Roam Research vs Tana
Complete comparison guide to help you choose the right productivity tool for your needs.
The Winner
Tana
Wins for overall value, user satisfaction, and AI-native knowledge graph power users.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria |  Roam Research |  Tana |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8.33/mo | Free tier Best |
| User Rating | 4.4 | 4.8 Best |
| Review Count | 100 | 91 |
| Free Trial | 31 days Best | No |
| Annual Discount | N/A | N/A |
| Best For | Researchers building knowledge graphs | AI-native knowledge graph power users |
Feature Breakdown
Feature Comparison
Roam Research Tana Roam Research
- Revolutionary bidirectional linking
- Powerful graph visualization
- Block-level referencing
- Daily notes workflow
- Steep learning curve
- Premium pricing vs free alternatives
- Slower innovation pace
Tana
- Supertags Are Genuinely Unique
- Best-in-Class AI for Meetings
- Multi-Model Flexibility
- Active Community and Development
- Steep Learning Curve Will Frustrate Beginners
- Mobile App Is Genuinely Problematic
- Cloud-Only Limits Data Control
Roam Research Overview
Roam Research is a networked note-taking tool built for researchers, writers, and knowledge workers who need to connect ideas across projects. The $15/mo subscription is worth it if you'll use bidirectional linking daily, but free alternatives like Obsidian and Logseq offer similar core features for budget-conscious users.
Best For:
- Researchers building knowledge graphs
- Writers organizing book chapters and connecting themes across manuscripts
- Knowledge workers building long-term personal knowledge bases
- Academics tracking ideas across multiple papers and topics
- Creative thinkers who benefit from non-linear thought exploration
- Professionals willing to invest time learning networked thinking methodology
Tana Overview
Tana is worth the effort if you're willing to invest time mastering its unique approach. The Plus tier ($10/month) is solid for individuals needing AI meetings and basic features. Pro ($18/month) unlocks unlimited workspaces and advanced automation for power users. The free tier is usable but limited. Fair warning: expect 2-3 weeks before it clicks.
Best For:
- AI-native knowledge graph power users
- Knowledge workers managing complex, interconnected information
- Teams needing meeting transcription and automated follow-ups
- Power users willing to invest time in learning advanced features
- People consolidating multiple productivity tools into one
Our Verdict
Tana is our top pick for most users, thanks to its higher user ratings. However, Roam Research remains a solid choice if you need Researchers building knowledge graphs.
Try Tana Free