Google’s NotebookLM has been making waves as a personal AI research assistant, and its Plus version has recently become more accessible through Google’s One AI Premium subscription. But is it worth the $20 monthly fee? I’ve tested both the free and paid versions to help you decide. Let’s dive into the details.
What Is NotebookLM?
NotebookLM is Google’s AI-powered research assistant designed to streamline how you interact with documents. The process is simple: you create a “notebook,” upload your sources (PDFs, Google Docs, or webpages), and ask questions. The AI pulls insights directly from your uploaded materials.
Real-World Example: Imagine buying a new car and needing to consult the 300-page manual. Instead of flipping through pages, upload the manual to NotebookLM. Ask, “How do I enable automatic folding mirrors?” and get the answer in seconds. It’s a game-changer for productivity and research.
NotebookLM goes beyond simple Q&A. It can summarize documents, generate study notes, and even create podcasts based on your sources. It’s like having a personal researcher at your fingertips.
Free vs. Plus: What’s the Difference?
The basic version of NotebookLM is free for anyone with a Google account. However, the Plus version, included in Google’s One AI Premium subscription, offers enhanced features:
- More Notebooks and Sources: Up to 500 notebooks (vs. 100 for free) and 300 sources per notebook (vs. 50 for free).
- Higher Daily Limits: 500 chat queries and 20 audio generations daily (vs. 50 queries and 3 audio generations for free).
- Customizable Responses: Choose between Guide (conversational) or Analyst (direct) styles, or create your own.
- Adjustable Output Length: Opt for shorter or longer responses depending on your needs.
- Shareable Notebooks: Share “Chat-only” notebooks without giving access to the original sources.
For most users, the free version’s limits are generous enough. Unless you’re handling extensive research with hundreds of sources, you might not need the Plus version.
Is NotebookLM Plus Worth It?
The answer depends on your use case:
- For Casual Users: If you’re using NotebookLM for personal projects or occasional research, the free version is more than sufficient. Its limits are unlikely to hinder your workflow.
- For Power Users: If you’re managing multiple projects with extensive documentation—think academic researchers, business analysts, or avid learners—the Plus version’s higher limits and customizable features could be worth the investment.
- For Google Ecosystem Enthusiasts: The One AI Premium subscription includes not only NotebookLM Plus but also Gemini Advanced (Google’s advanced AI assistant) and 2TB of cloud storage. If you’re already using these tools, the subscription becomes a no-brainer.
My Personal Experience
As someone who regularly uses NotebookLM for personal and professional tasks, I’ve found the free version meets my needs. I’ve uploaded documents related to my apartment purchase, appliance manuals, and project notes without hitting the limits.
That said, the Plus features do add value. The customizable response styles (Guide and Analyst) are particularly useful, allowing me to tailor answers to the context. For example, the Guide style is great for explaining complex topics in simple terms, while the Analyst style is perfect for concise, data-driven insights.
However, I wouldn’t subscribe to One AI Premium solely for NotebookLM Plus. The real value lies in the bundle—Gemini Advanced and 2TB of cloud storage make the $20 monthly fee worthwhile.
Should You Upgrade?
Here’s the bottom line:
- Upgrade if: You’re a heavy user of Google’s AI tools, need extensive cloud storage, or require the enhanced features of NotebookLM Plus.
- Stick with the free version if: You’re a casual user or only need basic research assistance.
Before committing, take advantage of the free trial to test the Plus features and see if they align with your needs.
Final Verdict
Google’s NotebookLM is a powerful tool for anyone who regularly works with documents or needs quick, AI-driven insights. While the Plus version offers valuable upgrades, the free version is more than adequate for most users.
The real value of the One AI Premium subscription lies in the bundle—NotebookLM Plus, Gemini Advanced, and 2TB of cloud storage. If you’re already invested in the Google ecosystem, it’s a worthwhile investment. Otherwise, the free version of NotebookLM will likely serve you just fine.
What’s your experience with NotebookLM? Let us know in the comments below!
Mitja Rutnik
