Ranking To-Do List Apps for 2021

There are hundreds of thousands of to-do list applications on the market. This is Francesco’s opinions on the major 2021 task managers and what their future holds. This is purely to share my thoughts and as a relaxed video.

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00:00 - Introduction
00:23 - Ranking Task Managers
08:45 - Final Notes
09:32 - Pipedrive Ad

There was an error in the video when mentioning TeuxDeux, we wrote “2Do”

📰 APPS mentioned

🤔 Zenkit To-Do*
🎯 TickTick
🙌🏼 Sorted 3
☀️ Clear
👋🏼 Things 3
🐑 Taskade
🧠 OmniFocus 3
📈 Columns
🤠 Microsoft To-Do
🙋🏽♀️ Any.DO*
✅ Todoist*
📘 Trello
🏫 ClickUp*
🎊 Google Tasks
Inside Google Mail
📁 TeuxDeux

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POPULAR TOOLS

[toolfinderhq]

*🍱 Do less, but more meaningful tasks with Bento*

[J-Dawgdizzlefizz]

Maybe a graphic at the end with the name of each app and their rank would be a super handy recap

[Taskade]

Great to see Taskade on the list. Thanks again for putting this together!

[emmgeevideo]

This feature was inevitable... I’ve tried them all. I’m currently using a blank notecard and a pen each day. Works great. #1 method.

[aldorodriguez]

Multiplatform compatibility should be a point to consider as some people use 3 different operating systems in their Work/Personal productivity system.

[thomazdadalt]

One thing to consider really hard on the meh category. I work in a company that work with the Microsoft 365 suite. So, even Todoist that have integration with outlook doesn’t work like the Microsoft to do. I think you should reconsider because of that. Microsoft to do works really fine in the case of you using outlook, teams and planner. Everything it’s integrated.

I’ve tried every other app in the list, but, only Microsoft to do have this integration.

Best regards
Thomaz

[jennaredfield]

Would love project management (ClickUp, asana, notion, Airtable)

[afshinkavousi]

This review simplified the comparison too much in way that some important points missed. These applications perform differently based on platform e.g. OF3 and Things designed for macOS and iOS and none of the listed application can beat them in Mac environment. What about sync performance? What about multiplatform apps? What about the tagging feature? Calendar integration? Smart watch versions? APIs? Geolocation reminders? Support? Project handling? what I mean is, this is a complex subject, however, your personal opinion is respected 😊

[rkd-me]

won't agree with Microsoft ToDo, this app has lots of great features like "flagged emails" or "My Day", but also lacks core features like ability to connect calendar, etc. I would place it in "good" category and when updated (knowing microsoft few years from now on) i would put it tier higher.

[MarcKoschel]

Surprising choice. Before putting Apps on a list, it would be interessting what criteria is important to you.

My criteria are:
- mac/ios first but usable on Windows (at least webversion)
- automation must be possible, scripting ➲
- usable with Siri Shortcuts. I do use complex shortcuts to extract calendar items into different tasks (therefore Taskpaper is essential)
- lists must be very flexible - I do need list (or tag lists) with projects, tags, context (GTD), due dates, defer dates, etc.
- defer dates: I must be sure that I don't see tasks when I don't need them but see them when there is need of.
- notes must be usable with markdown

[Ingrid-jxiz]

As someone who has their whole life on Google, I have to agree with Google Tasks in the “nope” category 😅 You’re better off just using Google Calendar for tasks or a short form notetaking app. I actually did away with to do apps altogether because I just felt like there wasn’t a need anymore when I use my Notes App like a to do list anyway

[w.l.davisjr.]

Trying to understand how Things 3 is your go-to app, yet you place it in the good category... hum?

[aldorodriguez]

Google keep should have occupied the Tasks spot. I like the ease of capture through the google assistant.

I wish Todoist had a more updated integration for voice capture through either Alexa or Google Assistant.

[knobulism]

Labels on the icons would really help. I have no idea what app is what when you are done.

[franklinantony]

Things app deserves to be put at great!
They are kind of like apple they dont do super future stuff and push out features, but instead they perfect everything they make!
Its really a joy to use that app 😃

[ogreenius]

You included Sorted, Clear, and Columns, but not Amazing Marvin?? I feel like this is an odd mix of the big, well-known stuff, and random lesser knowns. Obviously it's a huge field of options, so you have to narrow it down. But I do feel like Amazing Marvin deserves to be ranked in a comparison like this.

[MatthiasBuesing]

Interesting ranking althouth I don't get why you rated Microsoft Todo as "meh". I think it's more than solid - the only think that I dislike (that may be a personal issue though) is that when I postpone a task the reminder will not be postponed as well. Todoist is much better in the matter aspect.

[boycottmainstream]

The new evernote update is amazing, its like they married todoist

[thebritishindian]

I loved this video. The tier maker was fantastic combined with the whirlwind overview. I don’t need a 30-60 min overview of each app!

[russellwilcox]

Was workflowy not in creation or use in 2021. In any event, wonderfully done!