Roam vs Obsidian: Still Debating?
The Roam Research vs. Obsidian debate continues to define digital note-taking in 2026, with a new analysis concluding Obsidian is best for privacy and local control, while Roam shines for building networked knowledge graphs [https://aiproductivity.ai/vs/obsidian-vs-roam-research/]. New tools like OpenClaw (AI assistant) and zanfiel/engram (persistent AI memory) are emerging [https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/releases/tag/v2026.3.8] [https://github.com/zanfiel/engram]. Which PKM tool has the best mobile experience?
Obsidian boasts over 1.5 million active monthly users, demonstrating a 22% year-over-year growth, appealing to privacy-conscious professionals. The app's revenue mirrors subscription growth, with an approximate 28% annual recurring revenue (ARR) increase as its sync and publishing tools gain traction. Obsidian's emphasis on privacy, performance, and plugin flexibility results in churn rates below 10% annually, which is exceptional for subscription SaaS products. Roam Research, founded in 2019, has raised $9 million in funding. A Series A funding round in September 2020 contributed to a valuation of $200 million. Despite the funding, Roam Research had 12 employees as of July 2024. OpenClaw, an open-source AI assistant, differentiates itself with computer access, memory, and a "heartbeat," enabling proactive actions. It can manage emails, provide daily briefings, and automate file organization, interacting through messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. OpenClaw's architecture allows it to function as a personal assistant, automating tasks, running commands, and controlling smart home devices. Zanfiel/engram provides AI agents with long-term memory, storing learned information for later recall. It utilizes semantic search, auto-linking, and graph visualization to manage memories effectively. Engram organizes conversation into episodic, semantic, and procedural memory types with a single router and retriever.
