Why consider Todoist alternatives?
Lack of Features
Todoist might not have left the best impression on you, leading you to explore alternatives. While Todoist is one of the most popular apps on the to-do list, it may lack certain features for effective task management.
Look, I've been using Todoist on and off since 2026 started, and honestly? The recent calendar updates feel half-baked. They added calendar views but you still can't properly time block or see your actual schedule the way other apps let you. After months of testing, I found myself opening Google Calendar anyway just to plan my day visually.
Here's the thing: Todoist excels at pure task capture. The natural language input is stupidly good (type "call mom every Sunday at 2pm" and it just works). But beyond that core experience, some features feel missing or underdeveloped compared to competitors.
Perhaps you weren't impressed with the direction Todoist was taking with its feature development, or you didn't find the recent calendar updates helpful for your task management. This might have led you to look at Todoist alternatives.
Todoist might lack features compared to other tools: no built-in time tracking (you need a third-party integration), no habit tracking whatsoever, and the team collaboration feels basic compared to project management tools. Doist, the company behind Todoist, doesn't make routine updates. Instead, it releases updates every 2-3 months, compared to other to-do apps that release updates monthly or every 3 months with large features.
The update cadence drives me nuts. When TickTick or Motion release features every few weeks, waiting months for Todoist updates feels slow. Not saying slow is always bad, but when you're missing basic stuff like a built-in pomodoro timer in 2026, it matters.
Todoist might not meet all your needs. On the other hand, if you're searching for a more straightforward solution with fewer bells and whistles, you might actually prefer something simpler. Or maybe you need the opposite: an all-in-one app that handles habits, time tracking, and calendar planning without juggling three separate subscriptions.
Top Todoist Alternatives
Let's begin our list with the most-suitable recommendations.
1. TickTick
TickTick is the closest like-for-like replacement for Todoist, but with way more features baked in. Both apps allow you to plan tasks and manage your calendar in one place, offering similar features like smart date parsing, reminders, recurring tasks, and advanced folder functionality.
What sets TickTick apart? The calendar views actually feel useful. TickTick has long included calendar capabilities, allowing you to view your schedule in lists, month, day, 3-day, and week views. It can connect with popular apps like local calendars and Google Calendar. TickTick offers Kanban-style task management on desktop, similar to Todoist, enhancing task organization.
Here's where it gets interesting: TickTick bundles in a pomodoro timer, habit tracker, and even a built-in calendar (something Todoist only added recently and still feels clunky). The habit tracking alone would cost you $5-8/month with a separate app. I've been using it for about 6 months and honestly, having everything in one place saves the subscription hell of paying for multiple productivity apps.
The free tier is generous too. You get 9 lists, 99 tasks per list, and 2 reminders per task. Todoist's free plan is more restrictive: you only get 5 active projects and 5 collaborators. For students or anyone on a tight budget, TickTick wins here.
People on Reddit's r/productivity seem split between these two, but the consensus leans toward TickTick if you want more features without paying extra. The main trade-off? Todoist feels cleaner and more focused, while TickTick can feel overwhelming with all the extra features. Your call on whether that's a pro or con.
Things 3
Things 3 is one of the most well-crafted alternatives to Todoist, particularly for Apple users. It offers a powerful way to manage tasks across various views but is limited to the Apple ecosystem, including Mac, iOS, and Apple Watch.
Things 3 excels in some areas where Todoist might fall short, particularly in its ability to create and manage areas and projects. While you can create projects in Todoist, Things 3 offers more depth in project management. You can add descriptions, track progress, use labels to filter tasks, and break down projects with section markers (called headings). This makes it easier to organize and complete projects effectively.
The design is *chef's kiss*. Seriously, if you care about aesthetics, Things 3 feels like it was crafted by designers who actually use task managers. The animations are smooth, the typography is clean, and the whole app feels intentional. Todoist looks good, but Things 3 is on another level.
Okay, here's the catch: Things 3 is Apple-only. Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch. That's it. No Windows, no Android, no web app. This is a dealbreaker for many people, especially if you switch between ecosystems or collaborate with non-Apple users. Also, it's a one-time purchase ($50 for Mac, $10 for iPhone, $20 for iPad), which sounds great until you realize you need to buy it separately for each platform. Still cheaper than years of Todoist Pro, but the initial cost stings.
Another thing: Things 3 doesn't have natural language input like Todoist. You can't just type "meeting tomorrow at 3pm" and have it parse automatically. You need to manually set dates and times, which feels slower once you're used to Todoist's speed.
But if you're deep in the Apple ecosystem and want something beautiful that handles projects better than Todoist, Things 3 is hard to beat. I'd never go back to Todoist after using Things 3 for personal projects, but I keep Todoist around for team stuff since Things 3 has zero collaboration features.
