Microsoft To Do vs Todoist: Choosing the Right Productivity Tool for You

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 Todoist

Todoist stands out in the productivity tool landscape with its straightforward yet powerful approach to task management. Renowned for its clean design and user-friendly interface, Todoist simplifies the process of managing daily tasks and long-term projects. It allows users to create, organize, and prioritize tasks with ease, making it an ideal choice for individuals and teams alike. With features like recurring tasks, reminders, and progress tracking, Todoist effectively helps users stay on top of their responsibilities.

Key Features of Todoist

• Task Management: Create, track, and complete tasks with Todoist. Set deadlines, priorities, and reminders for each task.
• Project Organization: Group your tasks into different projects like work, personal, or travel plans. Break them down into smaller subtasks and sections for better organization.
• Labels and Filters: Use labels to categorize your tasks. Filters help you find tasks quickly, like those due today or high-priority ones.
• Recurring Tasks: Set up tasks that repeat regularly, like daily, weekly, or monthly.
• Team Collaboration: Share projects with others, assign tasks, and work together within the app.
• Works Everywhere and Easy to Use: Use Todoist on web browsers, desktops (Windows, macOS), and mobile apps (iOS, Android). The interface is simple, making it easy to start using right away.

Microsoft To Do vs Todoist: Features

Features	Microsoft To Do	Todoist
Integrations	Microsoft Products such as Outlook, allows external apps to connect with their API	IFTTT, Alexa, Google Calendar, Slack, Gmail, Zapier, Fantastical, Outlook, Chrome, Trello Power-Up
Calendar	Not Inbuilt	No Calendar View
Platforms	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and as a web and desktop app.	Android, iOS, iPad, macOS, Windows, Android Wear, and Apple Watch
Task Management	To-do lists, Task priorities, Subtasks, and color-coding items for organization.	Labels, Filters, Priority levels, Recurring tasks
Natural Language Processing	Yes	Yes
Time Blocking	No	Not Available
Analytics	No	Yes
Meeting Scheduler	No	Yes
Time Zones	Yes	Yes
Reminders	Yes	Yes
Customer Support	Average	Average
1:1 User Onboarding	No	No
Pricing	Free	Premium at $4 per month, paid annually

Microsoft To Do vs Todoist: Pricing

Microsoft To Do Pricing

MS To do is absolutely free.

Todoist Pricing

(i) Free Version: Suitable for basic task management needs.

(ii) Pro Plan: Typically priced around $3 to $5 per month when billed annually.

(iii) Business Plan: Generally costs about $5 to $10 per user per month when billed annually.

Todoist offers a flexible pricing model catering to a range of users, from individuals to business teams. The free version is a major draw for users with basic requirements.

Microsoft To Do vs Todoist: 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.

Todoist Review

Todoist is acclaimed for its simple interface and cross-platform availability, featuring automatic data backup, productivity reports, and customizable tasks. It’s ideal for both teams and individuals, with integrations like Outlook and Google Calendar. However, managing sub-projects and sub-tasks can be challenging, and its template feature may lack intuitiveness. The Karma feature, aiming to gamify productivity, might instead lead to excessive app usage. These aspects could deter users with specific workflow needs, making Todoist a less suitable option for them.

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 Todoist if

1. You have Basic to Moderate Task Management Needs: If your task management needs are straightforward or moderate, Todoist’s features will likely suffice.
2. You Are Looking for Flexibility in Pricing: Todoist offers a free version and reasonably priced Pro and Business plans, making it accessible for a range of budgets.
3. You Need a User-Friendly and Simple Interface: If you prefer simplicity and ease of use, Todoist’s straightforward and intuitive interface might be more appealing.

For an alternative daily planning app, consider Akiflow. It provides various features that Microsoft To Do or Todoist might not have, while maintaining an interface for efficient task management. See if Akiflow meets your planning needs and explore its unique features today.