8 Best Free Todo List Apps and Task Managers in 2026

Looking for a free todo list app that you will actually keep using? Writing tasks down is still the simplest way to stop forgetting things, but sticky notes on your desktop are no match for apps that sync to your phone, remind you at the right time and share lists with family or colleagues. Here are the best free todo list apps and task managers in 2026, replacing the tools in our 2009 list.

Quick answer: The best free todo list apps are Microsoft To Do and Google Tasks for simple lists, Todoist and TickTick for power users, Apple Reminders for iPhone and Mac owners, and Trello or Notion for team projects. All have free plans and sync across devices.

Best free todo list apps in 2026

1. Microsoft To Do: completely free with a Microsoft account. The “My Day” view helps you plan each morning, and tasks sync with Outlook.
2. Google Tasks: built into Gmail, Google Calendar and Android. This is the modern version of the Gmail Tasks feature from our original list. Great if you live in Google apps.
3. Todoist: fast task entry in plain language (“Pay rent every month on the 1st”), projects, labels and filters. The free plan covers most personal use.
4. TickTick: tasks plus a built-in Pomodoro timer and habit tracker, with a generous free plan.
5. Apple Reminders: free on iPhone, iPad and Mac, with shared lists, grocery categories and location reminders.
6. Any.do: a clean daily planner that combines tasks and calendar events.
7. Trello: Kanban boards with cards you drag from “To do” to “Done”. Ideal for small teams and visual thinkers.
8. Notion: notes, docs and task databases in one workspace. Best if you want to build your own system.

How to choose a todo list app

• Just need a simple list? Microsoft To Do, Google Tasks or Apple Reminders.
• Many projects and deadlines? Todoist or TickTick.
• Working with a team? Trello or Notion.
• Freelancer juggling clients? Pair a task app with one of these scheduling tools for freelancers.

Features to look for

• Sync: the same list on phone, computer and the web.
• Reminders: time-based, and location-based if you need them.
• Recurring tasks: for bills, renewals and weekly chores.
• Quick capture: add a task in seconds from a widget, shortcut or voice assistant.
• Sharing: shared shopping lists and family chores.

Tips to make your todo list work

• Write tasks as actions: “Email Ravi the invoice” instead of “Invoice”.
• Pick no more than three important tasks for today.
• Give big jobs smaller steps you can finish in under an hour.
• Review your list every evening and plan tomorrow.
• Delete or postpone tasks you keep moving. A shorter list gets done.

FAQ

What is the best completely free todo list app?

Microsoft To Do and Google Tasks are fully free with no paid tier, and both sync across devices.

Is Todoist free?

Yes, Todoist has a free plan with a limited number of projects. Reminders and some advanced features need the paid plan.

Can I use Gmail as a todo list?

Yes. Open the Tasks icon in Gmail’s side panel, or drag an email into Tasks to turn it into a to-do with a link back to the message.

Originally written by guest author Manpreet Singh, who wrote about web, tech news, blogging and productivity at cyberspirits.net. Updated for 2026 by QuickOnlineTips.