Superlist
Superlist is the new kid on the block in task management. Well, not so much anymore. It's been out for some time now (launched in late 2023). Much like Todoist, it's available on various platforms like macOS, web, iOS, and Android to help you manage your tasks. Superlist wants to be the task management system for managing your workload individually and as a team.
The concept is slightly different from Todoist because what it does is manage your tasks and bring your notes together in one location, along with integrations and AI abilities. Think Todoist meets Notion, but less overwhelming than Notion.
What I love about Superlist: the AI features actually feel useful instead of gimmicky. Type a messy brain dump and the AI can break it into organized tasks. Or use it to draft project descriptions. It's not revolutionary, but it saves time on the boring administrative stuff that eats up your day.
Collaboration is where Superlist shines compared to Todoist. You can share lists, assign tasks to teammates, and comment on items: all in real-time. Todoist has team features too, but they feel tacked on. Superlist was built for collaboration from day one, and it shows.
The notes feature is interesting. Instead of just adding task descriptions, you can create full note documents alongside your tasks. This is handy if you're managing projects that need context (like content briefs or meeting agendas). Todoist makes you use comments for this, which feels clunky.
Here's the downside: Superlist is still missing some basics. No calendar view (as of 2026, which is wild), limited recurring task options compared to Todoist, and the mobile app feels slower than Todoist's. They're actively developing it, so these gaps might close soon, but right now it's not as polished.
Pricing is competitive though. Free tier is generous (unlimited tasks and collaborators), and the Pro plan is around $8/month, which undercuts Todoist's $4/month... wait, scratch that. I double-checked and Superlist Pro is actually free for individuals right now while they're building out features. Teams pay $8/month per user. That's a steal if you're collaborating.
Bottom line: if you want Todoist but with better team collaboration and note-taking, Superlist is worth trying. If you need calendar views or advanced recurring tasks, stick with Todoist or look elsewhere.
Sorted 3
Sorted 3 is an alternative to-do list app if you're looking for something simple and easy to use. The application is priced as a one-time purchase, which makes it appealing to those who prefer not to deal with subscription-based models. Sorted 3 allows you to add tasks and organize them into a timeline for the week ahead.
Its simplicity is one of its biggest draws, as it helps users plan their weekly tasks without getting bogged down in too much detail.
One of the standout features of Sorted 3 is its ability to handle unexpected changes in your schedule. For instance, if an emergency or a meeting disrupts your day, the app’s premium "auto-schedule" feature lets you automatically reschedule affected tasks. This feature is handy for people who frequently need to adapt their schedules and routines on the fly.
Trello
Trello is project management software that many people use for individual task management to help plan and coordinate tasks ahead. The Kanban views in Trello, similar to those in Todoist, make organizing tasks visually using cards easy, which many users find effective.
In addition to the Kanban view, Trello offers other views to enhance task management, though the basic experience effectively covers most needs.
Trello is known for being very user-friendly, making it easy to learn and implement, even when collaborating with team members. Sharing boards and collaborating with others is straightforward, requiring little to no training. This simplicity can be a significant advantage over Todoist, which some users may find less intuitive.
Akiflow
Akiflow is a solid alternative to Todoist, offering many features that users appreciate, such as managing your calendar and tasks in one place. It also includes guided planning features similar to those found in apps like Sunsama, which help you plan your week around key focuses and end your day constructively.
However, Akiflow is specifically designed for busy professionals who need a more robust tool to holistically manage and prioritize their tasks for the week ahead.
While Akiflow doesn't have artificial intelligence features, it does excel in planning and scheduling, including the ability to share availability and scheduling links with others: an aspect many users find valuable. Although it lacks advanced project management capabilities, it does support team schedule sharing, making it useful for coordinating with external parties or colleagues.
Motion
Motion is a well-known alternative to Todoist, focusing primarily on organizing tasks using AI. It allows you to auto-schedule tasks and add various attributes to each task, such as deadlines, task chunking, due dates, and more.
These features enhance the effectiveness of Motion's AI algorithm, which aims to reduce the time and effort spent on productivity administration: something that can be a significant drain on time and resources for busy professionals.
Motion is a powerful tool, but its monthly price tag is about three to four times that of Todoist. Despite its expense, Motion offers comprehensive features, including calendar integration with Outlook, iCloud, and Google, as well as project management views like Gantt, Kanban, and Table.
It also includes the ability to share external book links and a range of minor features you won't find in Todoist.
Sunsama
Sunsama is a solid alternative to Todoist if you're looking for a more in-depth task management solution. The application integrates task planning with your calendar: a feature recently added to Todoist: but Sunsama enhances this with more effective tools for weekly planning, setting objectives, and guided planning. This approach helps you prioritize tasks and focus on what's most important.
