kitio.aiGemini Notebook vs Google AI Mode
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Google AI Mode is completely free, while Gemini Notebook is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Source-grounded chat
- Audio overviews
- Video overviews
- Mind maps
- Source discovery
- Conversational search
- Query fan-out
- Multimodal questions
- Deep Search
- Follow-up questions
| Feature | Gemini Notebook | Google AI Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Google's AI research notebook, formerly NotebookLM | Conversational AI search mode inside Google Search |
| Category | Research & search | Research & search |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | $19.99/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | ||
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Google AI Mode is completely free, while Gemini Notebook is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Free
Free
- Source-grounded notebooks
- Standard usage limits
Google AI Pro
$19.99/mo
- Higher notebook and source limits
- More audio and video overviews
Google AI Ultra
$99.99/mo
- Starting price
- Highest usage limits
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Gemini Notebook
- Answers stick to your sources
- Audio overviews are engaging
- Generous free tier
- Source limits per notebook
- Weak at sharing and exports
Google AI Mode
- Free and widely available
- Draws on Google's index
- Handles multimodal input
- Fewer citations than research tools
- Features vary by country
Which one should you choose?
Choose Gemini Notebook if you want:
- Answers stick to your sources
- Audio overviews are engaging
- Generous free tier
Watch out: source limits per notebook.
Choose Google AI Mode if you want:
- Free and widely available
- Draws on Google's index
- Handles multimodal input
Watch out: fewer citations than research tools.
Gemini Notebook vs Google AI Mode FAQ
What is the difference between Gemini Notebook and Google AI Mode?
Gemini Notebook: Google's AI research notebook, formerly NotebookLM. Google AI Mode: Conversational AI search mode inside Google Search. Both are research & search tools.
Is Gemini Notebook or Google AI Mode cheaper?
Google AI Mode is completely free, while Gemini Notebook is freemium.
Do Gemini Notebook and Google AI Mode have free plans?
Gemini Notebook: Yes. Google AI Mode: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Gemini Notebook?
Gemini Notebook is made by Google, based in United States.
Who makes Google AI Mode?
Google AI Mode is made by Google, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Gemini Notebook or Google AI Mode?
Choose Gemini Notebook if you value answers stick to your sources and audio overviews are engaging. Choose Google AI Mode if you value free and widely available and draws on google's index.