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Obsidian vs Roam Research: Which Is Better in 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
| Feature | Obsidian | Roam 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
| Feature | Obsidian | Roam Research |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $Free/mo | $15/mo |
| Free Plan | Yes | No |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.3/5 |
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.

