Roam Research vs Workflowy: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Roam Research and Workflowy 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Roam Research
A note-taking tool for networked thought
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Networked thought and note-taking tool
- • Bidirectional linking pioneer
Workflowy
A simpler way to organize your work
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Workflowy is a minimalist outliner tool that uses a single, infinitely nestable bullet list for organizing thoughts and notes.
- • It offers cross-platform synchronization and is available on web, desktop, and mobile devices.
| At a Glance |  Workflowy | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 82/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Roam Research | Workflowy |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 38 |
| Categories | Note-TakingMind Mapping | Note-TakingTask Management |
How Roam Research and Workflowy Compare
Roam Research
A note-taking tool for networked thought
Paid · 82/100 score
Workflowy
A simpler way to organize your work
Free tier available
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Workflowy has a free tier. Roam Research is paid only.
Go with: Workflowy
Want the highest-rated option?
Roam Research scores 82/100. Workflowy is unrated.
Go with: Roam Research
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Roam Research
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Roam Research is paid. Workflowy is freemium. Workflowy lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are note-taking tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Roam Research
- Higher score: 82/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Workflowy
- Has a free tier
- More community upvotes (38)
The Bottom Line
Roam Research (82/100) is our pick. Workflowy has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roam Research or Workflowy better?
Roam Research scores 82/100 in our evaluation. Roam Research is paid and Workflowy is freemium.
What are Roam Research and Workflowy used for?
Roam Research: A note-taking tool for networked thought. Workflowy: A simpler way to organize your work.
What does Roam Research cost vs Workflowy?
Roam Research is a paid tool. Workflowy is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.