15 Best Roam Research Alternatives for Note-Taking (2025)

Ideas rarely follow a straight line.

They loop back, branch out, and collide in unexpected ways. The right note-taking tool makes it easier to keep up. Roam Research tapped into that need with its networked approach to notes, but it’s not the only tool built for nonlinear thinking.

If you’re curious about what else is out there, this roundup of Roam Research alternatives is for you. Here are the top options that bring their own take on connected note-taking. 📝

Best Roam Research Alternatives for Note-Taking

Top Roam Research Alternatives at a Glance

Here’s a quick look at the top Roam Research alternatives and how they stack up.

Tool	Best features	Best for	Pricing*
ClickUp	Nested Docs with collapsible pages, ClickUp Brain for AI writing and scheduling, AI Notetaker for transcripts and action items, Whiteboards for mapping ideas	Individuals, small businesses, mid-market companies, enterprises	Free forever; customization available for enterprises
Obsidian	Local markdown storage, bidirectional linking between notes, plugin ecosystem, graph view for idea mapping	Individuals	Free plan available; paid plans start at $5/month/user
Logseq	Collapsible outlines, PDF annotation, advanced queries with filters and tags, daily journal system	Individuals	Free
Evernote	Web clipping from any device, OCR in images, audio notes, notebook and tag-based organization	Small businesses	Free plan available; paid plans start at $14.99/month/user
RemNote	Built-in spaced repetition, flashcard generation from notes, learning progress tracking	Individuals	Free plan available; paid plans start at $10/month/user
Joplin	End-to-end encryption, markdown editing, browser web clipper, plugin marketplace	Individuals	Free plan available; paid plans start at €2.99/month/user
Google Keep	Time and location-based reminders, voice note transcription, real-time syncing	Individuals	Free with a Google account
Fusebase (formerly Nimbus Note)	Rich formatting options, nested folders and workspaces, public share links with permissions, third-party app embeds	Small businesses	Free trial available; paid plans start at $39/month/user; customization available for teams
Workflowy	Infinite bullet nesting, mirrored content, hashtag filters, zoom-in focus view	Individuals	Free plan available; paid plans start at $8.99/month/user
Amplenote	Task prioritization using the Eisenhower Matrix, spaced review of ideas, jot system for quick note capture	Individuals	Free plan available; paid plans start at $5.99/month/user
Tana	Schema-based data structures, flexible views including tables and boards, smart queries, reusable templates	Small businesses	Free plan available; paid plans start at $10/month/user
Anytype	Offline-first with peer-to-peer sync, object-based note structure, dashboard customization	Individuals	Free plan available; paid plans start at $99/year
DokuWiki	Self-hosted plain text system, extensive plugin support, page version control	Small businesses	Free
Microsoft OneNote	Infinite canvas layout, drawing and handwriting tools, cloud syncing across devices, integration with Microsoft apps	Small businesses	Free with Microsoft 365; personal and business plans available
TiddlyWiki	All-in-one HTML file, atomic content chunks (tiddlers), full offline access, advanced filter and tag system	Individuals	Free plan available; paid plans start at $8/month/user

*Please check the tool’s website for the latest pricing

Why Go For Roam Research Alternatives

Roam Research’s networked note-taking sparks creativity for connecting ideas, but its pain points can drive users to seek alternatives that better fit their workflows or budgets. 💵

Here’s why you might explore other note-taking apps:

Steep subscription fees: Charges $15/month or $165/year, which feels exorbitant for students, freelancers, or casual users on tight budgets
Slow feature rollouts: Delays updates like enhanced search filters or integrations with tools like Notion, leaving power users wanting more
Hampered team collaboration: Provides minimal sharing options, lacking real-time editing or robust group project features for collaborative work
Limited visual customization: Offers no themes, fonts, or layout options to tailor the workspace to user preferences
Struggle with large datasets: Lags significantly when handling thousands of meeting notes or complex idea graphs, slowing productivity

🧠 Fun Fact: Moleskine notebooks became famous in the 1980s after travelers and creatives like Hemingway and Picasso used them to document their ideas and experiences. Today, they’re synonymous with creative note-taking methods.

The Best Roam Research Alternatives to Use

Explore these top Roam Research alternatives to find the right note-taking system that matches your thinking style, workflow, and setup. ⚙️

1. ClickUp (Best for all-in-one project and documentation management)

ClickUp: All-in-one workspace that integrates note-taking — Use ClickUp Docs to build and navigate content using rich formatting and nested pages

As the everything app for work, ClickUp offers a more structured approach to note-taking than standalone notes apps. It combines project management, knowledge documentation, and AI-powered tools in one workspace, making it a practical alternative to Roam Research that connects your ideas and tasks together.

