Perplexity vs NotebookLM
Compare Perplexity and NotebookLM: free credits, features, and ratings. Which one is right for you?
Category
LLM
LLM
Rating
β 3.5
β 5
Free Credits
0 undefined
999999 unlimited
Refresh Period
daily
unlimited
Resolution
N/A
N/A
Watermark
No
No
Commercial Use
No
Yes
Paid From
$20/month
Completely free
Perplexity
AI search engine: search + read + summarize in one step. Free tier with limited daily Pro searches, unlimited basic search. Pro $20/mo. Best source transparency.
Pros
- βBest source transparency
- βGreat academic search
- βClean smooth interface
- βFree tier enough for daily use
Cons
- βChinese content index weaker than local tools
- βLimited free Pro searches
- βChinese answers less natural
Key Features
AI search + summarizeSource citationsFollow-up questionsFile upload analysisImage generationAcademic search
NotebookLM
Google's AI research tool, completely free. Up to 50 sources per notebook, auto-generates podcasts, video overviews, reports. Most underrated free AI tool of 2026.
Pros
- βCompletely free no limits
- βUnique podcast generation
- βAnswers based on source material
- βGoogle ecosystem integration
Cons
- βRequires Google account
- βMay need VPN in China
- βPodcasts currently English only
Key Features
Document analysis and Q&AAuto podcast generationAuto video overviewReport generationMind maps50 sources per notebook