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Best open-source alternatives to NotebookLM

Turn your sources into answers, notes and podcast-style summaries, on your own computer.

  1. Chat with your documents and make podcasts from them, like NotebookLM
    ★ 41.5kstars
    open-notebook by lfnovo · Free alternative to NotebookLM
    The closest match, including audio overviews
    Some setupSelf-hosted appHealthy
  2. Research and write with a private NotebookLM alternative
    ★ 16.8kstars
    SurfSense by MODSetter · Free alternative to NotebookLM, Perplexity
    Adds web search and app connections
    Some setupSelf-hosted appHealthy
  3. Chat with your documents privately using any AI model
    ★ 67.9kstars
    anything-llm by Mintplex-Labs · Free alternative to ChatPDF, NotebookLM
    Easiest to install as a desktop app
    No codingDesktop appHealthy
  4. Get an AI second brain for your notes and the web
    ★ 38kstars
    khoj by khoj-ai · Free alternative to Perplexity, Notion AI
    A personal AI that searches your notes and the web
    Some setupSelf-hosted appHealthy

Ranked for people new to AI: ease of use first, then quality, upkeep and popularity. Last checked 4 Nov 2026.

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