Write inside ClickUp Docs

Start with ClickUp Docs, a document editor that blends flexible writing with real organization.

Unlike Roam’s flat web of links, Docs give you a clear hierarchy for organizing related ideas, topics, and themes through nested pages. You can expand or collapse these pages inside the master Doc to keep related content grouped while still being easily accessible.

Let’s say you’re building a research hub on climate tech. Your main Doc could be titled ‘Clean Energy Research’. Under that, you can add nested pages like ‘Solar Adoption in Southern America’, ‘Wind Power Case Studies’, and ‘Policy Notes’. This lets you zoom into specifics without losing the bigger picture.

You can format text richly, embed images and files, tag collaborators, and even turn any line of text into an actionable task. All of this makes Docs feel more dynamic and useful than a traditional note or an isolated Roam page.

Brainstorm, auto-complete, and execute with context-aware ClickUp AI

ClickUp Brain: Best Roam Research alternative with AI-powered summaries for just text — *Highlight any section in your Doc and ask ClickUp Brain to summarize or rewrite it instantly*

Make every doc more interactive with ClickUp Brain

Now layer in ClickUp Brain, the world’s most complete and context-aware AI assistant that lives inside Docs. It’s built to speed up thinking and writing without pulling you out of flow. You can ask it to summarize a long block of text, rewrite dense content, or generate new ideas based on what you’ve written.

For example, if you’ve gathered several paragraphs of notes from five different sources on carbon capture tech, you can highlight the text and ask ClickUp Brain to create a summary or simplify the language.

💡 Pro Tip: Create Docs 4x faster than typing! Download ClickUp Brain MAX, your desktop AI companion, and turn on voice dictation with Talk to Text.

Speak your ideas and capture them into polished content hands-free. Whether you’re writing in Docs, composing emails, or creating tasks, Talk to Text turns spoken words into refined text instantly. You speak; it types, corrects, and structures—without lifting a finger.

Talk to Text works across desktop apps—think Gmail, Slack, and ClickUp itself.

Automate meeting notes with the ClickUp AI Notetaker

ClickUp AI Notetaker: Note-taking app that automates notes in the same document — *Let the ClickUp AI Notetaker handle meeting transcripts and summaries* *as you focus on the discussion*

Try ClickUp AI Notetaker

Then comes the ClickUp AI Notetaker, which automates meeting notes so you don’t have to scribble while trying to listen. It joins your Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet calls, records them, and generates a full transcript, action items, and key takeaways—then sends a neat Doc right to your ClickUp Inbox.

Suppose you’re interviewing an expert or hosting a team meeting about your research findings.

Instead of manually typing quotes or timestamps, the AI tool for meeting notes captures everything and drops the transcript into your relevant folder or Doc. You stay present in the moment and still walk away with polished notes.

Create a second brain with ready-to-use templates

Start with the ClickUp Knowledge Base Template to build an organized research repository

Finally, the ClickUp Knowledge Base Template gives your notes a home. It’s designed for long-term use and includes a clean hierarchy, pre-built sections, and connected workflows so your information stays both browsable and actionable.

Let’s say you’re building a multi-month research project. The knowledge base template lets you create categories like ‘Raw Data’, ‘Interviews’, and ‘Draft Chapters’, each holding structured Docs with related nested pages.

Get free template

If Roam helped you think in networks, but you need a tool that adds structure, collaboration, and execution, ClickUp gives you the best of both. This Roam Research alternative keeps your notes organized, searchable, and ready to turn into action.

ClickUp best features

Create ClickUp Tasks directly from Docs or AI Notetaker summaries to bridge the gap between thinking and doing
Capture fleeting ideas in ClickUp Notepad and convert them into tasks later, giving more structure to your thoughts and plans than Roam’s daily notes
Build concept maps or project flows on ClickUp Whiteboards and link them to Tasks, offering a flexible alternative to Roam’s graph view
Track upcoming tasks and meetings in the AI-powered ClickUp Calendar, adding a time management layer that Roam lacks. Use the Calendar to block deep-work sessions and shift low-priority items automatically
Move from deep thinking to calls across meeting platforms like Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom without leaving ClickUp
Let ClickUp Brain analyze your schedule and auto-prioritize tasks, removing the need for manual tagging or sorting in Roam Research

ClickUp limitations

Users need to define spaces, folders, and custom views upfront, which can be a hurdle for those looking for plug-and-play knowledge management tools

ClickUp pricing

free forever

Best for personal use

Free Free

Key Features:

60MB Storage

Unlimited Tasks

Unlimited Free Plan Members

unlimited

Best for small teams

$7 $10

per user per month

Everything in Free Forever plus:

Unlimited Storage

Unlimited Folders and Spaces

Unlimited Integrations

ClickUp ratings and reviews

G2: 4.7/5 (10,200+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.6/5 (4,500+ reviews)

What are real-life users saying about ClickUp?

