Todoist is a great app. If your life is a stream of small, clear tasks, keep using it. But if your list is full of things like "start podcast", "get fit" and "learn to code", entries that have sat there for months, the problem isn't the list. It's that a goal isn't a task.
1. ActionOS: the #1 Todoist alternative for goals
Why it's #1:
- Goals become paths. Instead of one unfinishable task, you get milestones and a series of small actions.
- Startable by design: each action has a verb, a time estimate and a definition of done.
- It adapts. Adaptive replanning reshapes the plan when life gets in the way.
- Focus and Recover modes for doing the work, not just listing it.
- Unlimited manual actions on the free plan, so you can still jot down quick tasks.
2. TickTick
Closest to Todoist with a built-in calendar, habits and Pomodoro. Best for: an all-in-one task app.
3. Things 3
Elegant and calm, one-time purchase. Best for: Apple users who want beautiful lists.
4. Microsoft To Do
Free with Outlook integration. Best for: simple personal lists.
5. Notion
Databases for everything. Best for: people who enjoy building systems.
6. Sunsama
Guided daily planning. Best for: professionals juggling calendars.
7. Any.do
Tasks, calendar and a daily planner. Best for: quick personal planning.
| Rank | App | Built for big goals | Breaks goals down | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ActionOS | Yes | Yes (AI) | Yes |
| 2 | TickTick | No | No | Yes |
| 3 | Things 3 | No | No | One-time purchase |
| 4 | Microsoft To Do | No | No | Yes |
Keep Todoist for groceries if you like. Move your goals to ActionOS, where they turn into progress.