Top 10 Free Alternatives to Roam Research in 2025

Roam Research has been a popular choice for note-taking and knowledge management, but 2025 brings a plethora of strong contenders offering unique features and functionalities. Here's a roundup of the top 10 free alternatives to Roam Research that cater to different user needs and preferences.

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1. Logseq

Cost: Free
Open Source: Yes
Privacy: Data stored locally
Key Features: Graph view, block referencing, outlining, task management, PDF annotation, flashcards, whiteboard
Customization: Highly customizable with themes Explore Logseq

2. Obsidian

Cost: Free for personal use
Local Storage: Yes, stores notes on your device
Key Features: Graph view, Markdown support, Canvas for brainstorming, extensive plugin support, customizable themes, and backlinking
Cross-Platform: Available on multiple platforms
Customization: Highly customizable through plugins and themes Learn more about Obsidian

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3. Notion

Cost: Free plan available, paid plans for advanced features
Key Features: Databases, project management, task organization, real-time collaboration, media-rich notes, and customizable templates
Collaboration: Strong collaboration features
Organization: Highly customizable organizational structure
Learning Curve: Can have a steeper learning curve for new users Discover Notion

4. TiddlyWiki

Cost: Free and open-source
Non-Linear Structure: Yes
Self-Contained: Operates as a single HTML file
Customizable: Highly customizable and extensible
Offline Access: Private and offline capable Explore TiddlyWiki

5. Nuclino

Cost: Free plan available, advanced features from $6/user/month
Collaboration: Strong collaboration features
Key Features: Internal links, graph view, Markdown support, List, Board, Table and Graph views, and interactive media embeds
User Interface: Clean and distraction-free design
Search: Reliable search functionality Learn more about Nuclino

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6. Evernote

Cost: Free plan available, paid plans for advanced features from $10.83/user/month
Web Clipper: Yes, for saving web pages and articles
Organization: Notebooks and stacks for categorizing notes
Key Features: Web clipping, note organization, task management, note sharing
Graph View: Does not offer a visual graph view Discover Evernote

7. Microsoft OneNote

Cost: Free
Input Methods: Supports typing, handwriting, and drawing
Organization: Easy to navigate organization structure
Web Content Integration: Allows for direct integration of web content
Collaboration: Multi-device syncing and collaboration Learn more about Microsoft OneNote

8. Google Keep

Cost: Free
Simplicity: Clean, easy-to-use interface
Google Integration: Seamless integration with Google services
Key Features: Basic note-taking features, checklists, and image capture
Collaboration: Note sharing functionality Explore Google Keep

9. Zoho Notebook

Cost: Free
Markdown Support: Yes
Interface: Traditional note-taking interface
Key Features: Notebooks, notes, sections, sub-sections, and note sharing
Organization: Flexible note organization Discover Zoho Notebook

10. ClickUp

Cost: Free plan available, paid plans for advanced features
Key Features: Dynamic document editor, workflow integration, collaboration features, and customizable visual hierarchies
Formatting: Rich formatting and slash commands for efficient note-taking
Task Management: Can easily convert notes into tasks
Collaboration: Real-time collaborative editing Learn more about ClickUp

These options provide a variety of features and approaches to note-taking and personal knowledge management, allowing you to find a free alternative that suits your specific needs and preferences in 2025.

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FAQ

1. What is a free open-source alternative to Roam Research?

Logseq is a free, open-source, privacy-focused knowledge management tool that emphasizes local storage and customization. Learn more about Logseq

2. Which alternative provides a highly customizable note-taking experience?

Obsidian offers a highly customizable note-taking experience through a rich plugin ecosystem and theme store. Explore Obsidian

3. What is the best alternative for project management and task organization?

Notion is an all-in-one workspace that combines note-taking, project management, and task organization. Discover Notion

4. Is there a non-linear note-taking tool similar to Roam Research?

TiddlyWiki is a unique, open-source, non-linear notebook for capturing, organizing, and sharing complex information as a self-contained HTML file. Learn more about TiddlyWiki

5. Which alternative offers a clean and distraction-free workspace?

Nuclino provides a clean and distraction-free note-taking experience with features like internal links, graph view, and Markdown support. Explore Nuclino

6. What is a traditional note-taking tool with web clipping capabilities?

Evernote offers flexible note organization using notebooks and stacks and includes a useful web clipping tool. Discover Evernote

7. What is a free-form note-taking app with multi-device syncing?

Microsoft OneNote is a free-form note-taking app with multi-device syncing and collaboration features. Learn more about Microsoft OneNote

8. Which note-taking service is ideal for Google power users?

Google Keep is a simple, free note-taking service with basic features and seamless integration with other Google services. Explore Google Keep

9. What is a free tool with a traditional note-taking interface and Markdown support?

Zoho Notebook allows for flexible note creation and organization using notebooks, sections, and sub-sections, and supports Markdown. Discover Zoho Notebook

10. Which alternative combines knowledge management with task management?

ClickUp is an all-in-one productivity platform that includes ClickUp Docs for knowledge management, offering rich formatting and collaborative editing. Learn more about ClickUp

References

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.