10 Best Microsoft ToDo Alternatives
Looking for a better way to manage your tasks than Microsoft ToDo?
We’ve come a long way from scribbling reminders like “Buy milk” on a napkin. Now we’ve got apps like Microsoft To-Do that promise to organize your life.
But what if it’s not quite your vibe? Maybe you’re dreaming of something less “corporate chic” and more “fits my life perfectly.” Or perhaps you want a task manager that doesn’t feel like assembling IKEA furniture every time you open it.
Whatever your style—minimalist, power assistant, or someone who just needs help remembering to drink water—we’ve got options for you.
Let’s explore 10 of the best task management tools to help you stay organized, focused, and (dare we say it) a little less stressed.
Let’s dive in!
What to look For in Microsoft ToDo Alternatives?
You can consider these factors:
- Task prioritization: Imagine a smart assistant that doesn’t just list your tasks, but helps you distinguish between “must-do-now” and “maybe-do-eventually”. Not all tasks are created equal, and your app should get that.
- Task Reminders: We’re human. We forget things. Your to-do app should be that gentle (but persistent) friend who taps you on the shoulder and says, “Hey, remember that thing you said you’d do?”
- Automation: Because life’s too short to manually copy-paste the same task every week
- Connect with your knowledge: Your ideas live in seventeen different apps. You want a system that connects your notes, tasks, thoughts – they should flow seamlessly
- Great integrations: Because your tasks are probably scattered across 7 different apps l, and you need something that can gather them all, fast.
- Fast customer support: Cmon, no one wants reporting a bug to become yet another task on their list.
10 Microsoft ToDo Alternatives
Saner.AI centralize your tasks & knowledge from Email, Slack, GDrive or your self-created todo. With an intuitive design, powered by best-in-class AI Assistants, it helps you get things done faster, automatically
Pros
- Universal Inbox: Automatically extracts tasks and events from various sources (Emails, Slack, Notion, notes in Saner.AI, etc.)
- AI-Powered Organization: AI sorts and prioritizes tasks based on your preferences and habits.
- Personalized AI Assistant: Helps you break down tasks, suggest solutions & remind you
- Intuitive Interface: Easy to learn and use, even for beginners.
- Knowledge Integration: Your tasks, information, and related knowledge are all in one place—allowing for easy search and efficient execution without context switching.
Cons
- Task management features are still in early stage
Pricing
- Free
- Starter: Monthly at $7.89/month, Annually at $5.89/month
- Standard: Monthly at $15.89/month, Annually at $10.89/month
Who is it suitable for?
Saner.AI is particularly well-suited for:
- Intensive knowledge workers who need to manage large amounts of information efficiently from multiple sources, such as entrepreneurs, researchers, managers, and content creators
- Individuals with ADHD or those who struggle with information organization and time management
- Anyone looking to streamline their workflow without spending too much time learning a new tool.
How to start using it?
- Visit the Saner.AI website and sign up for an account
- Explore the app’s features, starting with basic note-taking and task creation.
- Try out the integrated internet search functionality to streamline your workflow.
Todoist is a functional to-do list app focusing on simplicity. The free version gives you core task management tools, while the premium upgrade unlocks extras like custom themes, smart reminders, and email collaboration
Todoist’s natural language processing allows you to swiftly create, label, and prioritize tasks with simple commands. But the AI aspect of Todoist is not as strong as Saner.AI, so it’s suitable for traditional users
Pros:
- 85 integrations (you can build custom ones through API)
- Large template library
- Natural language processing
- File and product sharing across 10+ platforms
Cons:
- Doesn’t allow multiple assignees on a single task compared to other best alternative tools
- Limited view types: for example, there is no calendar view
- Some business users may find its features limiting
Pricing:
- Free
- Pro: $5/month per user
- Business: $8/month per user
Suitable for: Users looking for a flexible task management tool with advanced features.
Getting Started: Sign up on the Todoist website or download the app from your device’s app store.
When team collaboration becomes complex, Asana is a great project management platform. Imagine a workspace where projects don’t get lost in endless email chains
Pros:
- Excellent for team collaboration
- Various project visualization options (boards, lists, timelines)
- Integrates with many third-party apps
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for new users due to its complexity
- Premium features can be pricey
Pricing:
- Basic plan: $0
- Starter plan: $8.5 per user per month, billed annually.
