Best to Do List Apps 2023: 14 Paid & Free Checklist Software Picks

Are you struggling to organize your tasks and stay on top of your deadlines?

In this post, we’ll explore the best to-do list apps for 2023 to boost productivity. 

Our list will cover the best apps for personal use, as well as those tailored for business environments. By evaluating the pros, cons, and pricing of each tool, you’ll be equipped with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

So, sit back and get ready to navigate the world of to-do list apps, as we reveal the top contenders that will help you stay organized!

Best to-do app comparison chart (10 top rated to do list apps)

In the following section, we have prepared a handy table to showcase the 10 best to do list apps and list making software currently on the market. This quick comparison will provide you with an at-a-glance view of each tool's features, along with their pricing plans, so you can effortlessly see how they stack up against each other.

What are the best to do list apps? Here’s our top 14 list:

Before we dive into the list below, let’s quickly answer the question, “what is a to do list?” In short, a to-do list is a simple tool that you use to keep track of tasks or activities that you need to accomplish, along with deadlines, priorities and assignees.

Now, are you ready to uncover the best to-do list apps? Here's our top 14 list that features an assortment of great tools designed to help you manage all the things in your life. From free options to premium solutions, we've gathered the top contenders that will make organizing tasks a breeze. Let's dive in!
 

1. Todoist (best to do list app 2023)

Todoist is the best to do application with millions of users worldwide. The app comes pre-packed with a wide range of features, which makes it a suitable choice for both personal and professional use. 

Some key features you’ll find include the ability to create tasks and subtasks, set reminders, and schedule recurring tasks. Tasks can be assigned priority levels, and you can delegate tasks to other people to ensure smooth collaboration. You can receive notifications, and even view your tasks in Kanban-style cards for easy organization. You can browse through a vast template library that offers a range of templates to jumpstart your project and provide you with to do list ideas. You can add new tasks to your Inbox and move them to the right project.

Adding tasks via email, attaching comments and uploads to tasks, and displaying scheduled tasks in your preferred calendar are additional capabilities of the software. Even better, you can integrate Todoist with the apps you already use for an uninterrupted workflow. With all these powerful enough features, Todoist truly stands out as a top choice for managing your daily tasks and responsibilities.

Pros:

• Clean and simple interface.

• Robust task management features.

• Excellent collaboration capabilities for team projects.

• Seamless integration with other popular apps and tools.

• Supports multiple platforms, including desktop and mobile devices.

Cons:

• Some advanced features are only available in the paid version.

• The free version has limitations on the number of projects and collaborators.

• A slight learning curve for users new to task management apps.

Pricing:

• Free

• Pro, $4/month, billed annually 

• Business, $6/month, billed annually  

Todoist review

Visit Todoist
 

2. Microsoft To Do (best checklist app for Microsoft users)

Microsoft To Do is the best app for checklist creation that you can use on its own or as part of one of Microsoft's suites. One of its key features is the ability to break tasks down into simple steps to make complex tasks more manageable. 

Similarly to all Microsoft To Do alternatives and checklist software in general, you can also add a due date and set reminders to keep up with deadlines.

However, what makes this app different is that it seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft products like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You can also share your lists with family and friends, and collaborate on shared projects.

Additionally, you can create tasks directly from Outlook, which makes it easy to manage your emails and tasks simultaneously. All in all, Microsoft To Do’s comprehensive features and integration capabilities make it an excellent choice for those already using Microsoft's suite of productivity tools.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface and easy to navigate.

• Integration with other Microsoft products.

• Ability to break tasks down into simple steps.

• Sharing lists with family and friends for collaboration.

• Intelligent and personalized task suggestions.

Cons:

• Lacks some advanced features compared to other task management apps.

• Limited customization options.

• May not be the best choice for users not invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.

