Compared · checked 2026-10-24
The best free to-do list apps
The big to-do apps are all free to start, with limits on lists, reminders or views that lift when you pay. Here is what each free version does, from its own pages, and which one suits whom.
We make To-do, one of the tools on this page. Every fact about the other tools comes from their own pages, linked under each one, as they read on 2026-10-24. Prices and features change: check each site before you choose.
How we compared them
- What the free version allows: lists, tasks, reminders
- Due dates, repeats, subtasks, tags and views
- Apps on every device, sync and sharing
- Account needed, and where your tasks are kept
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free limits | Sharing | Apps and sync | Where tasks are kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| To-do ours | Free | None set by us | No | Works in the browser; no sync | In your browser, on this device |
| Microsoft To Do | Free | Not stated | Share lists and assign tasks | Web, iOS, Mac, Android, Windows; synced | Microsoft 365 (hosted by Microsoft) |
| Todoist (Beginner) | Beginner free; Pro and Business paid | 5 personal projects, 3 filter views, 5 MB uploads | Up to 5 people per project | 90+ integrations; apps to download | Todoist's service (account) |
| TickTick (Free) | Free; Premium US$49.99 a year | 9 lists, 99 tasks a list, 2 reminders a task | 2 members | Cross-platform sync | TickTick's service (account) |
| Feature | To-do ours | Microsoft To Do | Todoist (Beginner) | TickTick (Free) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lists or projects on the free version | No limit | Not stated | 5 projects | 9 lists |
| Tasks per list | No limit | Not stated | Not stated | 99 |
| Due dates | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not stated |
| Reminders | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2 a task |
| Repeating tasks | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Subtasks or steps | One level | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Priorities | Yes | Not stated | Yes | Yes |
| Tags or labels | Yes | Not stated | Yes | Yes |
| Board view | No | Not stated | Yes | Yes |
| Calendar view | In Calendar | Not stated | Partly | Basic |
| Share lists with others | No | Yes | Yes | 2 members |
| File attachments | No | Up to 25 MB | 5 MB | 1 a day |
| Apps for phone and desktop | Works in the browser | Yes | Not stated | Not stated |
| Sync between devices | No | Yes | Not stated | Yes |
| No account needed | Yes | Not stated | No | No |
| Tasks kept on your device | Yes | No | Not stated | Not stated |
1. To-do (ours)
Best for: A private list on one device with no limits and no sign-up, shown in Calendar
Tasks with due dates and times in a time zone, priorities, lists, tags, one level of subtasks, repeats and reminders, with Today, Upcoming and All views; tasks with a time appear in Calendar.
Good
- No account, no limits on lists or tasks, nothing uploaded
- Due times in any time zone, repeats (daily to yearly, with an end day) and reminders
- Tasks with a time show in Calendar; completing in either app updates both
- Works on your phone, tablet and computer in the browser, even offline
Not so good
- No sync between devices and no sharing
- Reminders only pop up while To-do, Calendar or Reminders is open (or as a browser notification you allow)
- No board view, no file attachments; subtasks one level deep
2. Microsoft To Do
Best for: A completely free to-do app on every device, with shared lists and Outlook tasks
Good
- Free on the web, iOS, Mac, Android and Windows, as its store listing says
- My Day planner, steps, notes, files up to 25 MB, repeating due dates and reminders
- Shared lists; syncs with Outlook tasks and flagged emails
Not so good
- Lists and tasks are hosted on Microsoft 365, not kept only on your device
- No board or calendar view mentioned on its pages
Microsoft To Do website · Sources: Microsoft To Do on Google Play, Microsoft To Do on the App Store, Microsoft Support: due dates and reminders
3. Todoist (Beginner)
Best for: Fast task capture with labels, filters and a board view, for personal use
Good
- Due dates and times, priorities, sub-tasks, reminders, labels and repeating dates free
- List and board layouts; comments and assigned tasks
- 90+ integrations
Not so good
- Five personal projects on the free plan
- Calendar layout, custom reminders, task duration and automatic backups are on Pro
- One week of activity history
Todoist (Beginner) website · Sources: Todoist pricing and plan table
4. TickTick (Free)
Best for: Tasks, habits and a basic calendar in one app, within small limits
Good
- List and Kanban views, a basic calendar and an Eisenhower matrix free
- Subtasks, tags, priorities, repeating tasks and templates
- Habits and countdowns (5 each) and cross-platform sync
Not so good
- Free limits: 9 lists, 99 tasks per list, 19 checklist items per task
- Duration, filters, timeline view and constant reminders are Premium
- One attachment a day
TickTick (Free) website · Sources: TickTick pricing and comparison
Which one to choose
To-do is our pick for a private list with no sign-up and no limits: due times in any time zone, repeats, reminders and tags, linked to Calendar, installable on a phone or computer and usable offline. Each device keeps its own list: it does not sync or share, so it is not the one for a household or a team.
Choose Microsoft To Do if you want one list synced between your phone and computer, with sharing and Outlook integration, free everywhere. Choose Todoist or TickTick for more views and power features, such as boards and filters, within free plans that cap projects or lists.
Questions
What is the best free to-do list app?
For a private list with no limits and no account, To-do (it stays on one device). Microsoft To Do is free on every platform with sync and shared lists. Todoist (five projects) and TickTick (nine lists) have strong free plans with limits.
Which to-do app is free without limits?
To-do sets no limits. Microsoft To Do's pages describe it as free and state no list limits. Todoist and TickTick limit projects or lists on their free plans.
Can I use a to-do list without an account?
To-do works with no account and keeps tasks in your browser. Todoist and TickTick need an account; Microsoft To Do hosts lists on Microsoft 365.
Which free to-do app syncs between phone and computer?
Microsoft To Do and TickTick say they sync across devices. To-do does not sync; each browser keeps its own list.
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