Notion is a versatile all-in-one workspace with a free tier and AI integration, while Roam Research is a specialized tool for bidirectional linking and networked thinking starting at $15/month. Notion wins for most users seeking flexibility and affordability, while Roam Research excels for knowledge workers prioritizing link-based knowledge management.
Notion vs Roam Research — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Notion if you need an affordable, all-in-one workspace with team collaboration, AI assistance, and don't mind a steep customization curve. Choose Roam Research if you're a solo knowledge worker or researcher who values bidirectional linking, interconnected thinking, and don't mind paying $15+/month for a specialized tool designed around networked knowledge.
Versatile all-in-one workspace combining documents, databases, wikis, and task management
Networked note-taking platform specializing in bidirectional linking, backlinking, and knowledge graph visualization.
Notion vs Roam Research — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for Notion vs Roam Research with 411 attributes.
Free Tier Monthly Recording/Creation Limit
Monthly Subscription Cost (Personal Plan)
Maximum Database Rows (optimal performance)
Real-time Simultaneous Collaborators (unlimited tier)
Native Data Visualization (charts, pivots)
Max Database Items Before Performance Degradation
Starting Price per User/Month (Annual Billing)
Base Monthly Cost Per User (Annual Billing)
Notion vs Roam Research — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Notion vs Roam Research.
Can I use both Notion and Roam Research together?
Yes, many power users combine both tools. Notion can handle block-based organizational tasks, project management, and team collaboration, while Roam Research manages bidirectional knowledge linking and research connections. They serve different workflow needs and can complement each other well.
Yes, Notion offers a generous free tier with full access to core features including unlimited pages, blocks, and basic sharing. Paid plans start at $12/month for individual Pro and $25/month for team workspaces. Roam Research has no free tier and starts at $15/month.
Which tool is better for team collaboration?
Notion is stronger for team collaboration. It includes granular permission controls, guest access, real-time co-editing, and is designed for group workspaces. Roam Research supports unlimited collaborators but is primarily optimized for individual knowledge graphs, making it less ideal for traditional team projects.
What's the main difference between Notion and Roam Research?
Notion is a versatile all-in-one workspace for notes, databases, wikis, and project management. Roam Research is a specialized tool centered on bidirectional linking and interconnected thinking. Notion excels at flexibility and organization, while Roam Research excels at knowledge discovery through linked notes.
Both have strong AI integration in 2026, but differently. Notion includes built-in Notion AI for writing assistance, summarization, and Q&A. Roam Research offers multi-provider LLM support with AI agents and MCP servers for more advanced automation. Notion's AI is more accessible, while Roam's is more customizable.