4 alternatives to Todoist
Compare free and open-source solutions before building your own. Check each option’s license, setup, and limitations.
A local task manager with timeboxing, Pomodoro, and no account begging to be created
LicenseMIT
PlatformsOn your machine
InstallationUse the browser/PWA or install a packaged desktop or mobile build
DataTasks, projects, time records, and settings are local-first in browser or app storage; optional synchronization and backups use the user's chosen WebDAV or Dropbox account
Setup✓ Installation verified
Limitations compared to TodoistSuper Productivity is primarily a local personal tool and is weaker than Todoist for shared projects, mobile capture, recurring-date language, and integrations.
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A capable Todoist replacement once you accept becoming its hosting department
LicenseAGPL-3.0+
PlatformsOn your machine or in the cloud
InstallationUse the paid hosted service or deploy the free server with Docker Compose, a package, or the standalone binary
DataTasks, projects, users, and settings live in SQLite, MySQL/MariaDB, or PostgreSQL, with attachments in a persistent files directory, on the selected host
Limitations compared to TodoistVikunja adds hosting administration and has less polished native mobile, offline, natural-language, and integration support than Todoist.
SetupThe free path requires a server or Docker, persistent volumes, secrets, and normally a reverse proxy with TLS
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A polished free task manager, paid for with a Microsoft account rather than money
LicenseFree, closed source
PlatformsIn the provider’s cloud
InstallationInstall the Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android app, or use the web app, and sign in with a Microsoft account
DataTasks are stored as structured records on Microsoft's Exchange Online servers and surface in Outlook Tasks across synchronized clients
Limitations compared to TodoistMicrosoft To Do is weaker than Todoist on labels, custom filters, natural-language recurrence, integrations, and collaborative project workflows.
SetupRequires a Microsoft account
Facts verified 2026-08-10
Things minus the polish tax, provided every device in sight has an Apple logo
LicenseFree, closed source
PlatformsOn your machine
InstallationPreinstalled on iPhone, iPad, and Mac; enable iCloud or another supported reminders account for synchronization
ModelsOptional Apple Intelligence can suggest or auto-categorize reminders on supported devices; ordinary task management does not require AI
DataStructured reminder records live in iCloud or another configured reminders account and are cached on Apple devices; iCloud provides account-level restore rather than user-visible task files
Setup✓ Installation verified
Limitations compared to TodoistApple Reminders is confined to Apple’s ecosystem and is less capable than Todoist for cross-platform collaboration, integrations, and complex filters.
Facts verified 2026-08-10
Updated 2026-08-10 · no paid listings
| Tool | License | Setup | Platforms | Stars | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Productivity | MIT | One-click installation | web, macos, windows, linux, ios, android | 21,156 | 2026-08 |
| Vikunja | AGPL-3.0+ | Docker on your server | web, macos, windows, linux, self-hosted | 5,000 | 2026-08 |
| Microsoft To Do | Free, closed source | Hosted by the provider | web, macos, windows, ios, android | — | — |
| Apple Reminders | Free, closed source | One-click installation | macos, ios | — | — |
They pay because task capture must be fast everywhere and reminders cannot miss. If those points do not matter to you, the options above could save $60 per year.
Is there a free alternative to Todoist?
Yes: Super Productivity, Vikunja, Microsoft To Do. This page lists 4 free or open-source options. Check the limitations of each.
Should I build my own Todoist?
Our verdict: Buildable. A personal task app with projects, recurring due dates, filters, and reminders is a one-sitting/weekend build; collaboration and sync polish are the product moat. The complete prompt is on the Todoist page on Vibe Radar.
