NotebookLM vs. OneNote: Which Note-Taking App is Better?

Where do you note down your 3 a.m. ideas? The brainstorming frenzy with your team? How do you un-scramble your thoughts into a cohesive strategy?

Whether you’re recapping a meeting, creating a strategy, or saving that must-read article, a note-taking app will detangle your messy yarn.

In this post, we’ll compare two popular note-taking apps, NotebookLM vs. OneNote, breaking down their features to help you decide the best note-taking tool for your needs.

Plus, you’ll want to stick around for ’s bonus, free alternative AI tool that enhances note-taking.

What Is NotebookLM?

NotebookLM is a Google Gemini AI-powered app designed as a personal AI research assistant. It helps users interact with their documents by generating summaries, explanations, and answers based on uploaded content. 

This app lets you gather all your essential info in one place, creating a central ‘notebook’ where you can pull data from sources like Google Drive docs, articles from any URL, YouTube videos, PDFs, and even MP3 audio clips.

Add your research to NotebookLM—class notes, research papers, instructional videos from YouTube, and recorded audio from past lectures—and it will create a Harvard-grade class for you.

The best part? AI doesn’t take the driver’s seat! You do.

NotebookLM features

NotebookLM comprises tools that make understanding, analyzing, and creating content effortless. From the ease of uploading sources to the speed of generating customized outputs, here’s how it stands out:

Feature #1: Personalized knowledge base

NotebookLM is powered by Google’s language model, Gemini 1.5 Pro, which can handle an impressive two million tokens of context. This large language model can sift through hundreds of pages of text to generate new content, such as briefing docs, timelines, and study guides.

What makes NotebookLM great is its approach to AI-generated content: it pulls information exclusively from the material you upload, making it as reliable and grounded as possible. The AI can even process handwritten notes, making it versatile enough for just about any source.

Upload data from a variety of sources, including a Google Doc, YouTube video, PDF, links, and more. These sources are organized into notebooks, so everything you need for a specific project or topic stays in one place, making it an ideal knowledge management system.

Feature #2: Chat your way to deeper insights

Yes, you can talk to Google NotebookLM. If you have questions about your uploaded material, it will research your sources to give you tailored answers. The AI connects directly to your content, so you don’t get generic responses—it’s always grounded in the base you’ve provided.

You can even tell it to focus on specific sources, making its responses more precise. 

It provides a bulletin-board-style interface, allowing you to pin AI-generated content and your notes. This makes it super easy to keep everything organized and at your fingertips rather than endlessly scrolling through a chat interface.

Feature #3: Transform content into usable formats

Have you ever stared at a pile of notes and wondered how to make sense of it all? NotebookLM has your back. The Audio Overview feature in NotebookLM is like having your own podcast where your notes and sources come to life through a dynamic conversation between two AI hosts. 

This isn’t just a dry, text-to-speech narration—these AI voices are engaging and emulate a real human discussion. The AI doesn’t just read facts; it adds emotion—surprise, curiosity, even frustration—as the hosts debate and discuss complex topics.

As the conversation unfolds, you’ll notice the AI voices are responding to each other, offering affirmations, questioning points, and even laughing awkwardly when needed. These little moments, like the “mm-hmm’s” and “oh, yes’s,” make it feel like a genuine conversation, not a robotic recitation.

Feature #4: Integrate Seamlessly Into Your Workflow

NotebookLM is built to work with you. It integrates with other tools you already use, like Google Docs, so you can move seamlessly between planning and executing.

Export insights or drafts directly to edit, share, or finalize your work. Assume you’ve just wrapped up brainstorming for a marketing campaign. NotebookLM organizes the notes and creates an actionable draft you can share with your team immediately.

NotebookLM pricing

• NotebookLM: Free
• NotebookLM Plus: Free with a Google Workspace subscription
• NotebookLM Plus for enterprise: Available via Google Cloud (If given access by Cloud administrator)

What Is OneNote?

Ever wish your trusty old notebook could do more—like magically organize itself, fit endless pages, and handle everything from doodles to detailed plans?

Meet Microsoft OneNote, your digital notebook on steroids.

