Todoist's free tier attracts millions of users looking for basic task management without paying monthly fees. You get core functionality — adding tasks, setting due dates, organizing with projects and labels — but hit walls quickly with the 5-project limit and missing features like reminders and file uploads.
The real question isn't whether Todoist Free works, but whether you'll outgrow it fast and need something better. Here's exactly what you get, what you don't, and why TaskLoco's free tiers might serve you better long-term.
What You Get with Todoist Free
Todoist's free tier covers the basics of personal task management. You can create up to 5 projects, add unlimited tasks within those projects, and set basic due dates. The interface is clean and the core functionality works reliably across web and mobile apps.
You also get natural language input — type 'Call mom tomorrow at 2pm' and Todoist automatically sets the due date and time. Basic filters and labels help organize tasks, though you're limited compared to paid tiers. The karma system gamifies productivity by tracking completion streaks.
What's missing hurts more than what's included helps. No reminders means tasks sit silently until you remember to check. No file attachments means you can't attach documents, photos, or context to tasks. No comments or project templates slow down any serious workflow.
The Hidden Costs of 'Free' Task Management
Free task management sounds perfect until you realize what productivity actually requires. Tasks without reminders are just digital sticky notes you forget about. Projects without file attachments mean constantly switching between your task app and email, documents, or photos to find context.
The 5-project limit forces artificial constraints on how you think about work and life. Instead of natural organization, you're cramming everything into arbitrary buckets or creating workarounds that defeat the purpose of having a system.
TaskLoco approaches this differently with two distinct free tiers. Lite gives you 20 notes stored locally on your device — completely anonymous, no account required. Lite Plus+ provides 30 synced notes across all your devices with Google sign-in. Both are genuinely useful without artificial project limits.
TaskLoco vs Todoist: A Complete Alternative
While Todoist Free limits you to basic task lists, TaskLoco combines tasks, notes, files, and reminders in one streamlined experience. Instead of managing separate apps for notes, tasks, and document storage, everything lives together in TaskLoco's sticky note interface.
TaskLoco Premium includes unlimited notes, 10GB file storage, push notification reminders, calendar view, and team sharing. Reminders deep-link back to your original note, so you get full context when alerts arrive. The Chrome extension captures any webpage in one click, turning research into actionable notes instantly.
The difference in approach matters more than individual features. Todoist treats tasks as isolated items in projects. TaskLoco treats everything as connected information — a task might include files, reference materials, meeting notes, and follow-up reminders all in one place. It's the difference between managing lists and managing work.
Making the Right Choice for Your Productivity
Todoist Free works if you need simple task lists and don't mind the project limit. It's reliable, fast, and genuinely free forever. But most people who start with productivity apps are trying to solve bigger problems than basic to-do lists.
If you find yourself wanting reminders, file attachments, more organizational flexibility, or the ability to capture ideas alongside tasks, TaskLoco's approach makes more sense. Start with either free tier, then upgrade to Premium when you need unlimited notes and reminders.
TaskLoco's charter pricing means you can lock in half-price Premium forever while building habits with the free tiers. By the time you need Premium features, you'll know whether TaskLoco's unified approach suits how you actually work.
