Pricing comparison
Obsidian vs Roam Research
Side-by-side pricing breakdown for Note-Taking Apps decision-makers
Each amount uses its recorded currency; no currency conversion is applied. Confirm billing units, commitments, and current regional terms.
Compare the plan that fits your requirements
Check billing units, included usage and renewal terms. Starting prices alone do not establish an overall winner.
Dataset dated 2026-04-21. Sources: Obsidian pricing and Roam Research pricing.
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Recorded starting rates: Obsidian $5/mo; Roam Research $15/mo. Billing units and commitments can differ. Compare the plans that include your required features, then request quotes for the same quantity and term.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| local files | Markdown files in local folders | Not recorded |
| plugins | 1600+ community plugins | Not recorded |
| themes | Unlimited | Not recorded |
| graph view | Yes | Yes |
| canvas | Yes | Not recorded |
| backlinks | Yes | Not recorded |
| e2e encryption | Sync | Not recorded |
| version history | Sync | Not recorded |
| publish to web | Publish | Not recorded |
| offline first | Yes | Not recorded |
| privacy | Core notes are local; syncing, publishing and plugins can transmit data depending on configuration | Not recorded |
| bidirectional links | Not recorded | Yes |
| block references | Not recorded | Yes |
| outliner ui | Not recorded | Yes |
| daily notes | Not recorded | Yes |
| search | Not recorded | Yes |
| collaboration | Not recorded | Limited |
| mobile apps | Not recorded | Verify current native and browser support for your devices |
| export | Not recorded | Markdown, JSON, EDN |
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Dive Deeper
Roam Research
About the note-taking apps category
Note-taking tools differ in structure and storage. Notion combines documents with databases and shared workspaces. Obsidian stores local Markdown files. Evernote focuses on a searchable note archive, Roam uses linked outline blocks, and Bear emphasizes writing and tags on supported Apple devices.
How to choose between note-taking apps options
Try capturing, finding and exporting the same notes. Check offline access, attachments, mobile support and collaboration on your devices. Test exports of links and attachments rather than assuming a migration will be effortless.
Building Your Business Stack?
Decision-makers comparing tools often need more than one category. Here are related comparisons:
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do Obsidian and Roam Research prices compare?
- Obsidian: $5/mo. Roam Research: $15/mo. These are recorded starting prices; compare billing units, included usage and contract terms before treating them as equivalent costs.
- Which is better for my requirements, Obsidian or Roam Research?
- Compare the recorded features and plan limits against your requirements, then confirm them with each vendor. This page does not establish hands-on testing or an overall winner.
- What happens after the first billing term?
- Use any recorded renewal rate as a dated observation. When a future rate is missing, ask the vendor; do not assume the starting price remains unchanged.