Compare Focus To-Do, To-do List, and Focus To-Do: Which Extension is the Best?

Focus To-Do combines a Pomodoro timer with to-do lists, reminders, tags, and detailed stats. It syncs across devices and offers reports, recurring tasks, and a clean interface.
To-do List is lightweight, fast, and focused on the basics like quick add, due dates, and reminders. Great for simple workflows, but power users may miss some features.
Focus To-Do combines a Pomodoro timer with to-do lists, reminders, tags, and detailed stats. It syncs across devices and offers reports, recurring tasks, and a clean interface.
Key Features
  • Pomodoro Timer: Custom work/break lengths, pause/resume, short/long breaks.
  • Task Management: Projects, priorities, due dates, tags, and subtasks.
  • Reminders & Recurring: One-off and repeat schedules (e.g., every Monday).
  • Cross-Device Sync: Access tasks and timers across phone and desktop.
  • Productivity Stats: Historical records, reports, and time tracking.
  • White Noise: Optional ambient sounds during sessions.
  • Offline/Local Mode: Use without an account (no sync).
  • Quick Add: Add tasks from the toolbar popup or context menu.
  • Due Dates & Reminders: Set deadlines and get simple browser notifications.
  • Lists or Tags: Keep tasks organized with a basic structure.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts: Add and complete tasks faster.
  • Minimal UI: Clean, focused layout.
  • Offline Support: Works offline and syncs later.
  • Task Notes: Add small clarifying details.
  • Pomodoro Timer: Custom work/break lengths, pause/resume, short/long breaks.
  • Task Management: Projects, priorities, due dates, tags, and subtasks.
  • Reminders & Recurring: One-off and repeat schedules (e.g., every Monday).
  • Cross-Device Sync: Access tasks and timers across phone and desktop.
  • Productivity Stats: Historical records, reports, and time tracking.
  • White Noise: Optional ambient sounds during sessions.
  • Offline/Local Mode: Use without an account (no sync).
Our Rating
8.4
8.7
8.4
Total users
500,000
20,000
500,000
Total ratings
12,374
119
12,374
Average rating
4.8 ⭐
4.8 ⭐
4.8 ⭐
Entry Level PriceFreeFreeFree
Chrome
Chrome Web Store logo
4.8
4.81
12.4K+ ratings
500.0K+Users
Chrome Web Store logo
4.8
4.75
119 ratings
20.0K+Users
Chrome Web Store logo
4.8
4.81
12.4K+ ratings
500.0K+Users
Edge
-
-
-
Firefox
-
-
-
Safari
-
-
-
Features
8.8

We found a deep Pomodoro implementation with custom work/break lengths, pause/resume, and short/long breaks that fit most workflows. Task management covers projects, priorities, tags, subtasks, and reminders without feeling bloated. Recurring tasks are flexible enough for habits and weekly routines. Historical statistics and time tracking make it easy to review where time actually went. Cross‑device sync, plus optional white noise, round out a feature set that is stronger than basic timers yet lighter than full project tools.

8.0

We like that it nails the essentials without pretending to do everything. You can capture tasks quickly, organize with simple lists or tags, add due dates and reminders, and attach short notes to keep context. It also syncs and works offline when needed. The flipside is clear: there are no advanced filters, templates, or automations, and integrations are minimal. If “fast basics” is your goal, it succeeds.

8.8

We found a deep Pomodoro implementation with custom work/break lengths, pause/resume, and short/long breaks that fit most workflows. Task management covers projects, priorities, tags, subtasks, and reminders without feeling bloated. Recurring tasks are flexible enough for habits and weekly routines. Historical statistics and time tracking make it easy to review where time actually went. Cross‑device sync, plus optional white noise, round out a feature set that is stronger than basic timers yet lighter than full project tools.

