SimpleMind vs Roam Research: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between SimpleMind 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.
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:
SimpleMind
Organize thoughts, remember information, and generate new ideas with intuitive mind mapping.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need diagramming features specifically
- • Cross-platform mind mapping for organizing thoughts and ideas.
- • Offers both free-form and auto-layout options with customization features.
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)
- • You need note-taking features specifically
- • Networked thought and note-taking tool
- • Bidirectional linking pioneer
| At a Glance |  SimpleMind | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Diagramming | Note-Taking |
Rating | —/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | SimpleMind | Roam Research |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DiagrammingNote-Taking | Note-TakingMind Mapping |
How SimpleMind and Roam Research Compare
SimpleMind
Organize thoughts, remember information, and generate new ideas with intuitive mind mapping.
Free tier available
Roam Research
A note-taking tool for networked thought
Paid · 82/100 score
SimpleMind is a diagramming tool. Roam Research is in note-taking.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
SimpleMind has a free tier. Roam Research is paid only.
Go with: SimpleMind
Want the highest-rated option?
Roam Research scores 82/100. SimpleMind 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?
SimpleMind is freemium. Roam Research is paid. SimpleMind lets you start free.
What's your use case?
SimpleMind is a diagramming tool. Roam Research is in note-taking. Pick the category that matches your needs.
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
SimpleMind
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for diagramming
The Bottom Line
Roam Research (82/100) is our pick. SimpleMind has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SimpleMind or Roam Research better?
Roam Research scores 82/100 in our evaluation. SimpleMind is freemium and Roam Research is paid.
What are SimpleMind and Roam Research used for?
SimpleMind: Organize thoughts, remember information, and generate new ideas with intuitive mind mapping.. Roam Research: A note-taking tool for networked thought.
What does SimpleMind cost vs Roam Research?
SimpleMind is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Roam Research is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.