SurfSense
SurfSense is a free desktop app that lets you ask an AI questions about your own documents, with the files and index staying on your computer. It is for people who want a NotebookLM-style assistant that works on private files and can run without an internet connection.
How hard it is to start using it. Easy: install it like a normal app, or use it in your browser. Advanced: you run it on your own server, use the command line, or it is a tool for developers.
Features
Shows its sourcesGives cited answers; exact passage location not stated
SourcePartly
Runs AI on your own computer
SourceYes
No server needed
SourceYes
Podcast-style summaries
SourceYes
Ready-made connectionsAbout ten plugins, plus MCP servers you add
SourceNo
Share with family or teamNo accounts or sharing mentioned
SourceNo
Listed in
How to help
AI contributionsNot stated
The project has not said how it feels about AI-written contributions. Maintainers can set this by claiming the listing.