Roam Research is a note-taking and knowledge management tool that organizes information in a non-linear, networked structure. Unlike traditional note apps that rely on folders and hierarchies, Roam is designed around bi-directional linking, enabling users to connect ideas in a way that mirrors how the human brain works.
Popular among researchers, writers, academics, and knowledge workers, Roam Research allows users to create a personal knowledge graph—a web of interlinked notes that grows more powerful as it’s used. Its design encourages idea generation, long-term thinking, and deep work by enabling easy retrieval and association of related thoughts.
Whether you’re conducting academic research, managing a complex project, or building a second brain, Roam Research provides a flexible, powerful platform to help you think better and remember more.
Features
Roam Research offers a range of features designed to enhance how users collect, connect, and explore information.
The core feature is bi-directional linking, which lets users create links between notes that automatically reference each other. This transforms isolated notes into a connected knowledge graph, allowing ideas to emerge organically over time.
Daily Notes provide a central hub for capturing thoughts, journaling, and logging tasks. Each day’s note is automatically generated and can be used to record anything from meeting notes to fleeting ideas.
Roam uses a bullet-based structure, encouraging users to nest and outline ideas in a hierarchy that supports depth and clarity. These outlines are easily collapsible and can be rearranged for better structure.
The Graph Overview visually represents all the connections between notes, helping users identify clusters of ideas and navigate their knowledge base intuitively.
Templates and custom commands speed up note creation, and block references allow users to embed or reuse content across different pages without duplication.
Users can create TODOs and task lists within notes, and query language allows for complex data retrieval, such as filtering tasks by status or context.
Roam supports markdown syntax for formatting and also offers backlink and tag functionality to further connect and organize information.
Offline access and end-to-end encryption are available in certain versions, ensuring both accessibility and security.
How It Works
Roam Research is a browser-based application with optional offline support. Users sign up and are given a graph, which acts as their personal or team knowledge base.
Each graph is composed of pages, and users can begin by writing on the Daily Notes page, where new content is automatically timestamped.
To link a note, users type double brackets around a phrase, creating a new page or referencing an existing one. Once linked, any mention of that phrase will also appear on the referenced page, creating two-way links.
The nested bullet system allows users to structure information in levels, making it easy to go from high-level ideas to specific details.
Users can tag content for easier organization and use queries to generate dynamic lists based on those tags or links.
Roam’s sidebar allows for multi-note viewing, letting users open and reference multiple pages simultaneously.
As notes accumulate and become more interconnected, the Graph Overview becomes a powerful visualization tool, showing how ideas relate across the entire database.
This workflow enables users to build a digital brain that adapts and evolves with their thinking.
Use Cases
Roam Research is versatile and supports a variety of professional and personal use cases.
Researchers and academics use it to gather literature notes, manage citations, and connect concepts across disciplines.
Writers and authors rely on Roam to plan and draft articles, books, or scripts, using its networked structure to manage plot lines or themes.
Entrepreneurs and knowledge workers use it as a second brain to track projects, capture insights, and structure decisions.
Students use Roam for note-taking during lectures and studying, building a connected understanding of complex topics.
Coaches and consultants use it to document client sessions, track progress, and develop content for newsletters or courses.
Content creators and marketers manage their ideas, editorial calendars, and repurposing strategies through Roam’s flexible note system.
Anyone practicing personal knowledge management or following the Zettelkasten method can use Roam to build a long-term, idea-rich database.
Pricing
As of December 2025, Roam Research offers the following pricing tiers on its official website.
The Pro Plan costs $15 per month when billed annually or $20 per month on a monthly basis. It includes
Unlimited personal graphs
Graph sharing with collaborators
Priority support
Offline access
The Believer Plan is available at $500 for five years, offering a long-term discount for power users. This plan includes all Pro features, plus early access to new tools and community involvement perks.
There is a free 31-day trial available for new users to explore the platform before subscribing.
All plans come with full access to the core features of Roam, including backlinks, the graph overview, and task management.
Strengths
Roam Research stands out for its unique approach to note-taking through bi-directional linking and graph-based organization.
Its non-linear structure supports creative thinking and makes it easier to surface connections that would be missed in a traditional folder system.
Roam is particularly effective for long-term research and thinking, as it encourages users to link notes over time and build a deep web of ideas.
The bullet-based interface is ideal for outlining and supports nested thoughts in a clean, flexible way.
Its minimalist design reduces distractions and helps users stay focused on thinking and writing.
The tool is built with thinkers in mind and empowers users to shape their knowledge system in a way that grows with their intellectual work.
Drawbacks
While powerful, Roam Research has a learning curve that can be intimidating for new users.
Its unique structure requires users to shift their mindset from folders to links, which may not suit everyone.
The lack of native mobile apps (as of 2025) limits the mobile experience, although the web version is mobile-friendly.
It does not include advanced task management features found in dedicated productivity apps, which may require supplementary tools.
Compared to competitors, Roam is relatively expensive, especially considering the limited feature set for teams and businesses.
Offline functionality is limited to paid plans, and there is currently no free tier beyond the trial period.
Comparison with Other Tools
Roam Research is often compared with tools like Obsidian, Notion, Logseq, and Evernote.
Compared to Obsidian, Roam is cloud-based and offers real-time collaboration, whereas Obsidian is local-first and more customizable through plugins.
Notion offers databases, collaboration, and templates but lacks native bi-directional linking and graph-based navigation.
Logseq is an open-source alternative with a similar interface and features, appealing to privacy-focused users.
Evernote focuses on file storage and note-taking but lacks Roam’s deep linking and networked thinking capabilities.
Roam Research remains the preferred tool for users looking to build a personal knowledge graph with minimal distractions and maximum flexibility.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Roam Research has built a loyal following among creators, academics, and thinkers.
Users often describe it as a “game-changer” for personal knowledge management, praising how it surfaces relationships between ideas that would otherwise remain hidden.
Writers and researchers appreciate the ability to outline, link, and explore thoughts in a fluid, organic way.
Some users report that Roam helped them achieve greater clarity, improve writing output, and retain information better.
Criticism tends to focus on the price point and lack of mobile-native features, but many users find the value justifies the cost due to the boost in thinking and creativity.
Online communities such as RoamStack and Roam Cult show strong engagement, with users sharing workflows, templates, and advanced use cases.
Conclusion
Roam Research is a unique and powerful tool that transforms how users take notes, organize ideas, and build long-term knowledge systems. Its graph-based, non-linear approach is ideal for thinkers, writers, and researchers who value depth, connections, and creativity.
While it may not suit every user or workflow, Roam’s bi-directional linking and flexible structure make it a standout solution in the crowded space of note-taking apps.
For individuals looking to develop a second brain or deepen their thinking through connected ideas, Roam Research remains one of the most innovative tools available today.