Think of it as a physical notebook’s cooler, tech-savvy sibling. It’s built to collect your genius ideas, organize them into neat sections and pages, and share them effortlessly. 

Whether you’re brainstorming a million-dollar idea, creating a detailed checklist, or plotting your next big adventure, OneNote’s got the space and the smarts to handle it all—no pen required. 

OneNote features

OneNote will help you improve your note-taking strategies with these features:

Feature #1: Inking tools for the creative and organized

When on the move, you need note-taking software that works well anywhere and everywhere. At times, you’re in the mood for typing; at others, you must get back to the basics and rely on handwritten notes. 

OneNote can do both really well. Got a touchscreen or stylus? You’re in for a treat. Even with a mouse, the tools shine—helping you turn your digital notes into a vibrant canvas of new ideas.

Plus, with the Ink to Text feature, you can convert handwritten notes into clear, searchable text. 

Beyond basic notes—illustrate your thoughts, annotate images, or color-code the data for better understanding. With various colors and writing tools, it’s your chance to make note-taking fun (while keeping it functional).

Feature #2: Personalized math assistant

You don’t need to be in school to need help with math. You may be figuring out the margins on a sales deal or making sense of return on ad spend. 

OneNote will be your savior for complex calculations you can’t perform mentally. 

Its Math Assistant isn’t just a calculator; it’s a full-on math tutor. Write an equation, and this feature will solve it, graph it, and even provide step-by-step instructions to help you understand the results in depth.

Feature #3: Think beyond text

OneNote doesn’t just host typed or handwritten notes—it’s a multi-format workspace.

Why stop at a text file when you can embed PowerPoints, PDFs, and even images? Annotate directly on these files without altering the original document file.

Research without the chaos of 75 open tabs! The OneNote Web Clipper lets you save text, images, or entire web pages directly into your notebook, keeping everything you need in one place.

Do you need to record a meeting or brainstorm aloud? OneNote’s audio tool captures your thoughts in real time, making revisiting them easier.

Feature #4: Template it all

Not everyone loves starting from a blank page, and OneNote understands that.

OneNote for Microsoft 365 includes a variety of built-in templates designed for academic, business, and personal use. Whether you’re creating meeting notes, planning a project, or just keeping track of your thoughts, these templates provide a structured format to accelerate your work.

OneNote templates also save you time and effort while giving your notes a polished, professional look. They’re fully customizable, so you can adjust them to fit your needs and preferences.

Feature #5: Integrate your notes with Outlook

OneNote and Outlook form a seamless partnership designed to streamline task management, enhance productivity, and keep you on top of deadlines.

By combining OneNote’s note-taking capabilities with Outlook’s robust task and calendar features, you can effectively bridge the gap between brainstorming and execution.

Creating Outlook tasks in OneNote is quick and seamless. Highlight text in your notes, click the Outlook Tasks button, and assign a due date—today, tomorrow, or a custom timeline.

Tasks sync instantly between OneNote, Outlook, and Microsoft To Do, ensuring updates in one tool reflect across all platforms. This two-way integration keeps your productivity tools in harmony.

OneNote pricing

NotebookLM vs. OneNote: Features Compared

NotebookLM and OneNote both excel in their domains, but their features cater to different needs:

Feature	NotebookLM	OneNote
Core functionality	AI-powered research assistant: analyzes and summarizes uploaded documents	Digital notebook: organizes notes, ideas, and multimedia content
AI integration	Gemini 1.5 Pro generates summaries, explanations, and answers from uploaded content; AI-powered chat for insights; Audio Overview for AI-driven discussions of content	Math Assistant for solving and explaining equations; Ink to Text for converting handwriting into digitized text
Content sources	Supports PDFs, Google Docs, websites, Google Slides, YouTube videos, and MP3 audio clips	Supports typed and handwritten notes, images, audio recordings, embedded files (PowerPoints, PDFs), and web clippings
Organization	Organizes sources into notebooks for specific projects or topics	Organizes notes into sections and pages within notebooks. Templates available
Collaboration	Integrates with Google Workspace; exports insights to Google Docs	Integrates with Outlook for task management, sharing, and collaboration features
Note-taking style	Primarily focused on analyzing existing content and generating new content based on it	Supports both typed and handwritten notes, allowing for more free-form note-taking
Multimedia support	Strong multimedia support, especially with AI-generated audio overviews	Robust multimedia support, including audio recording, embedded files, and web clipping
Math capabilities	No dedicated math features, but AI can likely analyze mathematical content within uploaded documents	Math Assistant provides equation-solving, graphing, and step-by-step instructions
Handwriting support	AI can process handwritten notes	Ink to Text feature converts handwriting to typed text
Task management	Integrates with Google Workspace	Integrates with Outlook for creating and managing tasks