Pricing:

• Free to use with your personal Microsoft Account

• Microsoft 365 Personal, $69.99/year

• Microsoft 365 Family, $99.99/year

• Microsoft 365 Business Basic, $6/user/month

• Microsoft 365 Business Standard, $12.50/user/month

• Microsoft 365 Business Premium, $22/user/month

• Microsoft 365 Apps for business, $8.25/user/month

Microsoft To Do review

Visit Microsoft To Do
 

3. Toodledo (great tasks list app for GTD fans)

Toodledo is a versatile and powerful task management tool designed to improve your productivity by helping you create well-organized to-do lists. The app offers a range of features such as folders, tags, contexts, subtasks, and more, so that you can efficiently structure your lists and stay on top of your tasks.

We believeToodledo is one of the best GTD apps out there. The software comes with all the features that support the GTD method of organization and productivity. If you’re a fan of this method, Toodledo can be a fantastic app for you! 

One unique aspect of Toodledo is that in addition to task management, it also supports notes, lists, outlines and habits, so that you can manage different aspects of your life in one central place. 

In a nutshell, Toodledo is a feature-rich task management app that caters to those seeking a robust solution for organizing tasks and staying productive, particularly those who adhere to the GTD method. For more tools like this one, check out our best Toodledo alternatives article.

Pros:

• Comprehensive task organization features.

• Designed for those following the Getting Things Done (GTD) method.

• Supports notes, lists, outlines, and habits separately from tasks for holistic organization.

• Flexible and customizable to fit individual workflows and preferences.

Cons:

• Slightly steeper learning curve due to its extensive features.

• Interface may seem less modern compared to other task management apps.

• Some advanced features may require a paid subscription.

Pricing:

• Free

• Standard, $2.99/month, billed annually 

• Plus, $4.99/month, billed annually 

• Business, custom quote

Visit Toodledo
 

4. Any.do (best cross platform to do list app)

Syncing seamlessly across all your devices, Any.do boasts an award-winning design that’s both visually appealing and user-friendly. Thanks to its comprehensive features set and ease of use, the software is a top choice for everyone that needs a powerful yet accessible task management solution to jot down tasks and ideas.

One of the best things about Any.do is that it comes equipped with features that support both personal and business to-do list management. Even better, like most Any.do alternatives, it’s available on almost all platforms and devices imaginable, including iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, iWatch, Wear OS, Siri, and Google Assistant. 

Any.do offers real-time chat, seamless integration with your favorite tools, and centralizes work and life organization in one place. You can easily share your progress with others and take advantage of the easy-to-use templates to get started. The app features full calendar integration, as well as one-time, recurring, and location reminders to ensure you never miss an important deadline or event.

Check out our Any.do review for more details.

Pros:

• Available on all major platforms and devices.

• Great for both personal and business use.

• Full calendar integration and various reminder options.

• Collaboration features, including real-time chat and task assignment.

• Award-winning, user-friendly design.

Cons:

• Some advanced features require a paid subscription.

• Limited customization options compared to other task management apps.

• Integration with third-party apps may not be as extensive as some competitors.

Pricing:

• Personal, $0/month

• Premium, $3/month, billed annually 

• Teams, $5/user/month, billed annually 

Visit Any.do
 

5. Ticktick (best list app for Android)

With its comprehensive set of tools, TickTick is a robust and user-friendly option for task management. It offers a wide range of features for task management, including voice input, Siri integration, and email-to-task options. You can include due dates and times, set reminders, establish durations, and receive location-based reminders. 

The app also supports recurring tasks and has smart lists like "Today" and "Tomorrow". It offers prioritization, search function, and folder organization. Additional features include a Pomodoro Timer, white noise sounds, list sharing, and task assignment. 

Pros:

• Available on all major platforms and devices.

• Voice input, email-to-task, and Siri integration for task creation.

• Multiple reminder options, including location-based reminders.

• Smart lists for a quick overview of upcoming tasks.

• Collaboration features, such as sharing lists and task assignments.

Cons:

• Some features require a paid subscription.

• Limited integration with third-party apps compared to competitors.

• May have a slight learning curve for users new to task management apps.

Pricing:

• Free

• Premium, $2.4/month, billed annually 

Visit TickTick
 

6. OmniFocus 3 (best free to do list app for iPhone and Mac users)

OmniFocus 3 is a powerful task management software designed for busy professionals who rely on Apple devices. Its main strength lies in its ability to effortlessly capture tasks from anywhere, to streamline your workflow and ensure that no task slips through the cracks. Thanks to its deep integration with Apple devices, OmniFocuscan enhance your productivity without disrupting your established habits.

