Open-source alternatives to NotebookLM
Looking to replace NotebookLM with something free and open-source? These 8 tools are the best open alternatives in 2026 — most are self-hostable, so you keep full control of your data and pay no subscription.
At a glance: how they compare
Click a column to sort — the best one depends on what matters to you.
| Alternative | Stars | Language | License | Last commit | In one line |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SurfSense | ★ 16k | Python | — | 13 days ago | Research workspace over the live web and your own sources. |
| Podcastfy | ★ 6.5k | Python | Apache-2.0 | 4 months ago | Turns any content into a two-voice podcast, like the NotebookLM feature. |
| Open Notebook | ★ 37.9k | TypeScript | MIT | 26 days ago | Self-hosted NotebookLM-style research assistant, podcasts included. |
| Khoj | ★ 36.8k | Python | AGPL-3.0 | 1 months ago | Personal AI that searches and chats over your notes and documents. |
| AnythingLLM | ★ 65.4k | JavaScript | MIT | 14 days ago | Chat with your documents using local or cloud models. |
| PageLM | — | — | — | — | PageLM is a community driven version of NotebookLM & a education platform that transforms study materials into interactive resources like quizzes, flashcards, notes, and podcasts. |
| KnowNote | — | — | GPL-3.0 | — | A local-first AI knowledge base & NotebookLM alternative built with Electron. More convenient, more lightweight, and understands you better! |
| insights-lm-public | — | — | MIT | — | Open-source, self-hosted alternative to NotebookLM. Chat with your documents, generate audio summaries, and ground AI in your own sources—built with Supabase and N8N on a React frontend. |
Which one should you pick?
SurfSense
Research workspace over the live web and your own sources. Because it is self-hostable, your data can stay entirely on your own infrastructure.
Podcastfy
Turns any content into a two-voice podcast, like the NotebookLM feature. Its Apache-2.0 license is permissive — free to use commercially, embed and modify. Because it is self-hostable, your data can stay entirely on your own infrastructure.
Open Notebook
Self-hosted NotebookLM-style research assistant, podcasts included. Its MIT license is permissive — free to use commercially, embed and modify. Because it is self-hostable, your data can stay entirely on your own infrastructure.
Khoj
Personal AI that searches and chats over your notes and documents. Its AGPL-3.0 license keeps the project and its forks open-source forever, and commercial use is allowed. Because it is self-hostable, your data can stay entirely on your own infrastructure.
AnythingLLM
Chat with your documents using local or cloud models. Its MIT license is permissive — free to use commercially, embed and modify. Because it is self-hostable, your data can stay entirely on your own infrastructure.
PageLM
PageLM is a community driven version of NotebookLM & a education platform that transforms study materials into interactive resources like quizzes, flashcards, notes, and podcasts. Because it is self-hostable, your data can stay entirely on your own infrastructure.
KnowNote
A local-first AI knowledge base & NotebookLM alternative built with Electron. More convenient, more lightweight, and understands you better! Its GPL-3.0 license keeps the project and its forks open-source forever, and commercial use is allowed. Because it is self-hostable, your data can stay entirely on your own infrastructure.
insights-lm-public
Open-source, self-hosted alternative to NotebookLM. Chat with your documents, generate audio summaries, and ground AI in your own sources—built with Supabase and N8N on a React frontend. Its MIT license is permissive — free to use commercially, embed and modify. Because it is self-hostable, your data can stay entirely on your own infrastructure.
Switching from NotebookLM without the drama
- Export your data from NotebookLM first — most tools above can import standard formats.
- Run your top pick in parallel for a week or two before committing; self-hosted options can be tried locally in minutes.
- Migrate one team or one project at a time, keeping the old account read-only until everything checks out.
FAQ
What is the best open-source alternative to NotebookLM?
The top open-source alternative is SurfSense — Research workspace over the live web and your own sources. The full ranked list is above.
Are these NotebookLM alternatives free?
Yes. Every tool listed is open-source and free to use; most can be self-hosted so you keep full control of your data.
Can I self-host an alternative to NotebookLM?
Most of these tools are designed to run on your own server or machine, giving you privacy and no subscription fees.
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