Product comparison
From reading sources to checking evidence, see how each tool supports your research.
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| What matters to you |  DeepShelf | Gemini Notebook (NotebookLM) | ChatGPT | General AI chat tools |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original-format reading | Original PDF layout and audio, for reading side by side and listening back; Word and other formats also supported | Source content displayed in a parsed format | Previews generated files; original-source previews are not currently supported | Original-format previews vary by product |
| Precise citation navigation | Locate the cited passage or audio segment precisely | Click a citation to locate its source passage | Supported for most formats; PDF and audio are not currently supported | Generally not supported |
| Analysis across sources | Search, compare, and synthesize across sources | Questions and synthesis across sources | Analyzes files and conversations together | Questions about uploaded materials |
| Model choice | Choose from multiple leading model providers | Gemini models | OpenAI models | Depends on the product |
| Citations alongside conclusions | Evidence cited alongside conclusions | Evidence cited alongside conclusions | Evidence cited alongside conclusions | Generally not supported |
| Multi-step tasks | Search, calculations, and code execution | Search, calculations, and code execution | Search, calculations, and code execution | Search, calculations, and code execution |
| Agent capabilities | A complete agent for browsing, conversation, and creation; produce outputs, including HTML, from a single request and verify them quickly | A capable agent for multi-step research, code execution, source discovery, and outputs such as PPTX | Agent and Deep Research support multi-step research, web interactions, and deliverable creation | Capabilities depend on the product and enabled tools |
| Computer operations | Cloud code execution in a dedicated sandbox for each user | Not publicly documented | Local computer control in desktop Work, with permission | Varies considerably by product |
| Conversational follow-ups | Supported | Supported | Supported | Supported |
Sources checked
Features may vary by plan, region, version, and enabled tools. “General AI chat tools” describes common basic-chat workflows, not every product. Multi-step tasks require the relevant tools to be enabled.
ChatGPT includes modes such as Projects and desktop Work. Local computer control requires the relevant desktop plugin and permission. Generated-file previews differ from original-source reading.
NotebookLM citations link to source content. Short sources may be cited as a whole, and imported audio is used as transcribed text.
References
- NotebookLM · Source reading and audio imports
- NotebookLM · Research and task execution
- NotebookLM · Chat and citation navigation
- ChatGPT · Projects and chats
- ChatGPT · Research and task execution
- ChatGPT · Deep Research
- ChatGPT · File previews and downloads
- ChatGPT · Local computer control and permissions