NotebookLM is a brilliant research tool. Drop in your sources, ask questions, and get cited answers plus an audio overview. StudyPDF is built for the next step: turning that material into rated flashcards, graded practice exams, and tracked progress so you actually pass.
| Feature | StudyPDF | Google NotebookLM |
|---|---|---|
| Trust and grounding | ||
| Answers cited to the source | YesCites the page, second, or website | YesInline citations into your sources |
| Says when it isn't in your material | YesRefuses to guess | YesStays inside your sources |
| Answers cite the exact page or timestamp | YesPage in a PDF, second in a video | PartlyQuotes the passage and opens it in context |
| Your whole course | ||
| One connected map across all files | YesTopics and concepts merged across files | PartlyA notebook of sources, no merged concept graph |
| Tracks what you're weak on | YesPer-concept mastery, what to study next | PartlyFlashcard and quiz results, no mastery map |
| Reads handwritten and photo notes | YesScans, handwriting, and photos read by a vision model | YesPhotos and handwritten notes upload as sources |
| Study tools | ||
| Full graded practice exams | YesSections, timer, pass mark, graded report | NoQuizzes and study guides, not a graded exam |
| Flashcards you rate and review | YesRate Again to Easy, fold-over PDF, Anki export | PartlyGot it / Missed it tracking, CSV download, no Anki deck |
| Quiz with instant feedback and the source | YesExplanation and source after every question | PartlyGenerates quizzes, grounded in your sources |
| Mind map and cheat sheet | YesBoth, built from your course | PartlyMind map yes, cheat sheet via a custom report |
| Inputs, extras and pricing | ||
| Imports YouTube videos | YesTimestamped transcript, cited to the second | PartlyPublic captioned videos, transcript only |
| Exports to Word, PDF, and Anki | YesPDF on every plan, Word and Anki on Pro and Ultra | PartlyReports to Google Docs, flashcards as CSV |
| Free tier | YesFree forever, about 4 materials a week | YesFree with a Google account, Plus adds higher limits |
| Pricing, as of October 2026 | ||
| Free plan | YesFree account, no credit card, no time limit | YesFree with a Google account |
| Free limits | PartlyAbout 4 materials a week, 2 courses | Partly100 notebooks, 50 sources each |
| Paid plans | YesPro about 35 a week, Ultra more | PartlyThrough Google AI plans, check current price |
Yes. The free Standard plan only needs a Google account and, as of October 2026, allows 100 notebooks with 50 sources each. Google now shows the product as Gemini Notebook. StudyPDF is free to start too: a free account, no credit card and no time limit, with about 4 materials a week.
NotebookLM is free with a Google account. The paid plans are not sold on their own: you get higher limits through Google AI Plus, Pro or Ultra, or a qualifying Workspace plan. That means 200 notebooks on Plus and 500 on Pro and Ultra, with up to 600 sources per notebook on the top Ultra plan. Google's plan page lists no prices, so check the current price there. StudyPDF's Free plan costs nothing. Pro and Ultra add a bigger weekly pool of materials.
Yes, if you want to study and be tested, not just read and ask. NotebookLM is a brilliant research tool with cited answers and audio overviews. StudyPDF takes the same material further: rated flashcards, quizzes with feedback, full graded practice exams, mind maps and cheat sheets, exports to Anki and PDF, and per-concept progress tracking so it knows what to drill next.
It writes full graded practice exams with sections, a timer, and a pass mark, lets you rate flashcards and export them to Anki on Pro and Ultra, gives a quiz feedback and the source after every question, tracks per-concept mastery so it knows what to study next, and builds printable cheat sheets.
NotebookLM turns your sources into an audio overview where two AI hosts discuss them like a podcast, and it fits tightly into Google Docs, Slides, and Drive. It is also strong at fast cited research across a big pile of sources. StudyPDF studies the files you upload plus YouTube links.
It is free to start, and the free tier gives you about 4 materials a week. Pro and Ultra add a bigger weekly pool of credits for heavier exam-season use. You only upgrade when you outgrow the free plan.
Upload your course and ask Bo anything. No card required.
