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Obsidian vs Roam Research: Which Is Better in 2025?

Written byTimothy Jackson
December 5, 2025
5 min read
Updated Dec 7, 2025

Compare Obsidian and Roam Research to find the best option for your needs.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

See how they stack up against each other

FeatureObsidianRoam Research
Pricing
Monthly starting price
0.0/5
15.0/5
Free Plan
Free tier availability
5.0/5
0.0/5
Overall Rating
User satisfaction
4.7/5
4.3/5

Overview

Obsidian and Roam Research are both popular tools in the Note Taking & Knowledge Base space. This comparison helps you decide which one is right for your needs.

Quick Comparison

FeatureObsidianRoam Research
Starting Price$Free/mo$15/mo
Free PlanYesNo
Rating4.7/54.3/5

Key Features

Obsidian

Your second brain

  • Privacy-focused
  • Works offline
  • Highly extensible
  • Local file storage

Roam Research

A note-taking tool for networked thought

  • Powerful linking
  • Great for research
  • Daily notes

Who Should Choose Obsidian?

Obsidian is best for: Researchers, Writers, Developers, Privacy-conscious users.

Who Should Choose Roam Research?

Roam Research is best for: Researchers, Writers, Knowledge workers.

The Verdict

Both Obsidian and Roam Research are excellent choices. Your decision should be based on your specific needs, budget, and team size.

Choose Obsidian if you:

  • Researchers
  • Writers
  • Developers
  • Privacy-conscious users

Choose Roam Research if you:

  • Researchers
  • Writers
  • Knowledge workers

The Verdict

The best choice depends on your specific needs and use case.