What’s more, OmniFocus offers cross-device sync so that you can access and manage your tasks on all your Apple devices. For those who prefer using a PC, OmniFocus also provides a web version, which means you can access your tasks and projects from any device with an internet connection. This combination of powerful features and compatibility with Apple devices makes OmniFocus 3 an excellent choice for professionals seeking a robust and well-integrated task management solution.

Pros:

• Deep integration with Apple devices for a seamless workflow.

• Cross-device synchronization for easy access to tasks and projects.

• Robust task management features for busy professionals.

• Web version available for PC users.

Cons:

• Geared toward the Apple ecosystem.

• Steeper learning curve compared to other task management apps.

• Pricey monthly plans.

Pricing:

• OmniFocus Subscription, $9.99/month, billed monthly 

• Standard License, $49.99 one-off payment

• Pro License, $99.99 one-off payment

OmniFocus review

Visit OmniFocus 3
 

7. ClickUp (one of the best best to do lists for work)

ClickUp is a versatile task management tool that can be used for both personal and professional to-do lists. It allows you to create and organize tasks for various purposes, such as planning a birthday party, managing projects, or keeping track of household chores.

The most effective way to use this work to do list app is to create smart lists in which you can organize different aspects of your life. For example, you can create a folder named "Home" and within it, include lists like "Bills," "Grocery List," or "Shopping List." This structure helps you stay organized and efficiently manage your tasks.

You can also prioritize tasks by flagging them as low priority or urgent, so that you can focus on what's most important. What’s more, when you manually add scheduled tasks in ClickUp, your Outlook, Apple, or Google calendars can be automatically updated. There’s even a time tracker to track how much time you spend on each task. 

Pros:

• Suitable for both personal and professional to-do lists.

• Highly customizable and organized with folders and lists.

• Seamless integration with popular calendar apps.

• Task prioritization with flags for low priority or urgent tasks.

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming for users seeking a simple to-do list app.

• Some advanced features require a paid subscription.

• Steeper learning curve due to extensive customization options.

Pricing:

• Free plan

• Unlimited plan, $5/person/month billed annually

• Business plan, $12/user/month billed annually

• Business Plus, $19/user/month

• Enterprise plan, custom quote

Read our ClickUp review

Visit ClickUp
 

8. Google Tasks (best to do list planner for Google users)

Google Tasks is the best calendar and to do list app and a no-brainer for users who frequently use Gmail and Google Calendar. Adding tasks is quick, especially if you already know how to use Gmail and Google Calendar. Tasks can have due dates, lists, descriptions, subtasks; there’s even the option to "star" tasks.

The desktop integration with Gmail lets you easily convert an email into a task by simply dragging it to Google Tasks. Even better, you can also view your tasks within your Google Calendar. 

If you tend to have Gmail open on your computer regularly, it's difficult for any app to be more convenient than Google Tasks. There’s a mobile app that supports work on the go. Google Keep is another great productivity tool you can use for note-taking and to-do lists. 

Pros:

• Seamless integration with Gmail and Google Calendar.

• Quick task creation within the Google ecosystem.

• Free and accessible on both desktop and mobile devices.

Cons:

• Limited organizational features compared to other to-do list apps.

• No advanced features like collaboration or project management.

Pricing:

• Free 

Visit Google Tasks
 

9. Remember the Milk (best personal to do list app)

Remember the Milk is a personal to-do list app with a range of useful features. The app ensures you never forget important tasks again with features like Smart Add that lets you easily add tasks. Tasks can have due date, priority, tags, and can be set to repeat. You can create as many lists as needed and use tags to keep them organized and visually appealing.

You can even break down tasks into subtasks. Even subtasks can have their own subtasks, if you need a more detailed organization. Lists are easily shared with others and you can also delegate tasks to others. 

