Obsidian vs Roam Research: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Obsidian and Roam Research comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Obsidian
Private and flexible note-taking
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • Private knowledge base with markdown
- • Your notes, fully offline and yours
Roam Research
A note-taking tool for networked thought
Best for you if:
- • Networked thought and note-taking tool
- • Bidirectional linking pioneer
| At a Glance |  Obsidian | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 90/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Obsidian | Roam Research |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Note-TakingMind Mapping | Note-TakingMind Mapping |
Understanding the Differences
Both Obsidian and Roam Research solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Obsidian positions itself as "private and flexible note-taking" while Roam Researchfocuses on "a note-taking tool for networked thought". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Obsidian
Obsidian makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 90/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Roam Research
Roam Research is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Obsidian lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Obsidian
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Obsidian handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Obsidian
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Roam Research takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Roam Research
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Obsidian, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Obsidian higher (90/100). But the community has upvoted Roam Research more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Obsidian Does Better
- Higher overall score (90/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Roam Research If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Obsidian (90/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Obsidian scores higher in our analysis, but Roam Research might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Obsidian or Roam Research better?
Based on our analysis, Obsidian scores higher with 90/100. Obsidian isfreemium while Roam Research is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Obsidian to Roam Research easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Obsidian and Roam Research offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Obsidian is freemium with a free tier.Roam Research is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.