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The pick
For most people, Microsoft To Do is the easiest place to start. It is free, it has no feature limits, and it keeps things calm and simple.
The options
Microsoft To Do
Who it is for: Anyone who wants a simple list without upsell pressure.
Cost: Free, with a Microsoft account.
Strength: Simple and calm, with no feature gates.
Downside: Basic if you want advanced planning.
Google Tasks
Who it is for: People who already live in Gmail.
Cost: Free, with any Google account.
Strength: Built into Gmail and Google Calendar, so there is nothing new to learn.
Downside: Few features beyond simple lists.
Todoist
Who it is for: People who capture lots of tasks and want speed.
Cost: Free plan limited to five projects. Pro is about $5 per month billed annually.
Strength: Fast, clean design that works on almost any device.
Downside: The free plan feels tight quickly.
TickTick
Who it is for: People who want tasks, habits and a calendar in one app.
Cost: Free plan available. Premium is $49.99 per year.
Strength: Combines tasks, habits and a calendar at a budget price.
Downside: More features than some people need.
How to choose
- If you forget tasks, start with Microsoft To Do.
- If you miss appointments, start with Google Calendar.
- If you want everything in one place and do not mind a little learning, try TickTick.
Wrap-up
Start free with Microsoft To Do. If you outgrow it, Todoist or TickTick are the natural next steps.