This cute to do list app also features a search wizard for easy task searching. It’s one of the best to-do list apps for Windows users as there’s a separate Windows app that works seamlessly. But the good news is there’s also a desktop app available for Mac, as well as mobile apps for smartphone devices like iPhone and Android phones, BlackBerry 10, and Fire. 

Pros:

• Quick task creation with Smart Add.

• Multiple reminder options.

• Subtasks for breaking down tasks into manageable pieces.

• List sharing and task delegation for collaborative work.

• Available on a wide range of platforms.

Cons:

• Some advanced features require a paid subscription.

• Limited integration with third-party apps compared to competitors.

• The interface may feel dated for users accustomed to more modern designs.

Pricing:

• Free

• Pro, $39.99/year

Remember the Milk review

Visit Remember the Milk
 

10. Habitica (best free to do list software)

We voted Habitica one of the best free to do list apps as it’s completely free to use, although you can always purchase a subscription to support the development of new features. This task and habit tracker uses gamification to motivate users to complete their tasks. In addition to tracking habits and daily tasks, Habitica also lets you create and manage to-do lists.

To use Habitica as a to-do list app, you can create a new task list and add your to-do items as individual tasks. You can then prioritize the tasks, set due dates and reminders, and mark them as completed when you finish them.

Habitica also has a feature called "Checklist" that allows you to break down a task into smaller subtasks. This can be particularly useful for complex projects that require multiple steps to complete.

Overall, Habitica can be a useful tool for managing your to-do list, especially if you are motivated by gamification and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment that comes with completing tasks and earning rewards.

Pros:

• Gamification can make completing tasks more fun and motivating.

• Habitica allows you to track and manage habits, daily tasks, and to-do lists in one place.

• The app provides a sense of accountability through its social features.

• The app allows you to set your own rewards and punishments for completing or missing tasks.

Cons:

• The app's gamification features may not be appealing or motivating to everyone.

• The initial setup and learning curve can be time-consuming.

• The app may not be as effective for managing complex projects or tasks.

• The social features may not be suitable for those who prefer to keep their tasks private.

Pricing:

• Free 

Visit Habitica
 

11. Things 3 (best app for ease of use)

Things 3 is a popular list app designed for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices. It allows users to create to-do lists, manage projects, set reminders, and track their progress.

The app comes packed with great features, such as the quick entry functionality that lets you quickly enter tasks and deadlines with natural language input. You’ll be able to organize your tasks and projects into customizable lists, headings, and subheadings, so that it’s easier for you to stay on top of your tasks and priorities.

What’s more, users can also add tags to tasks and projects. You can easily filter and search for specific tasks based on criteria such as priority, due date, or location.

The checklist sharing app provides a "Today" view that shows all your tasks for the day, including those with upcoming deadlines. The app's "Focus" mode allows you to block out distractions and focus on a single task to stay productive and avoid procrastination.

If you're looking for more similar apps, check out our best Things 3 alternatives article.

Pros:

• Easy to use and well-designed interface.

• Powerful organizational tools.

• Natural language input for quick and easy task entry.

• Siri integration for hands-free task entry.

• Focus mode to block out distractions and stay productive.

Cons:

• Only available for Apple devices.

• No free version.

• Lack of collaboration features.

• Some users may find the app's features to be overwhelming or unnecessary for their needs.

Pricing:

• For Mac: $49.99

• For iPhone and Apple Watch: $9.99

• For iPad: $19.99

Visit Things 3
 

12. WorkFlowy (top app for daily to-do list)

Workflowy is the best daily to-do list app that allows you to create and manage lists in a simple, hierarchical format. It provides a clean and minimalistic interface that is designed to make it easy to create and organize lists of all kinds.

At its core, Workflowy is essentially a digital notebook that lets you create bullet-point lists with unlimited depth. Lists can have items, and each item can have sub-items. You can also add tags, search lists, and collaborate with others on shared lists and keep everyone on the same page.

One of the key benefits that this tool has and other Workflowy alternatives lack is its simplicity and flexibility. The tool can be used for everything from simple to-do lists and note-taking to more complex project management and brainstorming. 

