Roam Research is one of the most talked-about note-taking apps in recent years, especially among researchers, writers, and knowledge workers. But is Roam safe to use? What are the benefits and drawbacks of this tool? In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of the Roam app, including its security risks. We’ll also explore whether you should consider it for your daily use or look for alternatives. This guide is written in a simple, clear way so even a 10-year-old can understand it.
What Is the Roam App?
Roam Research, often just called Roam, is an online note-taking and knowledge management app. Unlike traditional note apps like Evernote or OneNote, Roam uses a graph-based model where your notes are linked together automatically. This makes it easier to build a web of related ideas over time, which is why many researchers, students, and creative professionals love it.
The app allows users to quickly create backlinks and tags, helping them keep their thoughts organized without relying on folders. Roam is popular among productivity geeks, note-taking enthusiasts, and people who use the Zettelkasten method or personal knowledge management (PKM) systems.
Pros of Using the Roam App
Roam is powerful and flexible, and there are many reasons why it has built a loyal user base. One of the biggest advantages is how it allows you to easily connect different pieces of information. This creates a more dynamic and interconnected database of your thoughts.
Roam is also loved for its plain text formatting, markdown support, and real-time editing. People who work on large writing or research projects enjoy how Roam helps them organize complex information without losing track of ideas. It’s like having your brain on the screen.
Another advantage is the daily notes feature, which encourages you to jot down quick thoughts every day and later connect them with other ideas. This helps form new insights and strengthens long-term memory recall.
Easy Note Linking
One of Roam’s most powerful features is how effortlessly you can link notes together. Whenever you type a word or phrase inside double brackets like this: [[note]], Roam automatically creates a link to that page. This builds a web of knowledge where everything is interconnected.
This is extremely useful if you’re working on projects that require a lot of research or writing. For instance, if you are a student working on a term paper, you can connect your sources, quotes, and notes to the main idea in just a few clicks. It makes navigation easy and keeps your ideas in context.
Roam also shows backlinks — other pages where the note has been mentioned — so you never lose track of where your information came from.
Great for Big Projects
If you’re someone who juggles large projects — like writing a book, conducting academic research, or managing multiple tasks — Roam can help keep everything organized. Because it supports bi-directional linking and tags, it becomes easier to track progress, manage citations, and revisit ideas you may have written weeks or even months ago.
Writers especially love using Roam for building characters, plotlines, and timelines because all the notes are just a few clicks away. Researchers benefit from being able to follow a trail of thoughts and sources without ever opening another app.
Works Anywhere Online
Roam is a web-based app, which means you don’t need to install anything. You just log in from any device with internet access and all your data is available. This makes it convenient for people who switch between laptops, desktops, or even tablets.
Since your data is stored in the cloud, you never have to worry about carrying files or losing notes. It’s always accessible — as long as you have an internet connection.
But here’s where one of the main concerns begins: security.
Cons of the Roam App
While Roam has powerful features, it’s not perfect. The app has its share of limitations, especially when it comes to security, user experience, and pricing.
One big drawback is that it has a steep learning curve. New users often find Roam hard to understand at first. Unlike traditional note apps, it doesn’t use folders or standard layouts. If you’re used to organized lists and clearly defined sections, Roam may seem chaotic.
Another downside is that Roam is relatively expensive. As of now, it offers a subscription plan that can be costly compared to free alternatives like Notion, Obsidian, or Logseq.
Lastly, the app relies heavily on an internet connection. You can’t use it properly offline, which can be frustrating for users who travel a lot or don’t always have Wi-Fi.
But the most important concern is how it handles your data.
Security Risks in Roam App
The Roam app has raised eyebrows due to its lack of modern security standards. While it may be amazing for productivity, users should think twice about storing sensitive or personal data inside it. Roam stores all your data in the cloud, and while some protection exists, it doesn’t offer end-to-end encryption — which is the gold standard in digital security.
Without strong security measures, your notes could be vulnerable to hackers, especially if your password is weak or if the company suffers a data breach. For a note-taking app that often contains private thoughts, intellectual property, or even medical or financial details, this is a major concern.
No End-to-End Encryption
Roam does not provide end-to-end encryption, which means your data is not fully secured from start to finish. In end-to-end encryption, only you (and those you share with) can read your data — not even the company that hosts it can see it.
This is a big deal for people who care about privacy. If Roam’s servers are ever hacked, or if the company faces legal pressure, your notes could be exposed.
End-to-end encryption is something apps like Standard Notes or Joplin offer by default. If security is a top priority for you, Roam’s lack of this feature may be a deal-breaker.
Always Online = Risk
Roam is a web-based app, which means your data lives online 24/7. While this is convenient, it also opens you up to internet-related risks like man-in-the-middle attacks, DNS spoofing, or browser vulnerabilities.
If your connection is not secure, someone could intercept the information as you type it. And since Roam does not support offline use, you can’t protect your data by keeping it local.
For users who frequently use public Wi-Fi in cafes, libraries, or airports, this is especially risky.
Data Privacy Concerns
Roam has not been completely transparent about how they handle user data. They do not have a public bug bounty program or third-party security audits — two important steps in showing users that their platform is safe.
If you’re storing sensitive data like therapy notes, personal journals, or research findings, you may want to reconsider using Roam. With no option for local-only storage or full encryption, you’re putting a lot of trust in the platform.
It’s also unclear how Roam handles deleted data — whether it’s completely removed from their servers or stored in backups.
How to Stay Safe While Using Roam
If you still want to use Roam but are concerned about safety, there are a few steps you can take:
- Use a strong, unique password for your Roam account.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if available.
- Avoid storing sensitive information such as financial records, passwords, or confidential work.
- Use a secure browser and keep it updated.
- Consider using a VPN when accessing Roam over public Wi-Fi.
Also, back up your data regularly. Roam allows you to export your notes in Markdown format. Store a local copy on your computer in case the service goes offline or your account is compromised.
Alternatives to Roam App
If Roam’s security concerns make you uncomfortable, there are several alternatives that offer similar features with stronger privacy protections:
- Obsidian – Stores all data locally, supports plugins, and offers end-to-end encryption.
- Logseq – Free and open-source, allows local storage and encrypted backups.
- Notion – Great for teams, but still lacks full encryption.
- Standard Notes – Focuses entirely on security and privacy with full end-to-end encryption.
- Joplin – Another open-source option with encryption and local-first storage.
Each of these apps has its own pros and cons, so it’s worth testing them to see which one fits your needs.
Should You Use Roam App or Not?
If you value powerful note-linking, excellent daily tracking, and a deep thought-organization system, Roam can be an incredible tool. It’s especially helpful for researchers, students, writers, and thinkers.
But if you care deeply about privacy and security, Roam may not be the best choice — at least not for storing sensitive data. Its lack of encryption and reliance on constant internet access make it less secure than some alternatives.
The Bottom Line
Roam Research is a powerful and innovative tool for digital note-taking, but it’s not without flaws. Its features are great for knowledge-building and complex projects, but the app’s security risks — including lack of end-to-end encryption and always-online data — can be deal-breakers for privacy-conscious users.
Before deciding to use Roam, weigh its pros and cons carefully. Think about what kind of information you’ll be storing and how much security matters to you. If privacy is a top concern, you might want to explore alternatives that put data protection first.
In the end, Roam is a great app for the right user — but only if you’re aware of its limits and use it wisely.