Let’s now look at their features in detail:

Feature #1: AI-powered analysis and summarization

NotebookLM’s core strength lies in its sophisticated AI, powered by Gemini 1.5 Pro. It analyzes and summarizes uploaded documents, generates insights, and answers questions based on the provided content. This allows users to quickly grasp the essence of large volumes of information, identify key themes, and draw connections between different sources. 

While capable of organizing information, OneNote lacks this advanced AI-driven analysis. It relies on the user to synthesize and extract meaning from their notes.

Feature #2: Note organization and multimedia support

NotebookLM, while capable of organizing sources into notebooks, focuses more on analyzing existing content rather than creating free-form notes. While it supports various formats, its strength isn’t in the breadth of multimedia integration but in the AI’s interaction with those formats.  

OneNote shines in its versatile organization system, allowing users to structure notes into notebooks, sections, and pages. Its robust multimedia support allows for the seamless integration of various content types, including typed and handwritten notes, images, audio recordings, embedded files (like PowerPoints and PDFs), and web clippings.

Feature #3: Handwriting and inking capabilities

While NotebookLM can process handwritten notes, its focus is not on providing a comprehensive inking experience. OneNote’s dedicated inking tools and handwriting recognition make it the clear leader in this category.  

OneNote’s inking tools are a standout feature, providing a rich canvas for handwritten notes, sketches, and annotations. The Ink to Text feature further enhances this by converting handwriting into searchable typed text. This is particularly valuable for users who prefer the tactile writing experience or need to capture visual ideas.

Feature #4: Task management and integration

While NotebookLM integrates with Google Workspace, its task management capabilities are not as directly tied to a dedicated task management application. This makes OneNote a more effective tool for users who rely heavily on task management within their note-taking workflow.  

OneNote integrates seamlessly with Outlook, enabling users to create and manage tasks directly from their notes. This tight integration streamlines workflow and connects note-taking with action items.

Feature #5: Pricing and accessibility

Feature	NotebookLM	OneNote
Base Plan	Free	Free
Premium Plan	NotebookLM Plus	Microsoft 365 Subscription
Premium Cost	Not yet fully disclosed for the consumer version	Varies (typically part of Microsoft 365 subscription)
Enterprise Options	Available through Google Workspace and Google Cloud	Available through Microsoft 365 Enterprise plans
Usage Limits (Free)	Up to 100 notebooks, 50 sources per notebook, 50 daily chat queries	Typically limited by storage in OneDrive
Premium Usage Limits	Up to 500 notebooks, 300 sources per notebook, 500 daily chat queries	Increased storage and collaboration features
Availability of Premium	Will be included in Google One AI Premium in early 2025	Included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions

OneNote offers a free version with limited features, making it accessible to many users. Paid versions, bundled with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, unlock additional functionalities. 

NotebookLM, on the other hand, is currently tied to paid Google Workspace/Cloud subscriptions, making it less accessible to individual users or those on a budget.  

NotebookLM vs. OneNote on Reddit

Both NotebookLM and OneNote have their pros and cons, and user preference varies widely. We went to Reddit to see what people think about NotebookLM vs. OneNote.

NotebookLM’s AI features, while promising, have inconsistent performance, with some users finding them incredibly helpful while others are left disappointed.

While a more established platform, OneNote also receives mixed reviews. Some appreciate its organizational features and integration with other Microsoft products, while others find it messy or experience syncing issues.

Ultimately, the ‘best’ tool depends on your needs and preferences, with both tools having their own fan base.

Meet —The Best Alternative to NotebookLM vs. OneNote

Most AI tools for note-taking forget one simple fact: people have different productivity styles.

