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Is NotebookLM Worth It in 2026? Our Honest Verdict
Recommended
NotebookLM: NotebookLM is one of Google's best AI products.
Rating★ 4.7/5
Starting priceFree
Best forStudents and researchers who want to hav
CategoryOther
Who NotebookLM Is Worth It For
- ✓Students and researchers who want to have AI conversations about their own documents and notes
- ✓Completely free
- ✓Excellent document analysis
- ✓Audio overview is unique
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- ✕Not ideal for users who need general ai chat without document context
- ✕Limited to uploaded documents
- ✕No API available
- ✕Google account required
How NotebookLM Compares
| NotebookLM | Raycast | Soundraw | Suno | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $8/mo (Pro with AI) | $16.99/mo | $10/mo (Pro) |
| Rating | ★ 4.7 | ★ 4.9 | ★ 4.8 | ★ 4.8 |
| Verdict | Recommended | Best Mac Launcher | Recommended | Recommended |
AICores Verdict on NotebookLM
NotebookLM is one of Google's best AI products. The ability to upload documents and have grounded conversations about them is genuinely useful. The audio overview feature is surprisingly engaging. Best of all, it is free.
AICores Editorial Review
Reviewed by AICores Editorial Team
Last updated: May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NotebookLM worth the money?▼
NotebookLM is one of Google's best AI products. The ability to upload documents and have grounded conversations about them is genuinely useful. The audio overview feature is surprisingly engaging.
Is there a free version of NotebookLM?▼
No, NotebookLM does not have a free version. The lowest plan starts at contact for pricing. Some alternatives in this category offer free tiers.
What are the best alternatives to NotebookLM?▼
Raycast, Soundraw, Suno are the top alternatives. Raycast is best for mac developers and power users and has a 4.9 star rating.
Who should NOT use NotebookLM?▼
NotebookLM is not ideal for users who need general ai chat without document context. Common drawbacks include: Limited to uploaded documents. No API available.
Compare NotebookLM head-to-head
See how NotebookLM stacks up against the top alternatives.
NotebookLM vs Raycast→