Compare To-do List and Todoist: Which Extension is the Best?

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.
Todoist is a well-known to-do app with a simple, easy-to-use design. Its browser extension lets you quickly access your to-do list in a nice popup.
Key Features
  • 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.
  • Task Management: Create tasks, subtasks, and projects easily.
  • Integrations: Works with Google Drive, Slack, Zapier, and more.
  • Cross-Platform Support: Available on mobile, desktop, and browser.
  • Natural Language Input: Add tasks using natural language for quick input.
  • Reminders and Due Dates: Set recurring tasks with due dates.
  • Kanban and Calendar Views: Manage tasks in flexible visual layouts.
  • Collaboration Tools: Assign tasks to others and manage shared projects.
Our Rating
8.7
8.9
Total users
20,000
878,052
Total ratings
119
52,249
Average rating
4.8 ⭐
4.4 ⭐
Entry Level PriceFreeFree
Chrome
Chrome Web Store logo
4.8
4.75
119 ratings
20.0K+Users
Chrome Web Store logo
4.7
4.43
51.2K+ ratings
700.0K+Users
Edge
-
Microsoft Edge Store logo
4.0
4.06
84 ratings
164.7K+Users
Firefox
-
Mozilla Firefox Add-ons Store logo
4.7
4.63
927 ratings
13.3K+Users
Safari
-
-
Features
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.

9.3

Todoist offers comprehensive functions for task management. Tasks can be prioritized, labeled and filtered.

to dos

Another good feature is that websites can be saved directly as tasks. This can be done via the taskbar button or by right-clicking. In this way, information on a website can be added directly as a task that you want to edit or read up on later.

right click

The extension can also be used to mark tasks directly as completed.

Other features like collaborating on projects and tracking progress with personalized productivity trends add further value.

Some of these advanced features of the application, such as customized templates and advanced reports, are available in the paid plans.

Performance
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.

7.3

Most of Todoist's functions worked quickly and without problems in our tests.
The function of connecting the account with the Google Calendar to display your appointments did not work in the test, an error message was displayed. Users also report occasional delays in synchronization in the extension in the reviews.

error
Design
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.

9.5

The design is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate immediately. The interface can also be visually customized to suit your needs, but these are not overdone. The option of color-coded priority levels and project labels also helps with organization.

Value for Money
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

9.0

The functions of the Todoist extension are free of charge. The free functions of the Todoist application should also be sufficient for most users. For users who want to use functions such as reminders or additional view options, the price should also be reasonable. With an annual payment installment, $4 per month is reasonable in our view.

Ease of Use
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.

9.0

In our test, we had no problems with the installation and the first steps. The creation of tasks and overall use is self-explanatory. There are also many instructions and tutorials already available for the tool.
For more experienced users, there are also additional functions in the application that can be used with simple shortcuts.

Security & Privacy
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.

9.0

Todoist describes its data security in detail in its Privacy Policy. This states that the data is encrypted according to the state of the art and that regular security updates are carried out. The data is stored in the cloud for synchronization; it cannot be stored locally.

Conclusion

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.

Todoist is a great option for task management. We really like its simplicity, which is likely why it has become so popular.

While some modern tools may offer more features, Todoist is one of the best choices if you’re looking for a solid, beautifully designed to-do list.

Still, we noticed some performance issues. The extension takes longer to load when working in environments with a bad internet connection. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to be aware of, especially if you often work in places with poor internet.

Overall, Todoist is a strong choice for anyone seeking an easy-to-use and powerful task manager, though its speed and offline capabilities could be improved.

If you would like to test Todoist yourself, you can use our code to get the Pro version for 2 months free of charge. https://get.todoist.io/mgs7dk

Our Recommendation

In our comparison between To-do List and Todoist, Todoist came out on top, scoring 8.9.

Todoist is the most widely used, with over 878k users and 52k+ reviews—and it also delivered the strongest performance in our tests. User reviews reflect our findings.

Notably, To-do List has the highest user rating in the Chrome Web Store at 4.82, which supports its strong performance in our review.

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


  • Looking for the richest feature set? Todoist stands out with a rating of 9.3. On the other hand, To-do List lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.
  • Need top performance? To-do List stands out with a rating of 8.8. On the other hand, Todoist lags behind in this area with a rating of 7.3.
  • Design lovers, take note: Todoist stands out with a rating of 9.5. On the other hand, To-do List lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.2.
  • Best deal? You can't go wrong with either: To-do List and Todoist. In the Value for Money category, To-do List has scored a very strong 9. 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, Todoist lags behind in this area with a rating of 9.
  • For privacy, it's a tie: To-do List and Todoist. In the Security & Privacy category, To-do List has scored an excellent 9. It offers robust security and privacy features that effectively protect user data.

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