This Reddit review really says it all:

Their Docs system has quietly replaced most of our Google Docs work. Everything just flows better when our documentation lives in the same place as our projects. The team adapted to it faster than I thought they would. I was on the fence about ClickUp Brain at first, just seemed like another AI gimmick. But it’s saved me from some tedious writing tasks, especially when I need to summarize lengthy client emails or get a draft started. Not perfect, but helpful when I’m swamped. The AI notetaker feature was the real surprise. We used to lose so many action items after meetings, but now it catches everything and assigns tasks automatically. Follow-through has gotten noticeably better…

📮 ClickUp Insight: The average professional spends 30+ minutes a day searching for work-related information—that’s over 120 hours a year lost to digging through emails, Slack threads, and scattered files. An intelligent AI assistant embedded in your workspace can change that. Enter ClickUp Brain. It delivers instant insights and answers by surfacing the right documents, conversations, and task details in seconds—so you can stop searching and start working.

💫 Real Results: Teams like QubicaAMF reclaimed 5+ hours weekly using ClickUp—that’s over 250 hours annually per person—by eliminating outdated knowledge management processes. Imagine what your team could create with an extra week of productivity every quarter!

Get started with ClickUp—it’s free

2. Obsidian (Best for local file ownership)

Obsidian: Roam Research alternative with its core features and Visual Studio Code

via Obsidian

Obsidian transforms Markdown files on your computer into an interconnected knowledge base. Your notes live on your device—not someone else’s server—giving you complete ownership of your data. The graph view maps connections between ideas, revealing patterns across your thinking.

Many users migrate to Obsidian after trying cloud-based alternatives since local storage eliminates subscription fees and internet dependency.

Its customization options allow you to create a personalized workspace through community themes and plugins. This flexibility attracts people who want control over both their notes and the tools they use to manage them.

Obsidian best features

Create bidirectional links between notes to build complex knowledge networks that reveal connections between seemingly unrelated topics
Customize the interface through CSS snippets and community themes to match your exact workflow preferences and visual comfort
Extend functionality through community plugins that add features from task management to advanced visualization tools
Navigate your knowledge through multiple views, including graph visualization, outline mode, and traditional folder structures

Obsidian limitations

Users must write in Markdown and preview the formatted output separately, which can be less intuitive for those accustomed to rich-text editors
There’s no support for interactive elements like checkboxes, dates, or dropdowns within table cells compared to some Obsidian alternatives
Community plugins may break with updates

Obsidian pricing

Sync: $5/month per user
Publish: $10/month per user

Obsidian ratings and reviews

G2: Not enough reviews
Capterra: 4.8/5 (40+ reviews)

What are real-life users saying about Obsidian?

This Reddit review caught our eye:

But notebooks, documents, they always turn into lost knowledge, and as time moves on i forget where they are. Obsidian helps me connect them, so they come back to me even by accident, it also takes down the anxiety of “i need to memorize this”. I know myself very well and how I think, so when I write down notes, I write in ways that I’ll connect the dots easily. This helps me reduce the time I was using for just struggling to keep a subject and not research again, but also write down behaviors I had through the day or progress I made on my life in general.

📖 Also Read: ClickUp vs. Obsidian: Which Note-Taking Tool is Best?

3. Logseq (Best for outlining and task management)

Logseq: Roam Research alternative with robust features but steep learning curve

via Logseq

Logseq approaches note-taking with hierarchical outlines that expand and collapse on demand. This structure naturally organizes complex topics into digestible chunks.

As an open-source platform, Logseq eliminates subscription costs while maintaining active development. The journal feature automatically creates daily notes, making habit tracking and daily logs effortless. For programmers, the ability to embed code blocks with syntax highlighting adds practical utility that is missing in many competitors.

Logseq best features

Annotate PDFs directly within your internal knowledge base, creating links between your thoughts and original sources without switching between applications
Query your notes with built-in search operators that filter by tags, properties, and relationships to pull exactly the information you need
Schedule tasks using simple markdown syntax and track them across daily notes, removing the need for separate task management tools

Logseq limitations

Less refined user interface compared to polished commercial alternatives
There is no way to revert changes or restore text that may have been accidentally deleted
Users must manually create links between notes, which can be time-consuming
Logseq lacks a native syncing solution, relying on third-party services, which may not appeal to all users

Logseq pricing

Free

Logseq ratings and reviews

G2: Not enough reviews
Capterra: Not enough reviews

What are real-life users saying about Logseq?