- Advanced plan: $19.21 per month per user, billed annually.
Suitable for: Teams and organizations needing robust project management capabilities.
Getting Started: Create an account on Asana’s website and set up your first project.
4. Any.do
Any.do offer a clean use interface for users
Pros:
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Calendar integration for task management
- Location-based reminders
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version
- Some advanced features require a premium subscription
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Premium plan: $7.99/month
Suitable for: Individuals looking for a straightforward task manager that integrates well with calendars.
Getting Started: Download the app or visit their website to create an account.
5. Trello
Imagine your projects as a digital bulletin board where ideas flow, tasks move, and progress becomes visible. That’s Trello.
Pros:
- Visual Kanban board style for task management
- Easy to use with a low learning curve
- Extensive Power-Ups for added functionality
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version
- Can become cluttered with complex projects
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Standard Class: $6/month
- Premium: $12.5/month
Suitable for: Teams and individuals managing multiple projects visually.
Getting Started: Sign up on Trello’s website or download the app to start creating boards.
6. TickTick
TickTick is a dynamic task management solution.
Pros:
- Multiple views (list, calendar, Kanban)
- Built-in Pomodoro timer
- Habit tracking features
Cons:
- Limited third-party integrations
- Free version restricts tasks to 99
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Premium plan: $35.99/year (billed annually)
Suitable for: Users looking for a flexible task management tool with advanced features.
How to start:
Sign up on the TickTick website or download the app from your device’s app store.
7. ClickUp
With an almost overwhelming array of features and customization options, ClickUp is designed for teams and individuals who want total control over their workflow.
Pros:
- Highly customizable with numerous features
- Integrates with over 1,000 apps
- AI-powered task management capabilities
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive features
- Can feel overwhelming for new users
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Unlimited plan: $10/month
- Business plan: $19/month
Suitable for: Teams looking for a comprehensive project management solution.
Getting Started: Register on ClickUp’s website or download the mobile app to start organizing tasks.
8. Things
Pros:
- Elegant and minimalist design
- Focuses on simplicity and productivity
- Great for managing projects and tasks
Cons:
- Limited platform availability (Mac and iOS only)
- Can be expensive for some users
Pricing: Paid subscription
Suitable for: Mac and iOS users who prefer a simple and elegant to-do list app
How to start: Download the Things app from the App Store
9. Akiflow
Akiflow is a daily planning tool that goes beyond simple task tracking
Pros:
- Daily planner tool that integrates with multiple tools and calendars
- Time blocking and task prioritization features
Cons:
- Can be complex for users who don’t need a full-featured daily planner
Pricing: 34$/month
Suitable for: Individuals and teams who want a comprehensive task management and time-blocking solution.
How to start: Sign up on Aki flow website and connect apps to your space
Notion is a flexible workspace where you & your team can write, plan, collaborate, and organize
Pros:
- All-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, and databases
- Highly customizable layouts
- Excellent collaboration features
Cons:
- Requires setup time to tailor it as a task manager
- Can be complex for new users
Pricing:
- Free plan available, Premium plan starts at $8/month, Notion AI is $8/month additional
Suitable for: Users wanting a versatile productivity platform that can adapt to various needs.
Getting Started: Sign up on Notion’s website and explore templates or create your own workspace.
Choosing the Right Microsoft To Do Alternatives
Productivity isn’t one-size-fits-all. Just because Microsoft To Do is the default option doesn’t mean it’s your perfect match.
Think about it: Your task management tool should feel like an extension of your brain. Maybe you need an app that whispers gentle reminders instead of shouting deadlines. Perhaps you’re craving something more intelligent, more collaborative, more… you.
The digital landscape is packed with task management apps that can transform how you work. Some integrate seamlessly with your workflow, others bring AI-powered insights, and some are just plain fun to use. Why settle for the mundane?
Your workflow is unique. Your tools should be too.
Take a weekend. Experiment with the apps. The right tool won’t feel like work.
Ditch the default.
