Todoist vs TickTick: which is better in 2026?
Short answer: choose Todoist if you want the fastest way to get tasks out of your head, including by voice in plain language, and a clean list you can share with a team. Choose TickTick if you want one app for tasks, a calendar, a Pomodoro focus timer and habit goals. Both are free to start, with a paid tier for the advanced features.
How we compare: what each developer says the app does in its own App Store description, how tasks get in, how you plan the week, what else is built in, and where it runs. Then the current standing of both on the Censuus ranking.
| Todoist | TickTick | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | fast capture and shared projects | tasks, calendar, focus and habits in one app |
| Adding tasks | type or speak in plain language, Todoist files it into the right project | quick add, Siri, or forward an email to create a task |
| Planning views | list, board or calendar for any project | flexible calendar views, grid view with Premium |
| Built in | recurring tasks, projects, sharing | Pomodoro focus timer, habit goals, birthday countdowns |
| Platforms | iPhone, iPad, Android, web, desktop | iPhone, iPad, Android, web, desktop |
| Pricing model | free plan, paid upgrade | free plan, Premium subscription |
Which one captures tasks faster?
Todoist is built around capture. Its “Ramble” feature lets you speak a task in natural language and structures it into the right project with the date filled in. TickTick also has quick add and Siri, and it can turn a forwarded email into a task. If you mostly dump ideas on the go, Todoist has the edge.
Which one is better for planning the week?
Both show tasks on a calendar. Todoist lets you view any project as a list, a board or a calendar. TickTick leans further into time: several calendar views, subscriptions to outside calendars and a grid view on Premium. If you plan by time blocks, TickTick fits better.
Focus timer and habits
This is the clearest difference. TickTick includes a Pomodoro focus timer, habit goals and countdowns for birthdays and anniversaries, so it can replace two or three separate apps. Todoist keeps to tasks and handles habits as recurring tasks. For a dedicated tracker, see our best habit tracker apps.
Working with other people
Both let you share lists. Todoist is the more common pick for teams, with shared projects alongside personal ones. TickTick shares a list with a group of members on Premium, which suits a household or a small group.
The verdict
Pick Todoist if quick capture and a tidy shared list matter most. Pick TickTick if you want tasks, calendar, focus timer and habits in one place. For more options, see our best productivity apps guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Todoist or TickTick better?
Neither outright. Todoist is better for fast capture and shared projects; TickTick is better if you want a calendar, a focus timer and habits in the same app as your tasks.
Is TickTick free?
Yes. TickTick says the app is always free, with a Premium account that raises the limits and adds features such as the calendar grid view and more habits.
Does Todoist have a Pomodoro timer?
Not built in. Todoist focuses on tasks and projects; TickTick includes a Pomodoro focus timer.