Roam Research is a note-taking tool for networked thought, designed around bidirectional links and a daily notes workflow that enables building a personal knowledge base that grows more valuable over time. Unlike traditional hierarchical note-taking, Roam uses block-level references — allowing any note block to be referenced across multiple pages — creating a web of interconnected ideas. Beloved by researchers, writers, and academics for its ability to surface unexpected connections between notes, often called a 'second brain' tool.
Roam Research
Networked note-taking for non-linear thinking.
Best for: Researchers and writers who think in non-linear, connected ways and want a true networked thought tool.
- Free trial
- $165 / year
4.4/5 ratingEditorial score 84/100roamresearch.com
The editorial note
What to know about Roam Research
Is it right for you?
Who Roam Research suits
Choose it if
- Researchers and writers who think in non-linear, connected ways and want a true networked thought tool.
Look elsewhere if
- Users wanting a simple, visual note-taking app — Notion or Craft provide more polished, accessible note-taking experiences for people who prefer structure and visual organization over Roam's network-first approach
What you get
Key features
- Bidirectional linking
- Block-level references
- Daily notes workflow
- Graph visualization
- Filtered views
- Sidebar for parallel references
- Multiplayer collaboration
- Custom CSS and extensions
Works with
Integrations8
What it costs
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Believer | $165 / yearBilled yearly | Full access to Roam Research — outliner, bidirectional linking, graph view, API access |
| Monthly | $15 / monthBilled monthly | Full access to all Roam features — networked thought, daily notes, block references |
Prices are recorded from the vendor's public pricing page and can change. Check before you buy.
The trade-off
Pros and cons
Pros
- Bidirectional linking and block references create a web of interconnected knowledge over time
- Daily notes workflow encourages consistent capture without organizing upfront
- Graph visualization shows connections between ideas and notes across your entire knowledge base
- Block-level references enable granular linking and composing notes from existing content
- Powerful for academic research, writing, and managing long-term knowledge projects
Cons
- Steep learning curve — the tool's philosophy requires mental model shift from traditional note-taking
- $15/month subscription is expensive for a note-taking tool compared to free alternatives
- Limited mobile app quality compared to Notion or Obsidian for capturing notes on the go
- No offline support — requires internet connection for syncing and accessing notes
Quick read
At a glance
- Category
- Business & Productivity
- Pricing model
- Subscription
- Entry plan
- $165 / year
- Free plan
- Not listed
- Free trial
- Available
- Website
- roamresearch.com
The verdict
Our take on Roam Research
The original networked note-taking application — block references and bidirectional links that inspired the entire second brain movement.
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