Pros:

• Simple enough and minimalist interface that is easy to use and navigate.

• Hierarchical structure allows for easy organization and management of complex tasks and projects.

• Collaboration features make it easy to share lists with others and work together on different projects.

• Supports tags, search, and keyboard shortcuts for efficient organization and management.

Cons:

• Limited formatting options.

• No calendar integration.

• Free version has limited features.

• May not be suitable for users who prefer more traditional note-taking or organization tools.

Pricing:

• Basic, $0/month

• Workflowy Pro, $4/month, billed annually 

Workflowy review

Visit Workflowy
 

13. Quire (one of the best online to do lists for teams)

While Quire is primarily a project management tool, it can also be used as a cloud to do list app. You can use the app to create tasks, set deadlines, and track progress, either individually or as part of a team. The app also allows you organize tasks into customizable lists and sub-lists, assign tasks to specific team members, and add notes and attachments to tasks.

One of the key benefits of using Quire as a to-do list app is its flexibility and scalability. The app can be used for everything from simple daily to-do lists to large, complex projects with multiple teams and stakeholders. Its intuitive user interface and drag-and-drop functionality also make it easy to use and customize to fit your specific needs.

Pros:

• Intuitive and easy-to-use interface with drag-and-drop functionality.

• Flexible and scalable.

• Customizable task lists and sub-tasks with the ability to assign tasks to team members.

• Provides a clear overview of project progress and deadlines.

• Offers collaboration features that allow for real-time communication and feedback among team members.

Cons:

• Limited formatting options for task descriptions and notes.

• Some users may find the app's interface to be overwhelming or complex.

• Certain features may be missing or limited in the free version.

• The app may not be ideal for users who only need a simple to-do list app.

Pricing:

• Free

• Professional, $7.65/user/month, billed annually 

• Premium, $13.95/user/month, billed annually 

• Enterprise, $19.95/user/month, billed annually 

Quire review

Visit Quire
 

14. Basecamp (good to-do list software for team collaboration)

Basecamp is a web-based project management tool that allows teams to collaborate, organize, and manage projects in one place. It provides a range of built-in features for managing tasks, deadlines, and communication, including to-do lists, calendars, message boards, and file sharing.

You can use the app to create and manage individual to-do lists, as well as to-do lists for specific projects. Each task can be assigned a due date, priority level, and assignee, and you can track progress and receive notifications when tasks are completed or overdue.

Basecamp's to-do lists also offer some advanced features, such as the ability to create repeating tasks, add comments and attachments to tasks, and organize tasks into customizable lists and categories.

Pros:

• Comprehensive project management tool with a wide range of features for collaboration, organization, and communication.

• Task management features include to-do lists, calendars, and progress tracking.

• Integration with third-party tools such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Trello.

• Provides centralized communication and file sharing.

Cons:

• Steep learning curve.

• Higher price point than some other project management tools.

• Some users may find the app's notification system to be overwhelming or intrusive.

• Limited customization options for certain features.

• May not be ideal for users who only need a simple to-do list app.

Pricing:

• Basecamp, $15/user/month

• Basecamp Pro Unlimited, $299/month for unlimited users, billed annually 

Basecamp review 

Visit Basecamp

Which is the best digital to-do list software for me? Final points

When it comes to choosing the best digital to-do list software for you, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. While we voted Todoist as the best to-do list app overall due to its generous free plan, ease of use, and set of features, it may not be the perfect fit for everyone.

If you work primarily in Gmail, Google Tasks may be the better option for you, while Microsoft To To may be the top choice for if you’re already familiar with Microsoft products. Toodledo is a great pick for GTD fans, while Remember the Milk is a fantastic personal to-do list app. For teams, Quire and Basecamp are excellent choices.

Ultimately, the best to-do list app for you will depend on your budget, needs, and preferences. The majority of apps on our list come with a free plan, so consider taking them for a spin before making a decision. We encourage you to try out different options to find the one that works best for you and helps you stay productive and organized.

There are other apps we didn’t get to mention in this post, like Evernote and Wunderlist, that are primarily note-taking apps but you can use them as a do list app as well. 

Good luck!