Obsidian vs Roam Research: Which Productivity App Wins in 2026?
Choosing between Obsidian and Roam Research? This comprehensive comparison covers pricing, features, pros and cons to help you make the right decision.
Quick Summary
Choose Obsidian if you want:
- Your data stays on your device
- Incredible plugin ecosystem
- Beautiful graph visualization
Choose Roam Research if you want:
- Revolutionary linking system
- Powerful for research
- Active community
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Obsidian | Roam Research |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Free Tier | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Starting Price | $8/mo | $15/mo |
| Category | Note-Taking Apps | Note-Taking Apps |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Web, macOS, Windows |
| Founded | 2020 | 2017 |
Key Features
Obsidian Features
- Markdown files
- Bidirectional links
- Graph view
- Plugin ecosystem
- Custom themes
- Local-first storage
- Canvas
- Daily notes
Roam Research Features
- Bidirectional links
- Block references
- Daily notes
- Graph overview
- Queries
- Version history
- Encrypted notes
- Block embeds
Pros & Cons
Obsidian
Pros
- + Your data stays on your device
- + Incredible plugin ecosystem
- + Beautiful graph visualization
- + Highly customizable
- + One-time payment for sync
Cons
- - Steeper learning curve
- - Sync requires paid add-on
- - No built-in collaboration
- - Can be complex for simple notes
Roam Research
Pros
- + Revolutionary linking system
- + Powerful for research
- + Active community
- + Great for interconnected thinking
Cons
- - Expensive pricing
- - Steep learning curve
- - No free tier
- - Limited formatting options
Pricing Comparison
The Verdict
Both Obsidian and Roam Research are excellent note-taking apps tools, but they serve different needs.
Choose Obsidian if: You value your data stays on your device and incredible plugin ecosystem.
It's best for developers and researchers.
Choose Roam Research if: You prioritize revolutionary linking system and powerful for research.
It's ideal for researchers and academics.
Obsidian vs Roam Research FAQ
It depends on your needs. Obsidian (9/10) excels at your data stays on your device, while Roam Research (8/10) is known for revolutionary linking system. Obsidian has the higher overall rating.
Obsidian is more budget-friendly. Obsidian has a free tier, while Roam Research starts at $15/mo.
Yes, many users combine Obsidian and Roam Research in their productivity stack. You can connect them using automation tools like Zapier or Make. This works well if Obsidian handles your markdown files while Roam Research manages bidirectional links.
Obsidian offers: Markdown files, Bidirectional links, Graph view. Roam Research provides: Bidirectional links, Block references, Daily notes. The "better" features depend on what you need most.
Obsidian has a steeper learning curve. Roam Research has a steeper learning curve. Both offer tutorials and onboarding to help you get started.
Obsidian is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. Roam Research supports Web, macOS, Windows. Both offer cross-platform sync.
For teams, consider: Obsidian is more individual-focused. Roam Research is better for personal use.
Consider switching if Roam Research's strengths (Revolutionary linking system, Powerful for research) address pain points you have with Obsidian. Both tools typically offer data export, making migration possible. Test Roam Research with a free trial first.
Key differences: Pricing (free tier vs $15/mo), Focus (Note-Taking Apps vs Note-Taking Apps), Platforms (5 vs 3 platforms).
Obsidian users love: Your data stays on your device, Incredible plugin ecosystem. Common complaints: Steeper learning curve. Roam Research users appreciate: Revolutionary linking system, Powerful for research. Common issues: Expensive pricing.