Free, open-source alternatives to NotebookLM
Google's AI notebook for your own documents. 3 apps you can run yourself instead of NotebookLM, sorted by how well they replace it. Each one is open source, so your data stays with you.
KhojBest match
Your AI second brain. Get answers from the web or your docs. Build custom agents, schedule automations, do deep research. Turn any online or local LLM into your personal, autonomous AI.
AnythingLLM
All-in-one desktop & Docker AI application with built-in RAG, AI agents, No-code agent builder, MCP compatibility, and more.
Onyx Community Edition
Chat UI that works with any LLM. It comes loaded with advanced features like agents, web search, RAG, MCP, deep research, Connectors to 40+ knowledge sources, and more.
Side by side
| App | Stars | License | Activity | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khoj | 37,664 | AGPL-3.0 | Python, Docker | |
| AnythingLLM | 66,995 | MIT | Node.js, Docker | |
| Onyx Community Edition | 32,427 | MIT | Docker, Kubernetes |
Why replace NotebookLM?
NotebookLM works, but your data lives in someone else's account, the price can change at any time, and features can disappear. An open-source app you run yourself is yours: you choose where it runs, who can see the data, and when to update.
Questions
What is the best free alternative to NotebookLM?
Khoj is the closest open-source replacement for NotebookLM in our list. AnythingLLM and Onyx Community Edition are worth a look too, depending on what you need.
Can I self-host an alternative to NotebookLM?
Yes. All 3 apps on this page are open source and can run on your own server, usually with Docker, or on a managed host that installs them for you.