Comparison 6 minutes read

Microsoft To Do vs Apple Reminders: Which Tool Is Better?

What is Microsoft To Do

Microsoft To-Do is a streamlined and user-friendly task management application that integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft ecosystem. Designed to enhance productivity for both individual and professional use, MS To-Do stands out with its simple yet effective interface. It allows users to create lists, set reminders, and track tasks across various devices, ensuring accessibility and convenience. The app’s integration with Microsoft services like Outlook makes it a natural choice for users already embedded in the Microsoft environment. MS To-Do’s focus on simplicity and integration caters to those who need a straightforward, no-frills approach to task management while benefiting from the robustness of Microsoft’s technology.

Key Features of Microsoft To Do

  • Task Addition: Easily add tasks and organize them in custom lists.
  • Task Details: Add due dates, reminders, and files to tasks.
  • Task Prioritization: Mark tasks as important for better focus.
  • List Sharing and Collaboration: Share lists with others and assign tasks.
  • Integration with Microsoft Tools: Seamlessly works with Outlook, Cortana, and other Microsoft applications.
  • Customizable Themes and Backgrounds: Personalize the app with various themes and backgrounds for a unique user experience.

What is Apple Reminders

Apple Reminders is a to-do and task management app built into iOS devices, known for its simplicity and ease of use. It allows users to create task lists, set reminders, and share lists with other iOS users. Key features include location-based reminders and widgets for home screen organization. While it’s a straightforward and clean app, it’s primarily suited for personal use and may lack advanced features required for more complex task management.

Key Features of Apple Reminders

  • Simple Interface: Apple Reminders offers a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to create and manage tasks.
  • Location-based Reminders: Users can set reminders that are triggered by their location, such as reminding to buy something when near a specific store.
  • Integration with Siri: The app integrates seamlessly with Siri, allowing users to create reminders through voice commands.
  • Shared Lists: It allows sharing of lists with other Apple users, facilitating collaborative task management.
  • Customizable Lists: Users can customize lists with different colors and icons for easy identification and organization.
  • Attachments and Links: The app supports adding attachments like photos and links to reminders, enhancing the detail and utility of tasks.

Microsoft To Do vs Apple Reminders: Features

FeaturesMicrosoft To DoApple Reminders
IntegrationsMicrosoft Products such as Outlook, allows external apps to connect with their APIIFTTT, Shortcuts App, Any.do, BusyCal, Fantastical, and Agenda
CalendarNot InbuiltNo
PlatformsWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, and as a web and desktop app.Apple Reminders is available for macOS and iOS. It does not have native apps for Android, Web, or Windows.
Task ManagementTo-do lists, Task priorities, Subtasks, and color-coding items for organization.Labels, priority settings, due dates, location-based reminders
Natural Language ProcessingYesNo
Time BlockingNoNo
AnalyticsNoNo
Meeting SchedulerNoNo
Time ZonesYesYes, Apple Reminders supports different Time Zones.
RemindersYesYes
Customer SupportAverageAverage
1:1 User OnboardingNoNo
PricingFreeFree

Microsoft To Do vs Apple Reminders: Pricing

Microsoft To Do Pricing

MS To do is absolutely free.

Apple Reminders Pricing

Apple Reminders is a free application provided as part of Apple’s suite of apps on iOS and macOS devices. It does not have separate pricing plans. Users can access and use Apple Reminders without any additional cost.

Microsoft To Do vs Apple Reminders: Reviews

Microsoft To Do Review

Microsoft To Do, with its cloud-based task management, offers a range of benefits. The app allows for effective organization and prioritization of tasks and integrates well with other Microsoft services. Users appreciate the ability to customize lists and set recurring tasks. However, some limitations include the lack of rich text formatting for hyperlinks, inability to import task lists directly into Excel, and restrictions in copying tasks between lists. Despite these cons, the biggest advantage of Microsoft To Do is that it’s completely free to use.

Apple Reminders Review

Apple Reminders is praised for its simplicity, seamless integration with iOS and macOS, and features like location-based reminders. However, it falls short in more complex task management functionalities and lacks the customization and advanced features found in other dedicated task management apps. It is ideal for Apple ecosystem users looking for basic task management, but may not suffice for users with more intricate project management needs.

Which One Should You Pick

Consider Microsoft To Do if

  1. You’re in the Microsoft Ecosystem: It integrates well with Office 365 services, but might not be the best standalone option for those not using other Microsoft products.
  2. You Value Simplicity in Task Management: While it’s easy to use for basic task lists and reminders, it may lack advanced features found in more comphensive task managers.
  3. You Prefer Free Tools: Microsoft To Do is free, making it accessible, but it might not offer the depth of paid apps in terms of features and customization.

Consider Apple Reminders if

  1. You Value Simplicity: Ideal for those who want a straightforward, easy-to-use task manager without complex features.
  2. Deep Integration with Apple Ecosystem: Perfect for users who are heavily invested in Apple products and enjoy seamless integration with iOS and macOS.
  3. Basic Task Management Needs: If your task management requirements are basic, without the need for advanced features like detailed project tracking or extensive customizations, Apple Reminders could be sufficient.

Best Microsoft To Do and Apple Reminders Alternatives

  • Akiflow: Akiflow is a time management app offering time blocking, task scheduling, and integrations with various tools. It focuses on productivity and organization through a unified task and appointment interface.
    Akiflow Price: $19 per month, paid annually
  • Google Tasks: Google Tasks is a task management app, allowing users to create, manage, and prioritize tasks directly from their smartphone.This app is particularly useful for those already embedded in the Google ecosystem, providing a synchronized task management experience across devices.
    Google Tasks Price: Free
  • TickTick: TickTick is an all-in-one task management and reminder app, offering features like task organization, habit tracking, and calendar views. It’s designed for personal and work use, facilitating productivity with its user-friendly interface and cross-platform compatibility. TickTick also includes collaboration tools for team projects. TickTick Price: $3 per month, paid annually

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