5 Best To-Do List Apps of 2026 Compared: TickTick, Things 3, Microsoft To Do—Which One Is Worth It?

Choosing the Wrong To-Do App Wastes More Time Than Not Using One

On the iOS board of PTT, every so often someone asks, "Any recommended to-do list apps?" The needs vary widely: some just want categorization and an icon showing the number of incomplete tasks; others require calendar integration, automatic date recognition, subtasks, and weekly/monthly views all in one; still others are looking for a shared shopping list for family use, where anyone can check off items.

These needs may seem simple, but each app has its own strengths. The usual outcome of picking the wrong tool: you give up after two weeks, go back to Notes or paper, and all your to-dos end up scattered across LINE chats and your head.

This article compiles the mainstream to-do apps actually discussed by PTT users, starting from real usage needs, to help you see the differences at a glance.

Before Buying a To-Do App, Understand These 5 Key Points

1. Do You Need a "List" or "Project Management"?

If you just need to track a shopping list or bill reminders, a simple to-do list is enough. But if you're managing multiple projects, tracking subtask progress, or setting up recurring events, you'll need more comprehensive task management features. Clarify your depth of use first, so you don't end up with an overkill tool you never use.

2. How Important Is Cross-Platform Support?

PTT users specifically noted in their reviews that "having a web app is a huge plus." If your office computer runs Windows, your phone is an iPhone, and you have an iPad at home, cross-platform sync is a necessity, not a nice-to-have.

3. Is Collaboration a Must-Have?

Some users have asked, "Looking for a to-do app that can be managed by two or more people," such as a shared family shopping list or couples tracking chores together. If you have this need, make sure the app's sharing features are intuitive, not just single-user oriented.

4. How Much Time Can Calendar Integration and Automatic Date Recognition Save?

Some users require "automatic date and time recognition, where typing in the title sets it automatically"—a typical high-frequency need. Manually setting a date for each task is tedious. A tool that can parse "meeting at 3 PM tomorrow" and create a reminder can save significant time in the long run.

5. How Much Learning Curve Are You Willing to Invest?

The most feature-rich app isn't necessarily the best fit. PTT reviews mention that TickTick "has a steeper learning curve due to its many features; mastering all of them takes time." If your use case is simple, an overly complex tool might make you give up faster.

TickTick—The Most Feature-Complete To-Do App, According to PTT Users

TickTick appears frequently in PTT to-do discussions, with a 2023 review concluding: "TickTick is the most recommended."

Core Features:

TickTick goes beyond a simple to-do list, integrating calendar, notes, Pomodoro timer, and habit tracking all in one. For those who want a single tool to manage various tasks, this is the closest to an "all-in-one" solution.

PTT users specifically highlighted that "having a web app is a huge plus," meaning you can quickly add tasks on your phone and continue organizing on the web version at your desk, without being tied to one device.

Best For:

If you want a comprehensive task management tool and are willing to spend some time exploring settings, TickTick is one of the most discussed and feature-complete options. Especially for those who need cross-device use and manage both work and personal tasks.

Watch Out:

More features mean a steeper learning curve. If you only need a simple to-do list, TickTick's rich features might feel overwhelming.

Things 3—The Final Destination for PTT Reviewers

The author of that same PTT review, despite "most recommending TickTick," eventually switched to Things 3. This shift is telling.

Core Features:

Things 3 is known for its polished design and intuitive operation, making it a popular choice among Apple ecosystem users. Its strength lies in packaging complex task management into a clean interface, with a gentler learning curve than TickTick.

Best For:

If you only use iPhone, iPad, and Mac, value user experience and interface design, and don't need a web version or Windows compatibility, Things 3 is the option PTT users stick with after testing.

Watch Out:

Things 3 has no web version and doesn't support Windows or Android. If you need access on non-Apple devices, this limitation could be a dealbreaker.

Microsoft To Do—The Free and Sufficient Default Choice

Microsoft To Do is often mentioned in PTT to-do discussions, especially in threads about "not wanting to spend money, just need basic features."

Core Features:

Microsoft To Do's advantages are that it's free, cross-platform, and integrates well with Windows and Microsoft 365. If you're already using Outlook or Teams, your tasks can sync seamlessly.