One Reddit user offers a helpful breakdown:

The concept of Logseq is extremely powerful. It wants the user to create a database where the user does not have to worry about searching for and organizing the information contained in the database. The journal style aims to make the practice of note taking as friction-less as possible. […] The biggest reason why Logseq falters is that the idea is not backed up by its robust implementation. The user interface is quite cozy once the user gets a hang of it. However, Logseq is simply inadequate for handling large amounts of structured data […]

4. Evernote (Best for cross-platform synchronization)

Evernote: Roam alternative for taking notes in your personal workflow with no bi directional links

via Evernote

Evernote excels at capturing information from multiple sources—web clips, images, audio, and text all live together in organized notebooks.

Cross-platform synchronization happens automatically, making your notes accessible across devices without manual transfers. Evernote focuses on organization through traditional folders and tags rather than bidirectional linking.

The web clipper saves entire articles, removing ads and formatting them for easy reading later. Despite recent price increases, many users stick with Evernote for its reliable search and familiar interface.

Evernote best features

Search through handwritten notes and text within images using optical character recognition (OCR) that makes even non-text content easily findable
Record audio notes during meetings or lectures that sync with your typed notes, creating comprehensive records of conversations
Organize information through notebooks, stacks, and tags that create multiple paths to find your content without requiring you to remember exact connections

Evernote limitations

Limited connection features between notes
Evernote has experienced security breaches in the past, including a significant hack in 2013 that compromised user data
No native Markdown support
It’s expensive compared to other Roam Research alternatives

Evernote pricing

Free
Personal: $14.99/month
Professional: $17.99/month
Enterprise: Custom pricing

Evernote ratings and reviews

G2: 4.4/5 (2,010+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.4/5 (8,280+ reviews)

What are real-life users saying about Evernote?

Straight from a G2 review:

Consolidating note formation at an amazing rate has become much easier and efficient, which is fascinating. We have managed to maintain a high level of performance while keeping track of numerous notes for each specific event and organizing them using notebooks and tags to make pertinent information easier to find is prevalent. Keeping everyone on the same page and up to date with managing projects, meetings and daily activities is easy with Evernote.

⚡️ Knowledge in Action: NASA’s TechPort system, launched in 2012, is a centralized repository for the agency’s research and development efforts, ensuring efficient knowledge sharing and innovation tracking.

5. RemNote (Best for active learning and spaced repetition)

RemNote: Unlike Roam, focuses on simple notes and allows users to collaborate

via RemNote

RemNote bridges the gap between note-taking and memorization by integrating spaced repetition. This personal knowledge management software automatically generates flashcards from your notes, helping you retain information long-term.

It organizes content hierarchically through ‘rems’, which are atomic units of knowledge that connect to form a network. Students particularly appreciate how RemNote transforms passive notes into active study materials.

The document-centric approach makes transitioning from traditional note-taking intuitive while introducing more useful organizational concepts.

RemNote best features

Create concept maps and visual relationships between ideas through the built-in knowledge graph that displays connections across your entire note system
Integrate reference materials like PDFs and web articles directly into your knowledge base with annotation capabilities that preserve context
Track study progress with detailed statistics and daily goals, helping maintain consistency and measure improvement over time
Collaborate on notes with team members or study groups through shared documents that maintain version history and track changes

RemNote limitations

The interface feels cluttered when managing large knowledge bases
A subscription is required to access this Roam Research alternative’s advanced features
The mobile experience needs improvement
Exporting notes and flashcards to other applications can be challenging due to limited formats

RemNote pricing

Free
Pro: $10/month
Pro with AI: $20/month

RemNote ratings and reviews

G2: Not enough reviews
Capterra: Not enough reviews

What are real-life users saying about RemNote?

One Reddit user puts it this way:

The best thing I liked about remNote is their flashcard feature and management. It is one of the best I found at free level directly connected with the notes. They actively working on that as well. For the note taking, is feel it’s okay.

🔍 Did You Know? Only 45% of employees at large companies actively use their knowledge management systems, according to IDC research. This highlights a major gap between implementation and actual engagement.

6. Joplin (Best for privacy-focused note management)

Joplin: Note-taking app that challenges Roam's features

via Joplin

Joplin delivers open-source note-taking with end-to-end encryption that keeps your data private even when synced across devices. It stores notes in standard Markdown format, ensuring you can access your content without proprietary software.

