material, draft duties, or reply questions primarily based on the venture information.
For instance, ClickUp can immediately generate a venture standing abstract or extract motion gadgets from assembly notes. It helps many views like checklist, board, calendar, timeline, and deep customization with customized fields, automations, and 40+ integrations.
Splendid For:
- Groups and project-driven customers who need notes tightly linked to duties and plans.
- ClickUp shines for venture administration and collaboration, not simply solitary note-taking. It’s sturdy hierarchy scales from solo use to enterprise-level wants.
Execs:
- Extraordinarily feature-rich and versatile (almost every part is configurable)
- Sturdy collaboration instruments (feedback, mentions, real-time modifying)
- Constructed-in AI options (summaries, translations, customized AI fields)
Cons:
- It may be overwhelming for brand new customers
- The interface can take a while
- Cellular apps and offline help are respectable, however not the main focus
Pricing:
- Free Perpetually plan with limitless duties/docs and 100 MB storage
- Professional Plan: ~$7/month
- Enterprise Plan: ~$12/month
Hyperlink: clickup.com
2. Notion
Notion is a flexible workspace that mixes notes, docs, databases, kanban boards, calendars, and extra inside a unified interface. Every part in Notion is sort of a block you can drag and drop. This makes it a versatile software for organizing info. Notion AI can summarize notes, generate textual content, reply questions, and rephrase content material throughout the paperwork. Its highly effective databases and customized properties assist to construct customized observe constructions like a private venture tracker on high of your content material.
Splendid For:
- Notion helps groups and people searching for an all-purpose software. Its system is nice for writing and structuring paperwork.
- It additionally helps real-time collaboration, similar to commenting and sharing. Notion is appropriate for customers who desire a single place for notes and light-weight venture administration.
Execs:
- Stunning, customizable interface
- Wealthy media help.
- Wonderful staff options
- A number of templates
Cons:
- It may be advanced to arrange superior techniques
- AI options require credit or a paid plan
- Offline modifying is restricted
Pricing:
- Free plan for private use
- Plus Plan: $10/month
- Enterprise Plan: $20/month
- Notion AI is a paid add-on to greater plans
Hyperlink: notion.com
3. Evernote
Evernote is a note-taking app identified for capturing something associated to textual content notes, net clippings, paperwork, audio, and PDFs. It options sturdy search, together with handwriting and OCR. Additionally, its AI characteristic consists of search and writing assistant to summarize and increase your notes. Evernote’s interface is less complicated than ClickUp’s, specializing in notebooks, notes, and a strong tagging system for group.
Splendid For:
- College students, professionals, and anybody who continuously saves net articles or PDFs.
- If you need a basic notes app with sturdy search and clipping (e.g., as a analysis library), Evernote is a strong selection.
Execs:
- Mature app with many options (net clipper, templates, highly effective search)
- Cross-platform sync
- Helps attachments and multimedia
Cons:
- Free tier may be very restricted (50 notes, 1 pocket book, 250 MB uploads/month)
- Latest worth hikes on paid plans have upset customers
Pricing:
- Fundamental Free tier: 250 MB uploads/month
- Private Plan: ₹449.00/month
- Skilled Plan: ₹519.00/month
- Enterprise/Groups plans are additionally obtainable
Hyperlink: evernote.com
4. Obsidian
Obsidian is a Markdown-based note-making app that emphasizes personal, native storage and linking. Your whole notes are easy textual content recordsdata, and Obsidian enables you to simply hyperlink between notes to create a private information graph. It gives options like backlinks, graph visualization, and an ever-growing library of group plugins.
Splendid For:
- Data staff and privacy-minded customers who desire a highly effective “second mind.”
- Obsidian fits writers, researchers, and builders who worth deep linking and excessive customizability.
Execs:
- Extraordinarily versatile characteristic consists of themes, plugins, and customized shortcuts
- Works absolutely offline
- Giant, energetic group with plugin help
Cons:
- Barebones out of the field requires plugins for options like calendar or process administration
- Restricted multi-user collaboration will be managed through shared vaults or Git sync
Pricing:
- Free for private use- Paid providers like Obsidian Sync can be found.
- Optionally available Catalyst license ($25) for AI options and early entry.
Hyperlink: obsidian.md
5. Tana
Tana is an rising graph app with built-in AI, and notes in Tana are hierarchical “nodes” that may be tagged to show them into duties, tasks, paperwork, and so forth. It additionally has a wise feed and queries that use floor info with out looking. Additionally, Tana helps stay assembly transcripts and computerized motion gadgets “Assembly Agent”, which leverages AI to organise the conversations.
Splendid For:
- Customers who desire a next-gen, graph-based note-taking system with AI smarts.
- Tana appeals to energy customers who must seize concepts rapidly and switch them into structured duties or paperwork.
