About Roam Research
Roam Research is a note-taking tool that has made quite a splash in the productivity and research communities, and for good reason. It's not just another app to jot down your thoughts; it's designed for those who want to create a web of interconnected ideas. The standout features that Roam offers include bidirectional linking, which allows you to create links between your notes both ways. This means that when you link to a note, that note automatically links back to the original, creating a relationship between the two. It's a simple concept, but it can dramatically change how you think about your notes and how you access them later.
The block referencing feature is another highlight. It lets you reference specific parts of your notes instead of having to link to entire pages. This is particularly useful if you're working on something complex, like a thesis or a novel, because it allows for granular control over your references. Coupled with daily notes that encourage you to jot down thoughts regularly, you can maintain a consistent flow of ideas. The graph overview is like the cherry on top; it visually represents your knowledge, allowing you to see how your thoughts connect and where you might be lacking.
Now, let’s talk about the pricing. Roam is not the cheapest option out there. The Pro plan comes in at $15 per month or a slightly more palatable $165 per year, while the Believer plan offers a five-year subscription for $500. It’s a hefty sum, especially for those who may still be figuring out their note-taking needs. This pricing might deter casual users or those who are just starting to explore networked thought. If you’re someone who needs to juggle multiple projects and can afford this investment, though, it could be worth it.
Roam Research is best suited for dedicated researchers, writers delving into complex narratives, or anyone who thrives on interconnected thoughts. However, if you’re someone who just wants a simple way to take notes, you might find Roam a bit overwhelming. It’s not the most intuitive app for beginners, and the learning curve can feel steep. In short, Roam is a brilliant tool for those ready to dive deep into their thoughts but may not be the best fit for everyone. If you’re in academia or creative writing, though, it’s hard to argue against its potential to change how you approach your work.
Our Review
Verified 11 May 2026Reviewed by Delv Editorial, Delv Team
When I first started using Roam Research, I felt like I had stumbled upon some sort of secret underground tool that could unlock the mysteries of my chaotic thoughts. The concept of networked thought really intrigued me. I’ve always been a note-taker, but the idea of creating a web of interlinked ideas was something I hadn’t fully explored before. As I began to dive deeper, the bidirectional linking feature became my best friend. I could connect notes in a way that truly reflected how my brain works. It’s like having a conversation with my past self as I navigate through my notes.
What truly impressed me was the block referencing. I found it incredibly useful for my research projects, where I needed to cite specific paragraphs from various sources. Instead of linking to entire documents, I could pull out exactly what I needed, which saved me heaps of time. The daily notes feature encouraged me to jot down thoughts regularly, and I found that it helped me maintain a consistent flow of ideas. I even started to enjoy the process of documenting my thoughts, which is saying something for a self-proclaimed procrastinator!
However, I won’t sugar-coat things: the learning curve is steep. I found myself watching a lot of tutorials just to get a grasp on the basics. For someone who just wants a straightforward note-taking app, Roam can feel like overkill. And the pricing? Ouch. At $15 a month, it’s not exactly pocket change, especially if you’re a student or someone just starting your career.
In comparison to competitors like Notion and Obsidian, Roam stands out because of its focus on interconnected thought. Notion is great for project management and has a more visual approach, while Obsidian offers similar linking features with less of a learning curve. But if you’re serious about doing deep research or writing that requires linking complex ideas, Roam could be a worthy investment.
In conclusion, Roam Research is perfect for those who are ready to dive deep into their thoughts and ideas. If you’re a researcher, academic, or serious writer, the potential benefits are considerable. But if you’re just looking for a simple note-taking solution, it might be better to explore other options before committing to Roam’s pricing. My advice? Give it a go if you’re willing to invest the time and money, but be prepared for a bit of a learning journey.
Getting started with Roam Research
In this guide, you will learn how to set up Roam Research and create your first network of interconnected notes. By the end, you’ll be able to efficiently manage your ideas and research with ease.
Step 1: Sign up and set up
Step 2: Your first note
Step 3: Get better results
Pro tip
Use the "Daily Notes" feature by clicking on the calendar icon in the left sidebar. This allows you to jot down daily thoughts and automatically links them to your other notes, creating a chronological context for your ideas.
Common mistake to avoid
Many beginners forget to create links and references between their notes. Always use `[[` and `((` to connect your ideas, as this is what makes Roam powerful for networked thought.
The Verdict
Roam Research is a fantastic tool for those immersed in research or creative writing, offering powerful features for linking and managing thoughts. However, the steep learning curve and premium pricing may not make it suitable for casual users or beginners. If you’ve got the commitment and the budget, it could transform how you engage with your ideas.
Best For
- Academic researchers who need to organise extensive literature and ideas.
- Creative writers working on complex narratives requiring deep exploration.
- Students building a comprehensive knowledge base.
- Freelance professionals managing multiple projects and clients.
- Bloggers developing intricate content plans.
At a Glance
Roam Research is a powerful note-taking tool that excels in creating interconnected ideas through bidirectional links and block references. It’s perfect for researchers and writers wanting to maintain a complex web of knowledge, although its price tag may not suit casual users.
Strengths
- +Bidirectional linking makes it incredibly easy to create relationships between notes, allowing users to see connections they might not have otherwise considered.
- +The block referencing feature allows for citing specific segments of notes, which is handy for academic writing or detailed projects.
- +Daily notes encourage consistent documentation, making it easier to track your thoughts and ideas over time.
- +The graph overview provides a visual representation of your knowledge, helping you navigate complex information and see how ideas intersect.
- +The outliner format promotes atomic note-taking, which can help in breaking down complex ideas into manageable chunks.
- +The community around Roam is incredibly supportive, with plenty of resources and tutorials available to help new users get started.
- +Cross-platform availability ensures that you can access your notes from anywhere, whether you're on a computer or a mobile device.
Limitations
- -The learning curve is quite steep, which can be intimidating for new users; it’s not the most intuitive interface out there.
- -Pricing is on the higher side, which may deter casual users who aren’t ready to invest in a premium note-taking tool.
- -The mobile app feels a bit clunky compared to the desktop version, lacking some features that could improve usability on the go.
- -Without a clear organisational structure, it can become overwhelming if you’re not diligent about linking and categorising notes.
- -Some users may find the graph overview more confusing than helpful, especially if they’re not used to visualising their knowledge in that way.
Use Cases
- -Academic researchers who need to manage a vast amount of literature and ideas while maintaining clear connections between concepts.
- -Creative writers working on complex narratives that require a deep exploration of characters, themes, and plot lines.
- -Students who want to build a comprehensive knowledge base for their studies, linking lecture notes to readings and assignments.
- -Professionals who need to document and organise project ideas or client information in a way that allows for easy retrieval.
- -Bloggers looking to develop intricate content plans with interconnected ideas that grow over time.