The platform handles synchronization through your choice of services: Dropbox, OneDrive, NextCloud, or your own server. This flexibility gives you control over where your data lives.

Many users switch to Joplin specifically for the combination of privacy features and no-cost access to advanced functionality that requires subscriptions elsewhere.

Joplin best features

Extend functionality through plugins that add features like Kanban boards, mind maps, and additional export formats without increasing the base application size
Clip web content using the browser extension that preserves formatting and images while saving everything locally rather than to a third-party service
Insert sketches, flowcharts, or visual notes directly within your entries to better illustrate complex ideas
Quickly navigate to any note, tag, or notebook using the ‘Goto Anything’ search feature with auto-complete suggestions

Joplin limitations

Graph view and connections are less developed than Roam
Search can be slower with very large note collections
It doesn’t support real-time collaboration, which can be a drawback for team-based workflows

Joplin pricing

Basic: €2.99/month (approximately $3.32/month)
Pro: €5.99/month (approximately $6.65/month)
Teams: €7.99/month (approximately $8.87/month)

Joplin ratings and reviews

G2: Not enough reviews
Capterra: Not enough reviews

What are real-life users saying about Joplin?

A G2 review summed it up like this:

I love the organizational structure of the notes, where you can have notebooks and different notes within them. I also love that the notes are stored in Markdown, which allows for easy ready, because of the preview pane, and it also keeps the size very small for the notes, because it doesn’t store a huge bunch of unneccessary junk. I use it every day, and it is very easy to use and integrate into your daily life.

🧠 Fun Fact: Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks are famously written in reverse or mirror script. The reason? To keep his ideas private, the text was legible only when viewed in a mirror.

7. Google Keep (Best for quick capture and reminders)

Google Keep: Secure environment for internal links and other notes

via Google

Google Keep takes a minimalist approach to note-taking through colorful cards that organize bits of information. It’s reliable for quick capture; jot down ideas, voice notes, or checklists that sync instantly across devices.

Integration with other Google services allows you to create documents from notes or set location-based reminders. Google Keep deliberately avoids complex features, focusing instead on speed and accessibility.

This simplicity makes it an ideal Roam Research alternative for capturing fleeting thoughts rather than building knowledge bases.

Google Keep best features

Set time or location-based reminders that trigger notifications when you reach specific places or at scheduled times, turning passive notes into actionable prompts
Collaborate on shared notes and lists that update in real time across multiple users’ devices, making it effective for household shopping lists or shared project ideas
Convert handwritten notes to text through optical character recognition that makes even scribbled ideas searchable and editable after capture
Record audio notes on the go, which are automatically transcribed into text for easy reference and searchability

Google Keep limitations

Limited rich text formatting options for notes
No folders or nested labels to support a hierarchical structure
Each note has a character limit of 20,000, which may be restrictive
Despite being part of the Google ecosystem, Keep does not integrate directly with Google Tasks

Google Keep pricing

Free with a Google account

Google Keep ratings and reviews

G2: Not enough reviews
Capterra: 4.7/5 (230+ reviews)

What are real-life users saying about Google Keep?

See what this Capterra reviewer had to say:

I love how Google Keep syncs across my devices or google account instantly, meaning I can take some testing notes on the go and have access to them later.

8. Fusebase (formerly Nimbus Note) (Best for documentation and knowledge bases)

Fusebase: Roam Research alternative with block references and cloud storage

via Fusebase

Nimbus Note (now Fusebase) combines document editing with knowledge management, delivering powerful organization tools without overwhelming complexity. The platform excels at structuring information through nested workspaces, folders, and subfolders.

Rich formatting options include tables, code blocks, and embeds—all searchable later. Nimbus appeals to users who need more structure than Roam’s free-form approach.

The web clipper deserves special mention for its flexibility, allowing you to save entire pages, simplified articles, screenshots, or selected text with just a few clicks.

Fusebase best features

Structure content through unlimited nested workspaces, folders, and subfolders that create logical hierarchies for different projects or areas of knowledge
Create public sharing links with granular permission controls that determine whether others can view, comment on, or edit your notes without requiring accounts
Embed over 30 types of content directly in notes, including videos, maps, spreadsheets, and third-party apps that keep related information together

Fusebase limitations

The task management capabilities are considered basic, lacking comprehensive to-do lists
Some users have expressed concerns over the removal of the JSON export feature, making data migration more challenging

Fusebase pricing

Solo: $39/month
Essentials: $99/month (for five members)
Advanced: $399/month (for 50 members)
Unlimited: Custom pricing

Fusebase ratings and reviews

G2: 4.7/5 (100+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.6/5 (170+ reviews)

What are real-life users saying about Fusebase?