How TaskLoco Compares
| Feature | TaskLoco | Todoist |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier options | Two tiers — Lite (20 notes, no sign-in) and Lite Plus+ (30 notes, synced) FREE | One free tier with 5 projects maximum |
| Project/organization limits | No artificial limits — organize notes however makes sense | 5 projects maximum on free tier |
| Reminders | Push notifications with deep-linking back to notes (Premium) | No reminders on free tier |
| File attachments | 10GB storage included with Premium | No file uploads on free tier |
| Natural language input | Simple date/time entry in notes | Full natural language parsing included free |
| Cross-device sync | Lite Plus+ and Premium sync across all devices FREE | Sync included on free tier |
| Offline access | Requires internet connection for sync versions | |
| Team collaboration | Full team sharing with Premium — no limits | Limited collaboration on free tier |
| Calendar integration | Built-in calendar view with Premium | Basic calendar sync on free tier |
| Browser extension | Chrome extension captures any webpage instantly — free FREE | Browser extensions available |
| Mobile apps | Native iOS/Android Lite app plus full web app | Full-featured native apps on all platforms |
| Task templates | Save any note as a reusable template | Limited templates on free tier |
| Search functionality | Full-text search across notes and attachments | Basic search on free tier |
| Data export | Full export of all notes and files | Limited export options on free |
| Gamification | Focus on getting work done, not points | Karma system tracks productivity streaks |
| Third-party integrations | Limited integrations, focuses on core functionality | Extensive integration ecosystem |
Who Should Use Each
Use TaskLoco if…
- You want to combine tasks, notes, and files in one unified system
- You need reminders that actually work with push notifications
- You prefer straightforward productivity without artificial project limits
- You want genuine free options before committing to paid features
- You value lifetime pricing that locks in savings forever
Use Todoist if…
- You specifically need natural language task input and parsing
- You want full-featured native mobile apps on all platforms
- You prefer the gamification approach to staying motivated
- You need extensive third-party app integrations
- You're comfortable with project-based task organization limits
TaskLoco Premium is regularly $9.99/month per person. Right now, charter members can lock in 50% off the regular price — forever. That means $4.99/month per person today. And if our price ever goes up, you still pay half. Always.
Code CHARTER50 auto-applies at checkout. First 500 spots only — once they're gone, this offer is gone permanently. Act fast while spots last.
Every Premium subscription includes unlimited notes, 10GB file storage, reminders, calendar, and team sharing. Each team member requires a separate subscription. 7-day free trial — no charge until day 8. Cancel anytime.
Free Options: TaskLoco
TaskLoco Lite
- Native iPhone & Android app
- Completely anonymous — no sign-in
- Data stays on your device
- Up to 20 notes
- Free forever
TaskLoco Lite Plus+
- Web app + Chrome extension
- Sign in with Google
- Wall syncs across all devices
- Up to 30 notes
- Free forever
Lock In 50% Off — Forever
7-day free trial. No charge until day 8. CHARTER50 auto-applies at checkout.
🔒 Lock In My Charter SpotSee TaskLoco in Action
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Todoist really free forever?
Yes, Todoist Free is genuinely free with no time limits. You get unlimited tasks within 5 projects, basic due dates, and cross-device sync. The limitations are feature-based, not time-based.
Can I get reminders with Todoist Free?
No, reminders require Todoist Pro. Tasks on the free tier sit silently until you remember to check them. TaskLoco Premium includes push notification reminders that deep-link back to your notes. $9.99/month per person (currently $4.99/month per person for first 500 charter members with code CHARTER50)
What happens when I hit the 5-project limit?
You can't create new projects until you delete existing ones. Most users work around this by cramming everything into broader categories, but it defeats the purpose of organized project management.
How does TaskLoco's free tier compare to Todoist Free?
TaskLoco offers two free tiers without artificial limits. Lite gives 20 notes stored locally with no account required. Lite Plus+ provides 30 synced notes across devices. Neither restricts how you organize your work.
Can I upload files to tasks in Todoist Free?
No, file attachments require Todoist Pro. TaskLoco Premium includes 10GB file storage with any note, so you can attach documents, photos, and context directly to tasks.
Should I start with Todoist Free or TaskLoco?
If you need simple task lists and don't mind the 5-project limit, Todoist Free works. If you want to combine tasks with notes, files, and reminders in one place, start with TaskLoco's free tiers and upgrade when ready. $9.99/month per person (currently $4.99/month per person for first 500 charter members with code CHARTER50)
Does TaskLoco work offline like Todoist?
TaskLoco Lite stores notes locally on your device but doesn't sync. TaskLoco Lite Plus+ and Premium require internet connection for syncing across devices. Todoist handles better with sync when reconnected.
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TaskLoco is available on iPhone, Android, Chrome, and every web browser.