- Ten task manager apps in one table
- The ten to-do list apps in this comparison
- How to choose a to-do list and habit app
- List, calendar or planner: which to-do style suits you
- Questions to ask before you move your tasks
- Moving your to-do list without losing your rhythm
- Why a smaller to-do app can be a good fit
- A short checklist before you switch task apps
- Frequently asked questions
A solid TickTick alternative should let you capture tasks quickly, remind you at the right time and work on every device you use. Consider views, sharing, privacy and export. This page lists ten options in no particular order, then covers how to choose and how to move your tasks.
TickTick is a to-do list and habit app that also includes a calendar, a focus timer and shared lists. If you're reviewing your options, perhaps because you'd like a different layout, a gentler approach to planning or somewhere private to keep your tasks, there are many other apps worth comparing.
This is a list of ten TickTick alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. A few are household names and most are smaller or more specialised. I've drawn each description from the tool's own website, so check current details there before you decide. If you want a wider look at everyday work tools first, see my list of productivity tools for small businesses.
Ten task manager apps in one table
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free version or tier you can keep using without a time limit. Trial only means a free trial but no ongoing free plan. No means the site states neither. Details change, so check before you start.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazing Marvin | Customisable task manager | Habits, goals and daily planning | Trial only |
| Any.do | To-do list and planner | Lists, reminders and family sharing | Yes |
| Lunatask | Encrypted tasks and notes | Private to-dos, notes and journaling | Yes |
| Remember The Milk | Online to-do list | Long-running lists with smart sorting | Yes |
| Sunsama | Daily planner | Planning your day around your calendar | Trial only |
| Superlist | Task and list app | Lists for individuals and shared teams | Yes |
| Tasks.org | Open-source to-do app | Simple reminders without an account | Yes |
| TeuxDeux | Weekly to-do planner | A calm week-view list | Trial only |
| Tweek | Weekly planner | A simple weekly calendar of to-dos | Yes |
| Vikunja | Open-source task manager | Self-hosted lists, boards and Gantt | Yes |
The ten to-do list apps in this comparison
Amazing Marvin
Best for: People who like to tweak their system and want habits, goals and a day planner in one app.
Any.do
Best for: People who want a friendly to-do list with reminders and an option to share with family or colleagues.
Lunatask
Best for: Privacy-minded people who want tasks, notes and journaling in one encrypted app.
Remember The Milk
Best for: People who want a long-established list app with reminders, tags and sharing.
Sunsama
Best for: Busy professionals who want to plan each day deliberately, with tasks pulled from other tools.
Superlist
Best for: Individuals and small teams who want clean shared lists across desktop, web and phone.
Tasks.org
Best for: Android users who like open-source software and a no-frills list with reminders.
TeuxDeux
Best for: People who think in days and want a spacious week view for planning what to do and when.
Tweek
Best for: People who prefer a paper-like weekly layout for lists and a minimal, uncluttered feel.
Vikunja
Best for: Technical users and teams who want an open-source task manager they can host themselves.
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How to choose a to-do list and habit app
The best app is the one you open every day. That sounds obvious, but many people pick on features, then drift back to sticky notes. Start with how you think about your work, then match the tool to that.
- Capture speed. Can you add a task in a few seconds from your phone or desktop?
- Views. Some people want a plain list, some a calendar, and some a week or board layout.
- Reminders. Check for time-based, repeating and location-style alerts if you rely on them.
- Recurring tasks. Habits and regular chores need flexible repeat rules.
- Sharing. Decide whether you need to assign tasks to family or colleagues.
- Platforms. Make sure it runs on every device you use.
- Export. You should be able to take your lists with you if you leave.
List, calendar or planner: which to-do style suits you
- Simple list people do well with a clean inbox, a few lists and reminders.
- Calendar thinkers prefer to place tasks on days and see how much fits.
- Daily planners like picking a handful of tasks each morning and ignoring the rest.
- Habit builders need streaks, repeating tasks and gentle prompts.
- Privacy-conscious users may prefer apps that are encrypted or open source.
- Small teams should look at shared lists, assignment and comments.
Questions to ask before you move your tasks
- Can I import my current tasks, or will I need to retype them?
- Do recurring tasks and tags survive the move?
- What does the app do offline?
- Can I share a list with someone who doesn't use the same app?
- How long has the app been around, and does it still receive updates?
- Can I export everything if I change my mind?
Moving your to-do list without losing your rhythm
Changing task apps can feel like moving house, so do it in stages. Here's a sensible sequence.
- Clear your current list first. Delete what's stale and finish what's quick.
- Export your tasks, including any recurring ones.
- Import into the new app, or recreate your main lists by hand if the import is messy.
- Set up your repeating tasks and reminders first, because they're easiest to forget.
- Run both apps in parallel for a week, then retire the old one.
Why a smaller to-do app can be a good fit
Smaller apps tend to be opinionated, which is useful if their opinion matches yours. You might find a calmer screen, quicker updates based on user feedback and fewer notifications nagging you.
Look at when the app was last updated, read its help pages and check you can export your tasks. If the site doesn't say, ask the maker. Try it for a fortnight before you commit your whole life to it.
Do you make a to-do or task management app? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
A short checklist before you switch task apps
Shortlist two options and live in each for a few days. Add real tasks, set a reminder and plan a week. Keep the one you find yourself opening without being nudged. Habits matter more than features, so my productivity habits for entrepreneurs and my four software ideas for productivity are good companions.
Frequently asked questions
What is a to-do list and habit app?
It's an app for capturing tasks, setting reminders and, in many cases, building repeating habits, with views such as lists, calendars or weekly planners.
Why would someone look for a TickTick alternative?
Reasons vary and they aren't always about the app. People want a different layout, a calmer feel, more privacy or better sharing. Start by listing what bothers you today.
Can I move my tasks to another app?
Often yes, through an export file or an import tool, though recurring tasks and tags don't always come across cleanly. Check this before you switch.
Is a free version enough for personal use?
For many people that's the case. Read what the free version includes, such as reminders or sync across devices, before you rely on it.
Should I use one app for tasks and another for habits?
That's a personal choice. Some people like everything in one place, while others prefer a dedicated habit app and a separate to-do list.