Enter , the everything app for work, packed with powerful project management software features. It combines your tasks, docs, chat, and knowledge into one AI-powered platform so you can be your most productive self—without switching between a dozen productivity apps.

Its user-friendly interface and intuitive AI note-taking beat NotebookLM and OneNote on several fronts.

Here’s why it’s a better alternative to NotebookLM and OneNote:

’s One Up #1: Notepad

The greatest ideas hit you at the oddest times—while walking the dog or five minutes before a meeting. But juggling them across random apps, notebooks, or scraps of paper? Chaos.

Enter Notepad—your one-stop shop for capturing and turning ideas into action.

Say you’re brainstorming for a report. Open Notepad, jot down your thoughts and convert key ideas into tasks when inspiration strikes. Assign deadlines, track progress, and keep everything connected—all without leaving Notepad.

Notepad keeps you organized, efficient, and in control—no online sticky notes are required.

’s One Up #2: Docs

Managing research, notes, and tasks in one place—sounds like a dream, right? Unlike other note-taking apps,  Docs turns that dream into your new routine, seamlessly blending documents with your tasks and projects.

Let’s say you’re planning a product launch. Start by outlining the key phases in a document, such as creating marketing materials or drafting an email campaign. Then, with a few clicks, attach tasks to each phase to keep context and execution together.

Use nested pages, rich formatting, and embeds to structure your notes. You can also edit notes with your team, leave comments, and tag teammates for feedback. Finally, access notes from any device, with cloud sync ensuring nothing gets lost.

’s One Up #3: Brain

Want to make your notes instantly searchable, connected, and actionable? Try Brain’s powerful AI capabilities. Simply ask Brain what you need, and it will retrieve key insights from your notes in seconds. It understands your documents, tasks, and chats, summarizing relevant information and sharing smart suggestions on cue. 

The AI will also create action items directly from your notes and share proactive recommendations based on your notes and tasks.

With Brain, your notes don’t just sit there—they work for you, turning scattered information into structured, usable knowledge.

’s One Up #4: AI Notetaker

AI Notetaker isn’t just another AI note-taking tool—it’s your built-in meeting assistant that does the heavy lifting for you. Instead of scrambling to take notes or sifting through long recordings, you get clear, actionable insights in seconds. 

Here’s how it makes your life easier:

• Auto-joins permitted meetings & transcribes conversations in real time with speaker labels so you never miss key points
• Summarizes discussions instantly so you the gist without re-listening to the whole thing or reading the entire transcript
• Pulls out action items and marks assignees so you know exactly what needs to be done and by whom
• Syncs with tasks & docs in and lets you turn insights into action in one click

Unlike NotebookLM or OneNote, where you have to share/upload context manually, AI Notetaker works where your team already does. So your notes aren’t just stored; they’re contextual and put to work instantly.

’s One Up #5: Connected Search

With Connected Search, you can quickly find any note, document, task, or project across your entire digital workspace ( and your integrated apps)—surpassing the organizational power of OneNote. It ensures that everything you need is just seconds away, saving you valuable time.

Plus, offers a range of pre-designed note-taking templates tailored for project management and multitasking. They help you capture meeting notes, agendas, project outlines, and more—streamlining your workflow and cutting down on preparation time.

Whether you jot down daily tasks with the Daily Notes Template or capture brainstorming gold with the Project Note Template, keeps your notes structured and accessible.

With its third-party integrations across AI tools and 1000+ apps via Integrations, you never have to worry about siloed information or workflows again.  Whether brainstorming or executing, stay within the ecosystem without a hitch.

From Notes to Next Steps: Connects It All

While Microsoft OneNote excels at capturing meeting notes and organizing information, it falls short in offering the project management features, real-time collaboration, and productivity tools many users need. At the same time, NotebookLM may boast powerful AI features from the Google ecosystem, but it’s far from being an all-in-one workspace that connects your knowledge and tasks.

But brings it all together. With its advanced note-taking capabilities integrated into a comprehensive AI-backed project management platform, not only helps you organize ideas but also manage tasks, collaborate seamlessly, and track progress—all in one place.

Make the switch to and experience a unified workspace where your own knowledge, notes, tasks, and projects come together for peak productivity.

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