According to XDA-Developers, a tech journalist recently spent a week testing Gistr as a replacement for Google’s NotebookLM research tool. The experiment revealed that Gistr, while smaller in scale, actually surpasses NotebookLM in several key areas including traditional note-taking features and YouTube video processing. Gistr functions as an AI-powered workspace that turns complex information into digestible insights using the same retrieval framework as NotebookLM. The tool organizes conversations into threads and collections, offers multiple AI model options including Gemini and Claude, and provides unique features like YouTube Moments for extracting key video points. Despite NotebookLM remaining the journalist’s primary tool, Gistr emerged as a surprisingly capable alternative with distinct advantages.
The note-taking difference is real
Here’s the thing about NotebookLM – it’s brilliant for research, but it’s never felt like a proper notes app. Gistr actually solves this. The thread system gives you dedicated spaces for different topics, and the fact that AI chats become movable note blocks you can collapse and expand? That’s genuinely useful. I’ve always found NotebookLM’s “save to note” function a bit clunky, and Gistr’s approach of just copying prompts and responses as text blocks feels much more natural. It’s not quite Obsidian-level backlinking, but being able to copy thread links between conversations is smart. Basically, if you want an AI research tool that doubles as your actual notes app, Gistr might be the better choice.
Where Gistr actually beats NotebookLM
The YouTube processing features are where Gistr really shines. NotebookLM can handle YouTube videos, but Gistr’s Moments feature is something else. Being able to extract key points from transcripts and have them automatically link to the exact spot in the video? That’s brilliant for anyone who does video-based research or learning. And the transcript presentation in readable paragraphs instead of endless lines of text? Small detail, but it makes a huge difference when you’re trying to find something specific. These aren’t just incremental improvements – they’re meaningful workflow enhancements that NotebookLM doesn’t offer.
Surprisingly capable AI
Now, you might be thinking “sure, the interface is nice, but can the AI actually compete with Google’s offering?” According to the testing, yes – and in some ways it’s even better. The response times are faster, which matters when you’re in research flow state. The prompt suggestions are well thought out, especially the Tools for Students section that offers academic-focused structures. But here’s my question: how sustainable is this for a smaller player? Google has massive resources behind NotebookLM, while Gistr is running multiple expensive AI models. That multi-model approach is great for flexibility, but I wonder about long-term viability and pricing.
Should you make the switch?
Look, NotebookLM isn’t going anywhere. It’s polished, reliable, and backed by Google’s ecosystem. But Gistr proves there’s room in this space for different approaches. The Gistr platform offers a more traditional note-taking experience wrapped around capable AI research features. For people who want their AI assistant integrated into their actual note-taking workflow, rather than as a separate tool, Gistr makes a compelling case. It’s not about which one is objectively better – it’s about which approach fits your brain and workflow. And honestly, having real competition in this space only makes both tools better for users.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.