Even though remote work is flexible, the workload is not small. And handling multiple projects in a remote setup means missing important deadlines and forgetting priority tasks.
That is why most remote employees rely on some sort of task management app to sort out their day-to-day work. Keeping their workload organized and meeting deadlines effortlessly.
But not all task management app gets the job done. Either some are slow or lack essential features to manage remote tasks.
So, out of the many software, Todoist and Microsoft To-Do are constantly striving for the top 1 position. But the real question is— “Which one to choose between them?”
Well, no need to worry, your remote buddy has got your back. In this article, I am going to delve into the Todoist vs Microsoft To-Do dilemma by explicating—
- Difference in their core functionalities,
- User reviews and expert opinions,
- How to choose between them, and more.
So, come dive right in!
Todoist vs Microsoft To-Do: Key Features Comparison

Before diving into the core comparison between these two, it is vital to know what exactly these tools are used for.
First things first, both Todoist and Microsoft To-do are powerful task management apps that offer dynamic features to organize work, meet deadlines, and set priorities.
Moreover, both tools provide a comprehensive set of unique features for handling complex projects in a remote work culture. So, naturally, they are hyped in the corporate world.
Although they belong to the same category of apps, they are not the same. So, here is a clear breakdown of the differences in their key features.
1. User-Interface And Software Design
Todoist comes with a feature-rich and highly customizable interface. That is, it offers filters, themes for Kanban boards, and intricate template layouts. So, users can easily modify its features based on the project’s needs.
Unlike Todoist, Microsoft To-Do has a more simplistic and intuitive design. This makes users navigate the platform without feeling cluttered by options. So, they can choose minimalist designs for managing tasks effortlessly.
2. Collaborative Features
Given that collaboration is a major aspect of remote work, both apps provide high collaborative features.
For instance, Todoist offers advanced and flexible features for smooth collaboration — file sharing, productivity tracking, customizable views, and task sharing options. So, employees can manage complex team workflows easily.
Contrarily, Microsoft To-Do provides a simpler task or project sharing feature for collaboration. Moreover, it is strongly integrated within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. So, users outside the ecosystem cannot collaborate on the task management.
3. Task Management Templates
As an advanced platform, Todoist offers a wide variety of Kanban boards for task management. So, users get to choose their list boards from a diverse range of templates that can be customized.
But Microsoft To-Do comes with simple task listing templates. That is, it provides a digital planner to the employees for listing tasks. So, they do not get various creative templates.
4. Customization Capabilities
One of the core features of Todoist is its high customization capabilities. That is, users can literally use filters, labels, themes, and even gestures in each Kanban board according to the diverse requirements of multiple projects.
On the other hand, Microsoft To-do offers limited customization capabilities. So, users can customize their task lists with the basic personalization features — custom backgrounds, themes, and list type.
5. Integration Abilities
Since Todoist doesn’t belong to an ecosystem like Microsoft To-Do, it allows users to seamlessly integrate major productivity, time management, and project management tools. So, they can easily integrate third-party tools for better efficiency..
Unlike Todoist, Microsoft To-Do belongs to the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. So, it naturally allows the integration of the native tools within the ecosystem. But users face difficulty while integrating third-party tools into Microsoft To-Do.
6. Pricing And Value Proposition
Microsoft To-Do offers a completely free platform to all Microsoft users. So, there is no requirement for any premium plan or subscription payment to access the app.
But Todoist is a semi-paid platform. That is, it offers both free and paid plans—
- Free — $0 per month — Limited features and up to 5 active task management boards.
- Pro Plan — $4 per month — Access to advanced features and basic customization capabilities for individual use.
- Business Plan — $6 per month — Comprehensive features and advanced elements for team collaboration, centralized billing, and task management.
Todoist vs Microsoft To-Do: Which Is A Scalable Option?

Even though both Todoist and Microsoft To-Do are scalable options, one has a superior hand over the other. That is, Todoist comes with advanced features and high customization capabilities, so it is a more scalable tool than Microsoft To-Do.
Moreover, Todoist helps in managing multiple projects with customized Kanban boards. So, as the remote firms grow, they can expand their project management and task organization within the same platform.
Since there is a growing dilemma between the two tools, users give their honest feedback and reviews on Reddit.
According to the Reddit user’s comment—
I keep rotating between them, but my preference is Todoist. The natural language and recurring tasks options are the big pull.
Another Reddit user compares these two tools—
MS To Do is easier to use but lacks a lot of features. I think it’s good enough for most users, but it’s no competitor to Todoist (the paid version).
In addition to this, Tool Finder reports—
While Microsoft To-Do is a solid choice for essential task management, especially if you’re within the Microsoft ecosystem, Todoist’s broader and deeper feature set makes it a more powerful tool for those who need more flexibility and advanced task management options.
Moreover, one of the Reddit users compares both the tools and comments—
I wished to switch to Microsoft To Do because it’s free, but unfortunately for me, it’s not as handy as Todoist. Returned to my Todoist, it’s much faster to add new tasks here and my workflow is better.
Todoist vs Microsoft To-Do: How To Choose Between Them?
Todoist and Microsoft To-Do are both efficient tools. But using the wrong tool can adversely affect your work efficiency. So, here’s how to choose the right one—
- If you are already using the Microsoft 365 cosysyem, then using the Microsoft To-Do is a cost-effective option.
- But if you need a more advanced, feature-rich tool for task management, then Todoist is a better choice.
So, based on your needs, you can choose between the two tools. Now, with this comprehensive comparison guide, you can decide which one better fits your needs.
So, go ahead and get organized in your remote setup by picking the right tool — Todoist or Microsoft To-Do — today!
FAQs
Here are the common questions around task management apps for remote workers that you can check.
Unlike on-site teams, remote teams find it harder to manage tasks and meet multiple project deadlines. So, having a To-Do app can help them to organize the tasks, set the priorities, and meet important project deadlines on time.
Some of the major alternatives to Todoist include—
• Tick Tick
• Amplenote
• Any.do
• Trello
• Asana
• Monday
• Notion
Yes. Both Todoist and Microsoft To-Do can be used even when you are offline. But only basic features of the apps can be used in offline mode. So, users can add, view, and edit tasks on them without any internet connectivity.
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