What is Open Notebook?
Open Notebook is an open-source, AI-powered note-taking and research platform. It is positioned as a cognitive partner for learning, with privacy controls that let you decide what information AI can access and which AI models you want to use. The site describes it as released under the MIT License.
In practice you can import content such as links, PDFs, TXT and PPT files and YouTube videos, then use AI to summarize notes and generate insights. The page highlights a podcast generator that turns your notes into podcasts with customizable voices, speakers and episodes. The developers say the first release is a step toward a personal assistant that helps build your skills and knowledge.
Key features
- AI-powered note summarization and insights
- Podcast generator with customizable voices and speakers
- Privacy controls over what AI can access
- Content import from links, PDFs, TXT, PPT and YouTube
- Choice of AI models
- Open-source under MIT License
Who is it for
- researchers
- students
- professionals
- self-taught learners
Pros and cons
- Full control over what AI can access and which models are used
- Open-source under the MIT License
- Supports many content types including YouTube and PDFs
- Described as a first release and still in beta testing
Open Notebook pricing
The vendor does not publish prices in a readable form (often pricing is shown only after signing in).
Is Open Notebook free?
The vendor does not state this clearly on the homepage or pricing page.
Open Notebook alternatives
| Tool | Price from | Free plan | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
 Recall | 10 USD/mo | yes | Productivity & notes |
 NotebookLM | 23,99 PLN/mo | ? | Research & science |
 Readwise Reader | 5.59 USD/mo | trial | Productivity & notes |
 Granola | 14 USD/mo | yes | Productivity & notes |
 Notion | 9.50 EUR/mo | trial | Productivity & notes |
 MindMap AI | 3.99 USD/mo | yes | Productivity & notes |
All alternatives to Open Notebook →
FAQ
What is Open Notebook used for?
Open-source, AI-powered note-taking and research platform that lets you summarize notes, generate podcasts and control privacy over AI access.
Is Open Notebook free?
The vendor does not state this clearly on the homepage or pricing page.
How much does Open Notebook cost?
The vendor does not publish prices publicly or requires sign-in.
What are the best Open Notebook alternatives?
Closest alternatives: Recall, NotebookLM, Readwise Reader, Granola, Notion.
Data checked October 12, 2026 on the vendor website (open-notebook.ai).