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Tools/Microsoft To Do vs Roam Research

Microsoft To Do vs Roam Research

Which one should you choose? Here's how they compare.

FeatureMicrosoft To DoRoam Research
Rating44.2
PricingFree$15/mo
Typefreepaid
CompanyMicrosoftRoam Research
Founded20192017

Microsoft To Do Features

  • Tasks
  • Lists
  • Steps
  • Integration

Roam Research Features

  • Bi-directional links
  • Graph view
  • Daily notes
  • Queries

Microsoft To Do Pros

  • Free
  • Microsoft integration
  • Simple

Microsoft To Do Cons

  • Basic features
  • Limited customization
  • No advanced features

Roam Research Pros

  • Pioneered networked notes
  • Great for research
  • Flexible

Roam Research Cons

  • Expensive
  • Learning curve
  • No mobile app

The Verdict

Microsoft To Do and Roam Research are two of the most popular tools in the productivity category, but they take different approaches to solving the same problems. Microsoft To Do, developed by Microsoft (founded 2019), is described as "simple task management app integrated with microsoft ecosystem.". Meanwhile, Roam Research by Roam Research (founded 2017) "note-taking tool for networked thought with bi-directional links.". In terms of overall user satisfaction, Roam Research edges ahead with a rating of 4.2/5.0, compared to Microsoft To Do's 4/5.0 — a difference of 0.2 points. Roam Research's strongest advantages include pioneered networked notes, great for research, while Microsoft To Do is praised for free. On the pricing front, Microsoft To Do offers a free model at Free, making it the more budget-friendly option for teams watching their spend. Neither tool is perfect: Microsoft To Do's main drawbacks include basic features, limited customization, while Roam Research users typically cite expensive as its biggest limitation. However, Microsoft To Do has an edge in simple tasks, which might be the tiebreaker if that's important to you. In terms of target audience, Microsoft To Do is particularly popular among microsoft users and casual users, while Roam Research tends to attract researchers and academics. Our verdict: Roam Research holds a slight edge, but the gap is narrow enough that both tools are worth trying. Start with the free tier of each and see which fits your workflow better.

Choose Microsoft To Do if:
  • • You need free
  • • You need microsoft integration
Choose Roam Research if:
  • • You need pioneered networked notes
  • • You need great for research