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I tested ChatGPT Study Mode vs NotebookLM — here’s which one came out on top

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I spent a week testing this new AI learning tool — and now it’s replacing ChatGPT

Alex Hughes

15 September 2025

A new player in the game for one key use

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(Image credit: Oboe)

Since GPT-5 launched, ChatGPT has become the dominant AI figure in my life once again. For image generation, coding, and most queries, it is the tool that I get the best responses from.

However, in one key area, I have found a tool that just does it better. While ChatGPT is a highly capable option for learning new skills or topics, it does keep things pretty surface-level at times.
Oboe, a new AI tool has one simple goal — to use generative AI to teach you new topics and skills. It was created by the founders of Anchor, a popular podcasting tool now owned by Spotify.

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I tested ChatGPT Study Mode vs NotebookLM — here’s which one came out on top

I put ChatGPT Study Mode to the test with 7 prompts — here’s my grade

I tested ChatGPT-5 Study mode vs Claude Learning mode with 7 prompts — and there’s a clear winner

So how does it work, and why has it replaced ChatGPT for me in such a big way?

What is Oboe?
Oboe describes itself as “the easiest way to learn”. Looking at the dashboard, it looks just like almost every AI tool out there right now. There is a box to enter your queries, and a selection of pre-made options.
In the box, you simply type a subject that you would like to learn about. For example, type in “the history of Jazz in America,” and Oboe will start crunching away, coming up with a detailed plan to teach you about the topic.

(Image credit: Oboe / Alex Hughes)
So far, this is no different to ChatGPT, Claude or any other major chatbot; they all do this. Where Oboe stands out is in the ways it teaches you.

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For each query, you’ll get two sections — learning and studying. In the learning section, you’ll get a 10 minute read, going into the depths of your subject, including tables, images and links out to further reading.
You’ll also get a 7-min AI generated podcast on the subject, a quick 2-minute read on the key takeaways and finally, a 20 minute AI-generated lecture on the subject.
Once you’ve worked through all of these, you can follow it up with a selection of quizzes to test yourself. There is an FAQ section, flashcards and a game.

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I tested ChatGPT Study Mode vs NotebookLM — here’s which one came out on top

I put ChatGPT Study Mode to the test with 7 prompts — here’s my grade

I tested ChatGPT-5 Study mode vs Claude Learning mode with 7 prompts — and there’s a clear winner

Oboe finally gives you two tests to see how much you’ve learnt.

(Image credit: Oboe / Alex Hughes)
How does it compare to other tools
In a world of chatbots doing a bit of everything, Oboe is hyper-focused in its goal. Whether you’re a student or something just looking to learn more about subjects that interest you, Oboe is probably one of the best AI learning tools I’ve come across.
The closest tool to this is Google’s NotebookLM. This can also generate podcasts and deep dives on subjects. However, NotebookLM requires existing sources, generating a report based on specific content that you input.
Oboe instead is searching the internet to create the reports. It also goes a step further than NotebookLM with its generation of quizzes and tests, as well as the long-form podcasts.
Like most other AI-generated audio, the voices and phrases can feel a bit strange, especially on the podcast episode with two generated voices trying to make jokes with each other while lacking any emotion.
The lecture recording, on the other hand, works great. It felt more listenable on all of the subjects that I tried. In fact, there were a few times while listening that I forgot that this isn’t even a real voice.

(Image credit: Oboe / Alex Hughes)
Is Oboe worth using?
Oboe’s biggest weakness is how quickly you get caught out by a paywall. On the free version, you only get 2 courses (queries) a month. This includes asking follow-up questions so you will have used up all of your options after just two questions.
The Plus version of the plan does bring you up to 30 courses a month, which is a significant jump, but that does cost you $15 a month (or $144 if you pay upfront).
While that, by the standards of AI plans these days, isn’t super expensive, it is enough to put you off. Especially considering how much you can currently learn using a range of free chatbot plans.
If you’re an avid learner, looking to find out about the world around you, the Plus subscription could well be worth your time. As I said, this is one of the best examples of AI learning I’ve seen so far.
However, there are plenty of excellent alternatives without spending money. NotebookLM, while not as user-friendly, offers much more in the free version of its plan. As do most other chatbots.
Not sure what’s best for you? Try out Oboe on the free version and see how it compares.
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Alex Hughes

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Alex is the AI editor at TomsGuide. Dialed into all things artificial intelligence in the world right now, he knows the best chatbots, the weirdest AI image generators, and the ins and outs of one of tech’s biggest topics.
Before joining the Tom’s Guide team, Alex worked for the brands TechRadar and BBC Science Focus.
He was highly commended in the Specialist Writer category at the BSME’s 2023 and was part of a team to win best podcast at the BSME’s 2025.
In his time as a journalist, he has covered the latest in AI and robotics, broadband deals, the potential for alien life, the science of being slapped, and just about everything in between.
When he’s not trying to wrap his head around the latest AI whitepaper, Alex pretends to be a capable runner, cook, and climber.

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I tested ChatGPT Study Mode vs NotebookLM — here’s which one came out on top

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I ditched Claude for GPT-5 because of these 5 features — and I know I’ll use them every day

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