What sets Sunsama apart is its emphasis on mindful planning and work-life balance, offering a different perspective than many other apps on the market. While Sunsama is user-friendly, it comes with a higher price tag than Todoist, an important factor to consider when evaluating task management tools.
Microsoft To-Do
Microsoft To-Do is a free alternative to Todoist and an upgraded version of the Wunderlist experience, which was launched in 2017. The application is easy to use and offers features like sharing lists, but it doesn't go much beyond basic list and task management. One unique feature is My Day, which provides task suggestions based on the projects you're working on.
However, the app lacks many of the advanced features you might expect from Todoist. We would recommend Microsoft To-Do primarily if you're looking to simplify your task management, reduce costs, and stay within the Microsoft ecosystem. It's ideal for users who want a more straightforward tool without the complexity of advanced features.
The app also includes a Microsoft Outlook extension, allowing you to save tasks directly from your Outlook account: an important feature if you're already using Microsoft Outlook.
Microsoft To-Do is a to-do list application that can be used to manage lists & tasks.
Any Do
Any Do is an interesting alternative to Todoist, boasting a user base of over 40 million people worldwide. The app is well-known for its reliable Android and iOS applications, which allow you to balance your calendar, manage tasks, and use a daily planner: all within one experience.
It offers powerful features like reminders, widgets, and even a unique WhatsApp extension that lets you set reminders and create tasks directly from WhatsApp, which is a standout feature. That WhatsApp integration is genuinely clever. If someone messages you "Can you send the report by Friday?" you can create a task without leaving the chat. Small thing, but it saves mental overhead.
Any Do is simple and easy to use, making it a great choice for individuals. It's also effective for visually organizing tasks and creating boards that can be shared with family members, as well as for team collaboration. The app supports various views, including Kanban, Calendar, and Table Views, which provide more detail when assigning tasks within a team.
The daily planning flow is nice too. Every morning, Any Do prompts you to review your tasks and plan your day. It's like a gentle nudge to actually think about priorities instead of just letting tasks pile up. Todoist has the Today view, but it doesn't guide you through planning the same way.
Where Any Do falls short: the free version is pretty limited. You only get one shared list and basic reminders. Most useful features (location-based reminders, recurring tasks, attachments) are locked behind the Premium plan at around $5-6/month. Todoist's free tier feels more generous in comparison.
Also, from what I can tell, the natural language input isn't as robust as Todoist. You can type "tomorrow" or "next week" and it works, but complex recurring tasks need manual setup. Your mileage may vary, but I found it slower for quick capture.
Any Do works well if you want a simple, visual task manager with good mobile apps and don't mind paying for premium features. The WhatsApp integration alone might be worth it if you live in WhatsApp for work or family coordination. But if you need advanced features on a budget, there are better options on this list.
What makes a good Todoist alternative?
When hunting for a Todoist replacement, you need to think beyond just task lists. A good alternative should match or exceed Todoist's core strengths while addressing the gaps that pushed you away in the first place.
Task Capture Speed
Todoist's natural language input sets a high bar. Being able to type "meeting with Sarah next Thursday at 2pm repeat every 2 weeks" and have it parse correctly saves ridiculous amounts of time. If your alternative makes you click through menus to set dates and recurrence, you'll feel the friction immediately. Look for apps that let you capture tasks as fast as you can think them.
Cross-Platform Reliability
Todoist works everywhere: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, web, browser extensions, even smartwatches. Your replacement needs to match your devices. Don't fall in love with a Mac-only app if you use Windows at work or an Android phone. I've made this mistake before (RIP Wunderlist), and migrating later is a pain.
The Feature Balance
This is where it gets personal. Some people want Todoist but with more features (habits, time blocking, calendar integration). Others want Todoist but simpler. Neither is wrong. Figure out which camp you're in before diving deep into alternatives.
If you're in the "more features" camp, apps like TickTick, Motion, or Akiflow bundle in capabilities that would cost you multiple subscriptions elsewhere. If you're in the "simpler" camp, Things 3 or Microsoft To Do strip away the complexity.
Pricing Reality Check
Todoist costs $4/month (or $5/month if you pay monthly instead of annually). That's cheap for productivity software in 2026. Some alternatives are free, which is great. But many "Todoist alternatives" cost $15-30/month. Motion is $19/month minimum. Sunsama is $16/month. Akiflow is $19/month.
Are those extra features worth 4-7x the price? Maybe, if they genuinely replace multiple tools. But don't assume every alternative is cheaper. Run the numbers before committing.
Migration and Lock-In
Can you export your data? Most apps let you import from Todoist (CSV export), but getting your data out later varies. Some apps make it easy (Markdown files, JSON exports). Others trap your data behind proprietary formats. If you've changed task apps 3+ times (like me), this matters more than you think.