Performance
7.8

In our use, timers and task actions were smooth and reliable. We did see user feedback about occasional sync delays or duplicates across devices. Some mobile users report higher battery usage during long sessions with sounds enabled. Large histories and detailed stats can load slowly on older hardware. Routine updates seem to address issues over time, but there’s still room to tighten efficiency further.

8.8

It feels instant, which matters more than people admit. The pop-up opens quickly, typing and checking off tasks are immediate, and sync behaves reliably across sessions without hogging memory or slowing other tabs. Staying fast keeps you in flow—and that’s the real performance test for a to‑do tool. We never felt it getting in our way.

7.8

In our use, timers and task actions were smooth and reliable. We did see user feedback about occasional sync delays or duplicates across devices. Some mobile users report higher battery usage during long sessions with sounds enabled. Large histories and detailed stats can load slowly on older hardware. Routine updates seem to address issues over time, but there’s still room to tighten efficiency further.

Design
7.4

The interface is clear and predictable: timer and task views are easy to grasp at a glance. Navigation is straightforward, and core controls are where you expect them. That said, visuals feel a bit dated, and theming options are limited, which reduces personalization. Information density on small screens can feel cramped during busy lists. The extension/widget UIs are functional, but they could benefit from a more modern polish.

8.2

The interface is clean, calm, and focused on the list. We noticed readable typography, sensible spacing, and a clear hierarchy that keeps controls out of the way. Keyboard navigation works well, and the UI feels snappy in both pop-up and full view. The minimalist approach avoids visual clutter without feeling bare. It looks and feels like a tool designed for momentum.

7.4

The interface is clear and predictable: timer and task views are easy to grasp at a glance. Navigation is straightforward, and core controls are where you expect them. That said, visuals feel a bit dated, and theming options are limited, which reduces personalization. Information density on small screens can feel cramped during busy lists. The extension/widget UIs are functional, but they could benefit from a more modern polish.

Value for Money
9.2

The free tier covers the essentials well for many users. Premium adds meaningful upgrades—full sync, deeper stats, cloud backup, and manual record edits—that we actually used. Lifetime pricing is compelling and compares favorably with subscription‑based competitors. Students and professionals alike can get strong mileage without overspending. Given its balance of timer, tasks, and reports, the price feels fair for the utility delivered.

9.0

As a free, lightweight checklist, it delivers real everyday value. There is a ceiling for power users, who may still want a pro task manager as needs grow. But as a companion list that stays out of your way, it punches above its (free) weight

9.2

The free tier covers the essentials well for many users. Premium adds meaningful upgrades—full sync, deeper stats, cloud backup, and manual record edits—that we actually used. Lifetime pricing is compelling and compares favorably with subscription‑based competitors. Students and professionals alike can get strong mileage without overspending. Given its balance of timer, tasks, and reports, the price feels fair for the utility delivered.

Ease of Use
8.4

Getting started is simple: make a task, hit start, and focus. The basics are almost frictionless, and reminders/recurring tasks make sense after a quick try. Reports, tags, and some advanced settings require a brief learning curve, but nothing overwhelming. Local mode helps you try the app without creating an account, while sync setup adds one extra step. Overall, we felt productive within minutes and refined our setup over a couple of sessions.

9.2

This is a tool you understand in a minute. We didn’t need a tour—adding, editing, reordering, and completing tasks are all immediately discoverable, and the few shortcuts are easy to remember. The daily flow of capture → prioritize → complete is frictionless, and it’s forgiving when you make quick edits or misclicks. If you value speed over setup, it shines.

8.4

Getting started is simple: make a task, hit start, and focus. The basics are almost frictionless, and reminders/recurring tasks make sense after a quick try. Reports, tags, and some advanced settings require a brief learning curve, but nothing overwhelming. Local mode helps you try the app without creating an account, while sync setup adds one extra step. Overall, we felt productive within minutes and refined our setup over a couple of sessions.

