Google NotebookLM Free plan

NotebookLM is Google's research tool for chatting with your own sources, which Google now also calls Gemini Notebook. Standard access is free with a Gmail account.

GoogleUpdated monthly · checked 26 h ago

Google NotebookLM Free plan is an AI and ML perk from Google, offering a free plan (50 sources per notebook), with no funding required.

Value: Free plan
Who qualifies: No funding needed
Benefit type: Free plan
Terms: Verified

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While you apply

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What you get

Inside Google NotebookLM Free plan

Signing up is free with a Gmail account, and Standard limits cover chat and generation of Slides, Audio Overviews and other artifacts.
Each notebook holds up to 50 sources on the standard plan, and the usage quota refreshes every 5 hours until a weekly limit is reached.
Google AI Plus, the first paid plan, is $4.99 a month.

Source: The provider's official program page

Eligibility

Who it's for

Free plan Any startup

Funding / backing: No funding needed
Geography: Global
Recurring / expiry: Free with no time limit, within usage limits.
Other requirements: Usage quota refreshes every 5 hours, with a weekly limit. Sources are capped at 50 per notebook on the standard plan.

How to claim

How to apply for Google NotebookLM Free plan

Steps to apply

1Sign in with a Gmail account at notebooklm.google.
2No application is needed.

Good to know: Plans read on support.google.com and one.google.com on October 28, 2026.

Apply at Google

Source: The provider's official program page

Value is the headline maximum Google advertises. What your company actually receives depends on your eligibility and how you use the program, and terms can change. A comparison, not endorsed by the programs listed. A link labeled as a referral link may earn us a commission, and a program labeled Same owner comes from the company that runs StartupPerks. Confirm current terms on the provider's page.

Questions

Google NotebookLM Free plan: common questions

Is Google free?

Yes, Google can be used for free. Free plan (50 sources per notebook). As stated on Google's own page, linked on this page.

Who qualifies for Google NotebookLM Free plan?

Google NotebookLM Free plan is open to any startup, with no funding required. Usage quota refreshes every 5 hours, with a weekly limit. Sources are capped at 50 per notebook on the standard plan.

Do I need to be VC-backed or in an accelerator to get Google NotebookLM Free plan?

No. Google NotebookLM Free plan is open to any startup that meets the stated criteria, no investor or accelerator backing required.

How do I apply for Google NotebookLM Free plan?

How long do I have to use Google NotebookLM Free plan, and does it expire?

Free with no time limit, within usage limits.

Is Google NotebookLM Free plan available outside the US?

Google NotebookLM Free plan is available globally, subject to the provider's terms.

Complete guideGemini API Credits for Startups: Every Route in 2026How startups get Gemini API credits in 2026: the free tier, why Google's $300 trial stopped covering Gemini, the $350K startup program and its prepay catch.Free AI research assistants, comparedNotebookLM's free plan next to every other free research assistantWhat each research assistant gives you free today, its main limit and what the first paid plan costs, read from each provider's own page.