This is how one G2 reviewer described their experience with this Roam Research alternative:

FuseBase has a powerful document editor combined with website-like portals. Nice option for reducing client onboarding time as we have centralised our training and guides. We are still learning and improving our wiki as the tool gets updates and new features every month. So far, so good – automated task reminders & step-by-step workflow editor are my favourites for now.

🔍 Did You Know? The Zettelkasten method, used by sociologist Niklas Luhmann, involved linking thousands of individual note cards together for better recall. He credited it for helping him write over 70 books.

9. Workflowy (Best for infinitely nestable lists)

Workflowy: Alternative to Roam Research that addresses privacy concerns

via Workflowy

Workflowy distills note-taking to its essence: the outline. This focused approach creates a frictionless environment for capturing hierarchical information.

Every bullet point functions as both content and container, allowing infinite nesting that keeps related information connected. Zooming into any bullet makes it the temporary focus, eliminating distractions.

Workflowy appeals to users who value simplicity over feature bloat. The minimal interface deliberately avoids unnecessary complexity, letting you concentrate on content rather than controls or settings.

Workflowy best features

Tag content with hashtags and mentions that create instant filters across your entire information database, regardless of where items are nested
Share specific branches of your outline with customizable permission settings that allow others to view or collaborate on just the relevant sections
Search across all levels simultaneously, with results that show the full context path to each match, helping you locate information within complex hierarchies
Create mirrored copies of bullets that update simultaneously across different locations, ensuring consistency throughout your notes

Workflowy limitations

Limited formatting options compared to other tools
Workflowy doesn’t have built-in reminders, due dates, or time management features
There’s no simple way to archive completed items

Workflowy pricing

Free
Pro: $8.99/month

Workflowy ratings and reviews

G2: 4.5/5 (25+ reviews)
Capterra: Not enough reviews

What are real-life users saying about Workflowy?

Here’s a firsthand perspective on this Roam Research alternative:

I love the fact that everything is just a bullet point list. Bullet points is how I typically take my notes and Workflowy empowers me to do it more efficiently.

⚡️ Knowledge in Action: Siemens’ digital platform, ShareNet, facilitates knowledge sharing among employees, enhancing collaboration and learning across the organization.

10. Amplenote (Best for productivity-focused note-taking)

Amplenote: Powerful tool for shared knowledge

via Amplenote

Amplenote combines note-taking with task management through a thoughtful integration of ideas and action items. Tasks extracted from notes automatically populate a unified task system with priorities based on urgency and importance. The Roam Research alternative introduces ‘Jots’, quick capture notes that later transform into permanent content.

It differentiates itself through ‘idea gardening’ features that resurface notes for review based on spaced repetition principles.

Amplenote best features

Transform notes into tasks with rich metadata, including due dates, priorities, and effort estimates that automatically populate task views
Rank tasks automatically using the Eisenhower Matrix approach that calculates importance based on urgency, value, and effort to help focus on high-impact work
Review ideas systematically through spaced repetition prompts that resurface notes at optimal intervals for building long-term knowledge retention
Forward important emails to Amplenote, automatically converting them into tasks within designated notes

Amplenote limitations

There’s no library of pre-made templates for notes or tasks
The desktop application is restricted to paid subscribers; free users can only use the web and mobile versions
When linking notes using the [[ syntax, only five suggestions are displayed, which can be insufficient for users with extensive note libraries
Accessing the same daily jot from multiple devices on the same day can result in duplicate entries

Amplenote pricing

Basic: $5.99/month (billed annually)
Pro: $9.99/month (billed annually)
Founder: $24.99/month (billed annually)

Amplenote ratings and reviews

G2: Not enough reviews
Capterra: Not enough reviews

What are real-life users saying about Amplenote?

Here’s what a Reddit user said:

It’s a nice notetaking app, and there are functions to make it one big app for all productivity stuff but I guess you gotta try and see for yourself if it fits. One thing I don’t like is the fact that it auto-archive your notes after a certain period of inactivity. I think that’s weird but I haven’t got around to fix it yet.

11. Tana (Best for flexible database capabilities)

Tana: Protect sensitive information with this Roam Research alternative

via Tana

Tana treats information as structured data without sacrificing flexibility. Every piece of content becomes a node that can contain other nodes, with customizable properties that enable database-like functionality.

