better-vault vs NotebookLM
How better-vault compares with Google NotebookLM (Gemini Notebook) on AI models, privacy, price, features, desktop apps and self-hosting, and when to pick each.
better-vault is an open-source alternative to Google NotebookLM, which Google renamed Gemini Notebook in 2026. Both let you chat with your sources with citations and turn them into study material. They differ in who runs the model, where your data lives and what you can change.
At a glance
| better-vault | NotebookLM (Gemini Notebook) | |
|---|---|---|
| License | Open source (MIT) | Proprietary |
| AI models | OpenAI, Anthropic (Claude), Google (Gemini), Ollama, LM Studio | Google Gemini only |
| Local and offline models | Yes, with Ollama or LM Studio | No |
| Account | None | Google account |
| Where notebooks are stored | Your browser, or a file on your computer in the desktop app | Google's servers |
| Desktop apps | macOS, Windows and Linux | No |
| Self-hosting | Yes, on any Node.js host | No |
| Price | Free; you pay your provider for usage, or nothing with local models | Free tier with limits; paid plans for more |
| Cited chat answers | Yes | Yes |
| Web search in chat | Yes, with the provider's built-in search | Yes (Discover sources, Deep Research) |
| Reports, flashcards, quizzes | Yes | Yes |
| Mind maps | Yes, plus 11 other diagram kinds | Yes |
| Data tables, slide decks, infographics | Yes | Yes |
| Anatomy figures, whiteboard | Yes | No |
| Audio and video overviews | No (out of scope) | Yes |
| Sharing notebooks | Export and import a backup file | Shared and public notebooks |
| Source types | PDF, Markdown, text, web pages | Also Google Docs, Slides and Sheets, YouTube, audio, images and more |
| Mobile apps | Works in mobile browsers | iOS and Android apps |
When should I choose better-vault?
Choose better-vault when you want to use Claude, GPT or a local model instead of Gemini, or when you don't want a third party to store your documents. It needs no account, and you can self-host it for a class, a team or yourself, or change how it works.
It also exports to formats NotebookLM doesn't offer, such as Anki CSV, PowerPoint with speaker notes, Excel and SVG.
When is NotebookLM a better fit?
NotebookLM is the better choice if you want audio or video overviews, or need Google Drive sources, YouTube links or shared notebooks today. It also suits people who prefer a hosted service with no API key to manage.
Notes, a notebook guide and more source types are on better-vault's roadmap.
Whiteboard
A hand-drawn style board in better-vault for your own diagrams, or for drawing over a mind map, Anatomy figure or infographic. It needs no model and no sources.
FAQ
Answers to common questions about better-vault, the open-source NotebookLM alternative: its price, AI models, local AI, data storage, the desktop app and more.