Execs:
- Extraordinarily highly effective group
- Extraordinarily highly effective group
- Extremely versatile and adaptable to advanced workflows
Cons:
- UI and options are evolving
- Not absolutely free past trials
Pricing:
- Trial entry is free
- Professional Plan: $8/month
- Greater Professional Plan: $14/mon
Hyperlink: tana.inc
6. Saner.AI
Saner.AI manufacturers itself as an AI assistant designed to assist arrange notes, emails, and duties. It focuses on simplicity and retrieval, so you’ll be able to rapidly write down or import notes after which ask AI to seek out insights, summaries, and even create duties for them. Saner robotically suggests tags, exhibits associated previous notes, and in addition suggests what’s essential with minimal guide organizing.
Splendid For:
- People searching for an easy, AI-driven observe/process app
- Nice for customers preferring querying notes conversationally as a substitute of organizing manually.
Execs:
- Clear, easy interface
- Constructed-in AI search and summarization
- Auto-tagging and related-note recall
Cons:
- Largely cloud-based
- No devoted desktop app
Pricing:
- Free Plan: 30 AI messages/month, 100 notes, PDF help as much as 1 MB/file
- Starter Plan: $8/month
- Normal Plan: $16/month
Hyperlink: saner.ai
7. RemNote
RemNote combines note-making with spaced repetition flashcards for studying. It’s particularly tailor-made ot college students. So you’ll be able to write lecture notes or essential textbooks, then convert them into bullet factors into flashcards proper inside your notes. RemNote additionally gives AI instruments like GPT-powered quizzes and Q&A, automated summaries, and flashcard era from docs.
Splendid For:
- Learners and information builders who wish to retain info
- Particularly useful for medical or language college students centered on memorization
- Stands out for its reminiscence and spaced repetition options
Execs:
- Tight integration of notes with flashcards/quizzes
- Offline-capable
- Helps math, diagrams, and reference linking
Cons:
- The interface will be advanced or overwhelming at first
- Much less helpful in case you don’t use flashcards commonly
Pricing:
- Free Plan: Limitless notes/gadgets, restricted AI credit, primary PDF/picture help
- Professional Plan: ₹333/month
- Professional with AI Plan: ₹1166/month — consists of limitless uploads, extra AI credit, and superior options
Hyperlink: remnote.com
Total Comparision
To decide on the precise different for NotebookLM, we should contemplate our essential objective first. Whether or not it’s managing tasks, capturing concepts, or studying effectively – there’s a totally different different software for it. Right here’s a desk evaluating all of the above instruments that can assist you make your greatest decide.
| Device | Finest For | Key Strengths | Limitations | Pricing (USD) |
| ClickUp | Groups, venture administration + notes | All-in-one duties/docs, sturdy AI | Complicated UI, restricted offline | Free, Professional: $7, Ent: $12 |
| Notion | Private + staff docs/databases | Customizable, nice for writing | Steeper studying curve, AI paid | Free, Plus: $10, AI additional |
| Evernote | Traditional note-taking & net clipping | Mature, nice search/OCR | Value hikes, restricted free plan | Free, Paid from ₹449/mo |
| Obsidian | Personal, native, linked notes | Offline-first, plugin-rich | Not very best for collaboration | Free, Sync/Catalyst elective |
| Tana | AI-first, graph-based workflows | Actual-time AI, highly effective construction | New, evolving interface | Trial, Professional: $8, Prem: $14 |
| Saner.AI | Simplicity & ADHD-friendly workflows | Clear UI, auto-tagging, AI search | Cloud-only, primary options | Free, Starter: $8, Professional: $16 |
| RemNote | College students & spaced repetition learners | Flashcards + notes, AI quiz instruments | Much less helpful with out memorization | Free, Professional: ₹333–₹1166/mo |
Conclusion
NotebookLm launched a brand new approach to take sensible notes, however it isn’t the one possibility. Relying on the duty’s needslike whether or not it’s collaboration, offline entry, or a clear interface. There are various alternate options that we will discover. Ultimately, the precise selection is determined by the consumer’s requirement and your skilled workflow. So, one ought to make the most of the free trials to discover and discover what suits greatest and let your notes work with you.
So, whether or not you’re a working skilled managing advanced tasks, a scholar optimizing reminiscence retention, or somebody on the lookout for a distraction-free AI-assisted workspace, there may be an AI-assisted note-making software designed to reinforce the best way you suppose, plan, and create.
Hi there! I am Vipin, a passionate information science and machine studying fanatic with a powerful basis in information evaluation, machine studying algorithms, and programming. I’ve hands-on expertise in constructing fashions, managing messy information, and fixing real-world issues. My objective is to use data-driven insights to create sensible options that drive outcomes. I am wanting to contribute my expertise in a collaborative atmosphere whereas persevering with to be taught and develop within the fields of Information Science, Machine Studying, and NLP.
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