A NotebookLM alternative built around your classes
NotebookLM is a free research notebook from Google that answers questions about the sources you add and can make overviews, flashcards and quizzes. Sendy is built only for coursework: it organizes material by class and week, links each week to the ones before it, reads your syllabus for exam dates and grading, and grades practice tests the way your class grades.
NotebookLM and Sendy side by side
| NotebookLM | Sendy | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Research on any set of sources | Studying university and college courses |
| Organized by | Notebooks you set up yourself | Class and week, with each week linked to earlier ones |
| Knows your syllabus | If you add it as a source | Reads it for exam dates, weights and format, and builds a calendar |
| Practice tests | Quizzes from your sources | Tests in your class's format, graded with written feedback and partial credit |
| Study notes | Answers, summaries and overviews on request | Full notes, a one-page study guide and flashcards for every week |
| Cost | Free, with higher limits on paid Google plans | One flat monthly plan for every class |
When NotebookLM is the better choice
- You are researching a paper or project across a pile of sources, not studying for a course exam.
- You want a free tool and are happy to set up and organize notebooks yourself.
- You mainly want to ask questions about documents.
When Sendy is the better choice
- You are taking several classes and want each one organized week by week without setting it up.
- You want notes, a study guide, flashcards and practice tests made for every week, not on request.
- You want to know what is on the midterm and practise in the format it uses.
Plenty of students use both: NotebookLM for research projects, Sendy for the courses they are examined on.
Questions students ask
Is NotebookLM free?
Yes, NotebookLM has a free version from Google, with higher limits on paid Google plans. Check Google's site for current limits.
Can Sendy make audio overviews like NotebookLM?
Sendy makes a two-host podcast with a slide video for each unit, from that unit's notes.
What does Sendy do with my syllabus?
It reads the grading scheme, exam dates and topics, adds them to a calendar, and uses them so notes and tests focus on what your exams cover.
Can I try Sendy before paying?
Yes. The demo is a full sample student's account with classes, notes, flashcards, tests and podcasts already made.