It embraces ‘schema thinking’ where information gains structure through consistent properties while maintaining the freedom of free-form notes. Tana appeals to users frustrated by the limitations of both traditional documents and rigid databases.

Tana best features

View the same information through multiple formats, including outlines, tables, Kanban boards, and calendars that provide different perspectives on your data
Create commands that automate repetitive workflows and transform how information gets processed or displayed within your workspace
Build sophisticated queries using natural language that filter and sort information across your entire knowledge base
Design note-taking templates for consistent information capture that standardize how you collect data while remaining adaptable to new requirements

Tana limitations

Tana allows the creation of multiple nodes with the same name, which can lead to confusion and disorganization
The app only supports exporting in JSON format
Mobile experience is still developing

Tana pricing

Free
Plus: $10/month
Pro: $18/month

Tana ratings and reviews

G2: Not enough reviews
Capterra: Not enough reviews

What are real-life users saying about Tana?

Let’s look at a Reddit review about this Roam Research alternative:

Tana allows me to just write content and apply a tag. I don’t have to think about folders or structure. I just apply a tag, and know that the information can be resurfaced easily! The biggest drawback for me currently is the absence of a true read/write mobile app. Don’t get me wrong, Tana Capture is great. But I’m always on the move and need to reference my content, too.

🔍 Did You Know? The act of connecting two unrelated ideas (a hallmark of linked note-taking) is called bisociation, and it’s been linked to creative breakthroughs in both art and science.

12. Anytype (Best for privacy-focused object relationships)

Anytype: Open source nature tool with local-first storage

via Anytype

Anytype approaches knowledge management through object-oriented design, where each note functions as a distinct object with customizable properties. It stores all data locally with peer-to-peer sync, eliminating central servers entirely.

The object-relation model lets you create custom types—projects, tasks, people, books—each with specific attributes and relationships. Every piece of information becomes a building block that connects to others through meaningful relationships rather than just links or tags.

Anytype best features

Connect information through relations that specify how objects interact, creating a semantic network that mirrors real-world relationships between concepts
Design personal dashboards that aggregate related information and visualize connections between objects across your knowledge database
Adapt the interface through flexible views, including lists, tables, galleries, and boards that display the same information, optimized for different contexts
Set up simple automations to manage your workflows, such as auto-tagging notes or organizing content as you add it

Anytype limitations

Smaller community compared to established alternatives
Advanced queries require learning specific syntax
The absence of inline LaTeX support makes it less suitable for users

Anytype pricing

Free
Builder: $99/year
Co-Creator: $299/year
Business: Custom pricing

Anytype ratings and reviews

G2: Not enough reviews
Capterra: Not enough reviews

What are real-life users saying about Anytype?

Here’s a Reddit user’s opinion on this Roam Research alternative:

As for the app alone, it is good. It’ the “offline-first” equivalent of Notion, because it’s database oriented. It is harder to understand the concepts behind it for a non-tech person, but not impossible (I mean here that they are using odd naming for their “things”, and that everything in there is “relation”). What I didn’t like there (but that may have changed, as I was using it 6 months ago) is that the iPad/iPhone app is more like a bare-minimum companion, not a fully fledged app that could be used instead.

13. DokuWiki (Best for technical documentation teams)

DokuWiki: Alternative to Roam to disseminate information effectively

via DokuWiki

DokuWiki creates structured documentation without requiring a database backend. This plain-text wiki system stores pages as individual files, making backup and version control straightforward.

It stands out for its self-hosting options, which allow you to take complete control of your infrastructure. The extensive plugin ecosystem addresses specialized needs, from drawing diagrams to managing bibliographies, making it adaptable to nearly any documentation requirement.

DokuWiki best features

Organize notes through namespaces that create logical sections and subsections while maintaining clear URLs that reflect your information architecture
Control access with granular permission systems that define who can read, edit, or manage different sections based on user groups or individual accounts
Extend functionality through hundreds of plugins that add features from syntax highlighting to drawing tools while maintaining core system stability
Track changes with built-in version control that preserves the complete history of each page, with the ability to compare versions or revert to previous states

DokuWiki limitations

Requires technical knowledge to set up and maintain
Less polished user interface than consumer options
As an open-source tool, professional support is limited
Limited real-time collaboration features

DokuWiki pricing

Free

DokuWiki ratings and reviews

G2: Not enough reviews
Capterra: Not enough reviews

What are real-life users saying about DokuWiki?

A satisfied G2 reviewer has this to say:

I like that it is so easy to setup and maintain, no complicated database setup to deal with. It’s perfect for instances where you don’t need a huge multiuser wiki. It’s great for keeping notes for one person or a small workgroup or family. Because the web server user has to be able to write to disk, this presents a security concern. But proper configuration of network access and keeping things updated mitigates the risks.