Security & Privacy
8.6

We appreciate the local (no‑account) mode for those who want to avoid cloud storage entirely. With an account, basic personal and authentication data are collected, and synced data is stored server‑side. The privacy policy is available and reasonably transparent about categories of data. We didn’t find evidence of two‑factor authentication or fine‑grained export controls, which would inspire more confidence. For typical productivity needs, it’s acceptable, but privacy‑sensitive users will want to review settings and possibly stick to local mode.

9.0

It keeps things modest, which often helps privacy by default. From our use, it appears to rely on browser sync with local storage offline and keeps permissions lean, avoiding unnecessary prompts. We’d still like clearer public documentation about data handling and retention. In practice, it benefits from the security of the browser’s sync, but more transparency would inspire extra confidence.

8.6

We appreciate the local (no‑account) mode for those who want to avoid cloud storage entirely. With an account, basic personal and authentication data are collected, and synced data is stored server‑side. The privacy policy is available and reasonably transparent about categories of data. We didn’t find evidence of two‑factor authentication or fine‑grained export controls, which would inspire more confidence. For typical productivity needs, it’s acceptable, but privacy‑sensitive users will want to review settings and possibly stick to local mode.

Conclusion

We appreciate how Focus To-Do blends focus sessions with practical task features. It’s stronger than simple timers and lighter than heavyweight task apps, which makes it easy to stick with.

If you value recurring tasks, reminders, and session history, the premium unlocks are compelling—especially given the typical lifetime pricing seen on mobile app stores.

That said, user feedback points to occasional sync hiccups and design limitations. If you need flawless sync or deep project management, consider alternatives; otherwise, Focus To-Do is a reliable focus companion.

If you want a simple, reliable checklist in your browser, To‑do List nails the basics. It’s fast, easy, and stays focused.

The trade‑off is fewer power features. If you need advanced filters, templates, automation, or deep integrations, you may outgrow it.

We’ll keep it for small personal lists and quick captures. For complex projects, we’d still choose a fuller task manager. As a focused browser to‑do, it’s a solid pick.

We appreciate how Focus To-Do blends focus sessions with practical task features. It’s stronger than simple timers and lighter than heavyweight task apps, which makes it easy to stick with.

If you value recurring tasks, reminders, and session history, the premium unlocks are compelling—especially given the typical lifetime pricing seen on mobile app stores.

That said, user feedback points to occasional sync hiccups and design limitations. If you need flawless sync or deep project management, consider alternatives; otherwise, Focus To-Do is a reliable focus companion.

Our Recommendation

In our comparison between Focus To-Do, To-do List, and Focus To-Do, To-do List came out on top, scoring 8.7.

Focus To-Do and Focus To-Do are the most widely used, each with a large user base. User reviews for To-do List reflect our findings, while we rate Focus To-Do and Focus To-Do lower than users do.

Focus To-Do and Focus To-Do share the highest user rating in the Chrome Web Store at 4.82.

In the end, the differences between these extensions are minimal, so your choice may come down to personal preference or specific features.


  • Can't decide on features? It's a close call: Focus To-Do and Focus To-Do. In the Features category, Focus To-Do has scored a very good 8.8. It offers a solid array of features, though there may be room for a few additional capabilities.
  • Need top performance? To-do List stands out with a rating of 8.8. On the other hand, Focus To-Do lags behind in this area with a rating of 7.8.
  • Design lovers, take note: To-do List stands out with a rating of 8.2. On the other hand, Focus To-Do lags behind in this area with a rating of 7.4.
  • Best deal? You can't go wrong with either: Focus To-Do and Focus To-Do. In the Value for Money category, Focus To-Do has scored a very strong 9.2. It offers great value, providing a lot for its price.
  • If you hate complicated tools, To-do List stands out with a rating of 9.2. On the other hand, Focus To-Do lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.4.
  • With privacy and security becoming ever more important, To-do List stands out with a rating of 9. On the other hand, Focus To-Do lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.6.

If you want a quick recommendation, To-do List is our top pick. But as always, the best choice depends on what matters most to you.