Microsoft officially recommends keeping no more than 3 items on your to-do list to avoid overload. This philosophy aligns with Microsoft To Do's clean design.

Best For:

If you only need basic to-do lists, categorization, and reminders, and don't want to pay or spend time learning, Microsoft To Do is a low-barrier entry point.

Watch Out:

Features are relatively basic, lacking advanced integrations like TickTick's Pomodoro timer or habit tracking. If you need more comprehensive task management, you might need to pair it with other tools.

Todoist—A Veteran Alternative Similar to TickTick

PTT reviews compare Todoist and TickTick, noting their features are similar.

Core Features:

Todoist is a veteran task management tool with mature natural language input, cross-platform support, and project management features. Its free tier is sufficient for light users.

Best For:

If you prefer an internationally mainstream tool, need reliable cross-platform sync, and are used to quickly entering tasks via natural language, Todoist is worth considering.

Watch Out:

PTT users found TickTick more feature-complete, especially with its web version and built-in notes and Pomodoro timer, which Todoist lacks.

Built-in "Reminders"—The Easiest-to-Overlook Free Option

Some PTT users asked about "integrating built-in to-do features or capturing tasks created via Siri," which highlights a key point: the iPhone's built-in Reminders app is quite capable on its own.

Core Features:

Built-in Reminders supports categorization, subtasks, recurring events, location-based alerts, and integrates well with Siri. You can simply say, "Hey Siri, remind me to have a meeting at 3 PM tomorrow," and the task is created automatically.

Best For:

If you only need basic task management, don't want to download extra apps, and primarily use an iPhone, built-in Reminders can meet most of your needs.

Watch Out:

PTT users have asked, "Can the built-in app show a red badge on the icon?" This kind of home screen badge count display isn't always fully supported by the built-in app. Its feature depth and visual customization also fall short of third-party apps.

Pitfall Guide: 4 Common Mistakes When Choosing a To-Do App

Pitfall 1: Chasing the Most Features While Ignoring the Learning Curve

PTT reviews clearly point out that TickTick is feature-rich but harder to learn. Many download the most powerful app but give up due to complex setup. Assess how much time you're willing to invest in learning before deciding.

Pitfall 2: Not Confirming Cross-Platform Needs First

If you use Windows at work, a Mac at home, and an iPhone, but choose an Apple-only app like Things 3, you're shooting yourself in the foot. Inventory the devices you'll use before purchasing.

Pitfall 3: Relying on Notes for Shared Lists

PTT users looking for a collaborative to-do app found that while Notes can be shared, it can't display a single list in the widget. If you have family or team sharing needs, look for a to-do tool that supports multi-user management instead of making do with Notes.

Pitfall 4: Overlooking High-Frequency Features Like Automatic Date Recognition

Manually setting dates and times for each task adds up to significant time over a week. If you frequently create time-sensitive tasks, choosing an app that can auto-parse dates and times has long-term benefits far greater than you might think.

Summary: Which One Should You Choose?

Based on PTT users' hands-on reviews and usage needs, here's a breakdown:

• Want comprehensive features, cross-platform, and a web version → TickTick
• Use only Apple devices and value design and user experience → Things 3
• Zero budget and only need basic to-do lists → Microsoft To Do
• Need natural language input and prefer an international mainstream tool → Todoist
• Use only an iPhone, have simple needs, and want convenience → Built-in Reminders

If your need is "one tool to manage all tasks and schedules," TickTick is the most comprehensive choice in current PTT discussions. If you value design and Apple ecosystem integration, Things 3 is worth a try. If you just want a free tool to start building a habit of tracking, Microsoft To Do and built-in Reminders are both good starting points.

Download the free or trial version first, and use it for a week to see which feels right—when it comes to to-do apps, you only know if it fits by actually using it.

References

• Review: To-Do App Experience - iOS Board - PTT
• Question: To-Do App Recommendations - iOS Board | PTT Digital Life
• Question: Looking for a Recommended "To-Do" App! - iOS Board - PTT Web
• To-Do List and Task Management App | Microsoft To Do
• Question: Looking for a To-Do App That Can Be Managed Collaboratively - iOS | PTT Digital Life