Top 10 Open Source Alternatives to Roam Research in 2025

In 2025, several open-source alternatives to Roam Research have emerged, each offering unique features for knowledge management and note-taking. This article explores the top 10 open-source alternatives, delving into their key features, data storage, collaboration capabilities, and privacy.

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1. Logseq

Open Source: Yes
Data Storage: Local plain text files
Key Features: Outliner, Markdown, Org-mode, Graph View
Collaboration: Yes
Privacy: Focused on user privacy Explore Logseq

2. Obsidian

Open Source: No (Free for personal use)
Data Storage: Local plain text files
Key Features: Markdown, Graph View, Plugin support, Canvas
Collaboration: Via third-party services
Privacy: Local-first Discover Obsidian

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3. TiddlyWiki

Open Source: Yes
Data Storage: Self-contained HTML file
Key Features: Non-linear, highly customizable, multilingual
Collaboration: Via shared file
Privacy: Local-first Learn about TiddlyWiki

4. Joplin

Open Source: Yes
Data Storage: Supports various cloud options (Nextcloud, OneDrive, Dropbox, WebDAV)
Key Features: Markdown support, note organization, synchronization
Collaboration: Via synced cloud service
Privacy: User's cloud service choice Explore Joplin

5. Trilium Notes

Open Source: Yes
Data Storage: Local files or server
Key Features: Hierarchical, Rich text, Tagging, Versioning, Graph view
Collaboration: Limited through server
Privacy: Local and server options Discover Trilium Notes

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6. Foam

Open Source: Yes
Data Storage: Local plain text, git
Key Features: Markdown, GitHub Integration, Sharing
Collaboration: Yes through git
Privacy: Local-first Explore Foam

7. Athens Research

Open Source: Yes
Data Storage: Local
Key Features: Local-first, Knowledge Graph
Collaboration: Not specified
Privacy: Local-first

8. Anytype

Open Source: Yes
Data Storage: Local
Key Features: Local-first, Privacy, Tasks
Collaboration: Not specified
Privacy: Focused on user privacy Learn about Anytype

9. Simplenote

Open Source: Yes
Data Storage: Cloud based
Key Features: Markdown, real-time sync, versioning
Collaboration: Via real-time editing
Privacy: Cloud based Explore Simplenote

10. Notesnook

Open Source: Yes
Data Storage: End-to-end encrypted
Key Features: End-to-end encryption, privacy
Collaboration: Not specified
Privacy: Highly focused on user privacy Discover Notesnook

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FAQ

1. What is Logseq and what are its key features?

Logseq is a privacy-first, open-source outliner that works on top of local plain-text Markdown and Org-mode files. It focuses on knowledge management and collaboration. Key features include support for Markdown and Org-mode, outliner-style note-taking, and a graph view for linked notes. Learn more about Logseq

2. Is Obsidian open source, and what are its main advantages?

Obsidian is not open source but is free for personal use. It boasts features like local-first plain text Markdown, interlinked note-taking through backlinks, a graph view to visualize connections, and extensibility with plugins. Learn more about Obsidian

3. What makes TiddlyWiki unique among knowledge management tools?

TiddlyWiki is a unique, open-source personal knowledge management tool that operates as a self-contained HTML file. It offers a non-linear framework for note organization and is highly customizable. Discover TiddlyWiki

4. How does Joplin handle synchronization and privacy?

Joplin is an open-source note-taking and to-do application supporting Markdown notes and synchronization. It supports various cloud services for synchronization, such as Nextcloud, OneDrive, Dropbox, and WebDAV, with user privacy managed through the chosen cloud service. Learn more about Joplin

5. What are the main features of Trilium Notes?

Trilium Notes is a powerful note-taking and knowledge management application featuring hierarchical organization, rich text editing, tagging, versioning, and graph views to visualize note relationships. Explore Trilium Notes

6. How does Foam integrate with Visual Studio Code and GitHub?

Foam is a personal knowledge management and sharing system inspired by Roam Research, built on Visual Studio Code and GitHub. It supports Markdown, emphasizes sharing and collaboration, and is extensible for personal workflows. Discover Foam

7. What are the primary features of Athens Research?

Athens Research is an open-source and local-first alternative to Roam Research, focusing on a powerful knowledge graph, local-first storage, and transparency.

8. How does Anytype ensure user privacy in note-taking?

Anytype is an open-source, local-first note-taking application that emphasizes privacy. It supports both tasks and notes, ensuring that user data remains local and secure. Learn more about Anytype

9. What makes Simplenote a good option for real-time edits?

Simplenote is an open-source application that supports Markdown for note-taking. It offers real-time modifications across devices, simple usage, and versioning of notes for easy tracking. Discover Simplenote

10. How does Notesnook handle privacy and security?

Notesnook is an open-source note-taking application that focuses on end-to-end encryption and user privacy, offering secure notes and a privacy-focused environment. Learn more about Notesnook

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.