kitio.aiAdded Oct 29, 2026
SurfSense
FreemiumPrivate, open-source research notebook that runs on your own machine
What is SurfSense?
SurfSense is a self-hosted alternative to NotebookLM that runs on your own computer. Your documents and index stay on your disk, and you use a local model or your own API keys. It can work offline and is meant for people with sensitive sources such as case files or client records.
The desktop app is available for Windows, macOS and Linux, and it needs no account. The index is a file you own, so with a local model it keeps answering questions about added sources even without a network. The source code is public and building it yourself is free.
The app and updates are free. An Individual licence adds scraper plugins for seven platforms and a web crawler, plus priority support. It costs $60 for the first year and $120 afterwards, and a 14-day licence of the plugins comes with the free download. Business options add custom connectors.
Features
- Runs fully offline
- Local models or your own keys
- Windows, macOS and Linux app
- Scraper plugins
- Web crawler
- No account needed
Tags
Releases
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Organization
SurfSense
Listed by kitio.ai · unverified owner
Pricing
- Pricing model
- Freemium
- Paid options from
- Not listed
SurfSense plans
Free
Free
- Full app on Windows, macOS, Linux
- Runs offline
- 14-day plugin licence
Individual
$60 first year, then $120/yr
- All scraper plugins
- Web crawler
- Priority support
Prices in USD, checked Oct 29, 2026. Plans change often, so confirm on the SurfSense site.Official pricing
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Data never leaves your machine
- Free app with no usage cap
- Source code is public
Cons
- Plugins and support need a licence
- You supply the model or keys
- Moving to a local app changes older setups
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Q&A
What is SurfSense?
SurfSense is a self-hosted alternative to NotebookLM that runs on your own computer. Your documents and index stay on your disk, and you use a local model or your own API keys. It can work offline and is meant for people with sensitive sources such as case files or client records.
Does SurfSense need an account?
No. The app runs on your machine without an account, trial clock or usage cap.
Can it work offline?
Yes, when used with a local model. The site says it keeps answering questions about your added sources without a network connection.
How much does SurfSense cost?
SurfSense is freemium.
Is there a free version of SurfSense?
Yes. SurfSense has a free plan, and paid plans add more usage and features.
What are the main features of SurfSense?
Runs fully offline, Local models or your own keys, Windows, macOS and Linux app, Scraper plugins, Web crawler, No account needed.
Who makes SurfSense?
SurfSense is made by SurfSense.
What are the best alternatives to SurfSense?
Popular alternatives include Morphic, GPT Researcher, ASReview.