Gemini Notebook (NotebookLM) review

Gemini Notebook is the new name for NotebookLM, and it works differently from the search tools above. Instead of finding papers for you, it reads the ones you already have. You upload PDFs, notes or class materials, and every answer is grounded in those sources. The free plan allows up to 50 sources per notebook and standard limits on chat and on generated outputs such as Audio Overviews, Slides, Mind Maps, Flashcards and Reports. Source Discovery and Deep Research can bring new material into a notebook when you need it. Google AI Plus doubles the usage limits and raises the source cap to 100, Pro to 300 and Ultra to 600. Google says individual data is not used for training unless you share feedback. The limits are that it has no scholarly citation index and no reference manager exports, and paid plans are sold only in some regions. For understanding a reading list, it is the best study tool here.

Who it is for

Students who want to study and summarize their own readings, notes and papers with answers tied to those sources.

Price

Free plan; paid tiers through Google AI Plus, Pro and Ultra. See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Answers grounded in the sources you add, up to 50 per notebook on the free plan
• Audio Overviews, Video Overviews, Slides, Mind Maps and Flashcards
• Source Discovery and Deep Research to find new material
• Reports that synthesize many sources
• Higher source limits on Google AI plans: 100, 300 or 600 per notebook

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Responses stay grounded in the material you provide
• Strength: Free plan is generous for coursework
• Strength: Turns readings into audio and flashcards for study
• Weakness: It does not search a dedicated academic paper index
• Weakness: Google AI Plus, Pro and Ultra are only sold in some regions
• Weakness: USD prices for paid plans were not confirmed for this list

Key facts

• Free plan: Yes, up to 50 sources per notebook
• Paid tiers: Google AI Plus, Pro, Ultra
• Formerly: NotebookLM

Where it ranks

Gemini Notebook (NotebookLM) is No. 3 in our Best AI Research Assistants verdict.