Best Roam Research Alternatives
Let’s start the list with the fan-favorite Notion software.
1. Notion
Roam Research was designed to fill-in the gaps left by Notion software. Similar to Roam Research, Notion offers backlinks, grouped tabs, and an overall modular approach. With Notion, you won’t get the well-known digital map function, but the software does have a ton of tricks up its sleeve to lure the consumers in the Notion ecosystem. Unlike Roam Research, Notion is completely free to use for personal accounts. It’s ideal for project management as well. It’s really up to the user on how he/she wants to be productive with Notion. Pros
Modular approach similar to Roam ResearchBacklinks support Hundreds of templates to choose from Cross-platform availability Free for personal accounts with unlimited blocks
Cons
Mobile apps are nothing to write about Lacks digital map function Lacks offline support – needs constant internet connection
Price Free for personal use. Get Notion
2. Obsidian
Obsidian is the closest you can get as a Roam Research alternative. The backlinking support is as good as Roam Research. As you connect the ideas from one note to another, the software will create a second digital brain just like Roam Research. The free version allows you to create as many vaults as possible. You can also work offline as Obsidian is flexible enough to save vaults on the device. Our favorite feature is the ability to open multiple notes on a single screen. It really spruces up productivity. Pros
Native apps for Windows and Mac Beautiful UI Plugins supportMultiple export options Digital map support Offline support
Cons
Confusing pricing structure Complex to use for first-timers
Price Obsidian is free to download and use. However, you need to pay for cross-platform sync and other advanced options such as publishing. Get Obsidian
3. Hypernotes
Hypernotes takes Roam Research experience to the next level with a built-in bi-directional linking and Semantic Graph. Unlike any other solution above, the software does have native app support for iOS and Android. The more we use, the more we feel Hypernotes to be Roam Research, Google Docs, and Trello combined on steroids. It’s that good. The software also comes with a much-needed Zapier integration to automate tasks. Pros
Cross-platform availability Zapier integrationIdeal for team communication Text Outlining DIgital graph similar to Roam Research
Cons
The free plan is limited in terms of features
Price The Plus plan starts at €8 per month. Get Hypernotes
4. RemNote
RemNote is the all-in-one workspace for note-taking, learning, organizing thoughts, and growing knowledge. It is mostly preferred in the education space by students, researchers, and professionals. You can link notes and ideas to supercharge your memory, organization, and thinking skills. Our favorite function is Flashcards. Users can create flashcards directly within notes to rapidly break down and remember any body of knowledge. Pros
Rich import and export options Best-in-class search function Backlinks and references support
Cons
No mobile apps Outdated UI Not ideal for personal use
Pricing The Pro plan starts at $6 per month. Get RemNote
5. Coda
Coda is more in line with Notion than Roam Research. It’s basically Google Docs and Google Sheets combined in a modular package. Dump all your thoughts and ideas in Coda and use templates to manage them. Coda offers you to create as many mini apps as possible. You can create a finance tracker, subscription tracker, project management tool, and more. What we love about Coda is automation. It’s a killer feature from Coda. Users can create IFTTT-like rules and make their workflow better. Pros
Tons of templates to choose fromCoda Rules Excellent mobile optimization The free plan is feature-rich Ideal for project management
Cons
Roam power users might find Coda in limiting in certain ways No backlinking supportConfusing pricing structure
Price $10 per month per doc maker. Get Coda
Wrapping Up: Roam Research Alternative
Roam Research is a powerful tool to create a digital brain. All the goodies come at cost though. If you like Roam Research’s way of doing things but don’t want to shell out heavy cash, do check out our alternative list. As for us, the TechWiser team is divided between Notion and Obsidian. Hypernotes is a capable option as well.