The Community and Updates
Todoist has a massive community, tons of templates, and regular updates. Smaller alternatives might have passionate communities but less resources. Check Reddit, Discord, or the app's forum to see if people are actively using it. Dead communities often signal abandoned products.
Tips for migrating from Todoist
Switching task managers is annoying. I've done it too many times to count, and each time I learn something new about making the transition less painful. Here's what actually works.
Don't Migrate Everything at Once
Seriously. Start with new tasks only in your new app while keeping Todoist read-only for a week or two. This lets you test the workflow without the stress of losing track of existing commitments. Once you're comfortable, then migrate old tasks.
Most people do the opposite: they import everything on day one, feel overwhelmed by the unfamiliar interface, and bounce back to Todoist within 48 hours. Don't be most people.
Use Todoist's CSV Export
Go to Todoist Settings > Integrations > Export as CSV. This gives you a backup of everything: tasks, projects, labels, due dates. Most alternatives can import this file, though the mapping isn't always perfect. Expect to manually fix recurring tasks and subtask hierarchies.
Side note: save this CSV somewhere safe even if you're not migrating. It's your backup if Todoist ever goes down or changes pricing dramatically.
Recreate Your Most Important Projects First
You probably have 10-20 projects in Todoist, but only 3-5 that you actively use. Focus on those. Set up the structure, test the workflow, make sure it feels right. The random "Someday/Maybe" projects can wait.
This approach also helps you declutter. I've found that every task app migration is a chance to delete old projects I haven't touched in months. Thanks for nothing, "Learn Spanish" project from 2022.
Test Recurring Tasks Thoroughly
Recurring tasks are where migrations break. Todoist's "every other Tuesday" or "every 3 months starting next week" patterns don't always translate perfectly to other apps. Create a few test recurring tasks in your new app and verify they repeat correctly before trusting them with real commitments.
Give It Two Weeks Minimum
The first few days with any new app feel clunky. Muscle memory fights you. You'll think "Todoist was better" at least three times. Push through to two weeks before deciding. That's usually enough time to adjust and see if the new workflow actually improves things.
If after two weeks you're still fighting the app, it's probably not the right fit. But if it's just unfamiliarity, two weeks usually irons that out.
Watch for Integration Gaps
If you use Todoist with Zapier, IFTTT, or other automation tools, check if your new app supports those integrations. Losing your automated workflows can be a hidden dealbreaker. I once switched to a beautiful task app only to realize it couldn't connect to my email or calendar. Lasted three days before crawling back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TickTick better than Todoist?
TickTick wins if you want more features for the same price. The built-in calendar, habit tracker, and pomodoro timer save you from paying for separate apps. Todoist wins if you prefer a cleaner, more focused experience without the extra noise. Both have excellent free tiers, so honestly just try both for a week and see which workflow clicks.
What's the best free Todoist alternative?
Microsoft To Do is the best completely free option. It handles tasks, lists, and reminders without paywalling core features. TickTick's free tier is generous too (9 lists, 99 tasks per list, basic calendar). Todoist's free plan is actually decent if you can live with 5 projects and no reminders.
Can I switch from Todoist to Things 3?
Yeah, but only if you're all-in on Apple devices. Things 3 doesn't have a web app, Android version, or Windows support. Export your Todoist tasks as CSV, then manually import to Things 3 (it doesn't have automatic import, which is annoying). Expect to spend an hour recreating your setup. The payoff is a much more beautiful and thoughtfully designed app, but the migration isn't smooth.
Which Todoist alternative is best for teams?
Superlist or Trello. Superlist feels like Todoist built for collaboration from the ground up: real-time sync, comments, shared lists that don't feel clunky. Trello is better if your team thinks visually and likes Kanban boards. Todoist has team features, but they feel bolted on compared to these two.
Do any alternatives have better natural language input than Todoist?
Honestly? No. Todoist's natural language parsing is the best in the business. Things 3 doesn't have it at all. TickTick has basic NLP but it's not as sophisticated. Motion has decent NLP for tasks. If quick capture via natural language is your #1 priority, Todoist is hard to beat.
What's the cheapest Todoist alternative that's actually good?
Microsoft To Do is free and solid for basic task management. If you need more power, TickTick at $2.99/month (annual billing) is cheaper than Todoist's $4/month and includes way more features. Notion can work as a task manager and starts free, though it's overkill if you just need a to-do list.
Can I use Todoist and an alternative together?
Absolutely. Some people use Todoist for quick capture and personal tasks, then move work tasks to Asana or ClickUp for team collaboration. Or use Todoist for tasks and pair it with a dedicated calendar app for time blocking. Tools like Akiflow and Sunsama can actually import tasks from Todoist, so you're not choosing one or the other.