# SurfSense

Open-source NotebookLM-style research assistant over your own sources. SurfSense is free, with no paid plan attached, at github.com.

## Facts

- **Pricing tier:** Free
- **Works on:** Self-hosted, macOS, Windows, Linux
- **Works in browser:** No

## Capabilities

- Open-source NotebookLM-style research assistant over your own sources
- Connects to many apps and supports private, self-hosted models
- Cited answers and podcast generation
- Free to self-host

## FAQ

### What is SurfSense?

SurfSense is listed under AI Note-Taking & Docs, in the Productivity & Workflow category on Flocci AI Tools. Open-source NotebookLM-style research assistant over your own sources. It is free, with no paid plan attached, and it lives at github.com.

### Is SurfSense free?

SurfSense is listed as fully free — there is no paid tier attached to it in the catalog. That makes it one of the 397 entries on Flocci AI Tools with no upgrade path built in.

### Can I use SurfSense in a browser, or is there an app?

SurfSense needs to be installed or self-hosted — it doesn't run in a browser tab. It is available on self-hosting, Mac, Windows and Linux.

### What can SurfSense do?

SurfSense does 4 things the catalog singles out: Open-source notebooklm-style research assistant over your own sources; connects to many apps and supports private, self-hosted models; cited answers and podcast generation; free to self-host.

### What is the best free alternative to SurfSense?

AFFiNE is the closest free alternative: it sits in the same AI Note-Taking & Docs sub-category and is free. Blinko, Karakeep and Google AI Edge Eloquent also start free. The full list is on the alternatives page.

## Related

- [SurfSense alternatives](https://aitools.flocci.in/alternatives/surfsense)
- [AI Note-Taking & Docs](https://aitools.flocci.in/category/productivity-workflow/ai-note-taking-docs)
- [Best free AI note-taking and document tools](https://aitools.flocci.in/best/best-ai-note-taking-docs)
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Source: Flocci AI Tools — https://aitools.flocci.in/tool/surfsense

Facts last verified: October 2026