14. Microsoft OneNote (Best for free-form canvas notes)

Microsoft OneNote: Note-taking tool that makes sense with a GitHub integration

via Microsoft OneNote

OneNote breaks free from the constraints of linear documents by offering an infinite canvas where information lives anywhere you place it. Text, images, tables, and drawings coexist on pages that mimic physical notebooks but exceed their capabilities.

This Roam Research alternative integrates deeply with Microsoft’s ecosystem, automatically connecting with Outlook tasks and storing notebooks on OneDrive. For visual thinkers who prefer spatial organization over strict hierarchies, OneNote provides unique freedom of placement.

Microsoft OneNote best features

Record audio or video notes that sync with your typing, creating timestamps that let you jump directly to what was being said when you wrote specific notes
Draw and annotate freely using pen input on touch devices with pressure sensitivity and different pen types that mimic physical writing instruments
Organize research with integrated tools that let you search reference materials and cite sources directly within your notes

Microsoft OneNote limitations

Limited linking between notes compared to Roam
Sync issues can occur with larger notebooks
No native markdown support within the AI note-taking tool

Microsoft OneNote pricing

For home

Microsoft 365 Family: $12.99/month (for one to six people)
Microsoft 365 Personal: $9.99/month (for one person)

For business

Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $7.20/month per user
Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $15/month per user
Microsoft 365 Business Premium: $26.40/month per user
Microsoft 365 Apps for business: $9.90/month per user

Microsoft OneNote ratings and reviews

G2: 4.5/5 (1,830+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.6/5 (1,870+ reviews)

What are real-life users saying about Microsoft OneNote?

This G2 review brings up an interesting angle:

I think the best feature of Microsoft OneNote is the flexibility and ease of use in organizing notes across different platforms. The flexibility to create many notebooks, sections, and pages creates a highly structured but highly adaptable means of structuring information. In addition, notes can be accessed on any device with the help of integration with other Microsoft tools and the cloud-based syncing feature-just making everything so much easier. I also really appreciate the rich media support, which allows me to attach images, audio files, and even files directly into my notes.

🧠 Fun Fact: Your brain actually processes spatial information faster than linear text, which is why graph-based note-taking feels so intuitive and ‘sticky’ for many users.

15. TiddlyWiki (Best for complete customization control)

TiddlyWiki: Note-taking application and open-source alternative to Roam

via TiddlyWiki

TiddlyWiki delivers a unique approach to personal knowledge management through a single HTML file containing your content and the application itself. This self-contained design allows unprecedented portability; simply save the file locally or on any web space.

It organizes information as ‘tiddlers’, small chunks of content that connect through links and tags. The extreme customization options appeal to users who enjoy personalizing their tools.

Despite the basic appearance, TiddlyWiki offers programming-like capabilities without requiring a server or installation.

TiddlyWiki best features

Compose information as atomic ‘tiddlers’ that connect through links, transclusion, tags, and filters to create a flexible non-linear knowledge system
Filter content with powerful query syntax that combines logical operators, regular expressions, and metadata to retrieve information precisely
Deploy anywhere from local files to web servers without installation requirements, making it viable for both personal use and small team documentation

TiddlyWiki limitations

The default interface appears dated compared to modern apps
Its mobile experience is suboptimal without specific adaptations
Multiple file saving requires additional plugins

TiddlyWiki pricing

Free
Standard: $8/month
Premium: Custom pricing

TiddlyWiki ratings and reviews

G2: Not enough reviews
Capterra: Not enough reviews

What are real-life users saying about TiddlyWiki?

A Reddit user shares what works (and what doesn’t):

I’ve used tiddlywiki forever (seriously: since 2005). And I keep coming back to it, because it does things that nothing else does, and allows you to actually think and gather information and turn it into knowledge in a different more fluid way than anything else I’ve ever used. It’s hard to scale, but I don’t write and js code.

📖 Also Read: Logseq vs. Obsidian: Which Note-Taking App is Best?

Think Bigger with ClickUp

Roam Research changed how people connect ideas, but it comes with real limitations. If you’re hitting those walls, switching tools is a smart move.

That said, not all tools scale with your needs. Some are great for solo thinkers, others for structured teams, but few bring everything into one place.

ClickUp stands out by merging flexible documentation, AI-powered writing, and project execution into a single workspace. You can think freely in Docs, capture insights automatically with the AI Notetaker, and turn those insights into action—all without switching tabs or tools.

Everything you need to stay organized and get work done.

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