Godspeed vs TaskPaper

Godspeed

• People who want to manage tasks without touching the mouse
• Mac users who also want their tasks on iPhone, iPad and the web
• Users who want optional end-to-end encryption or to switch cloud sync off
• Scripting task capture through email, URL handlers or the API

TaskPaper

• People who want their to-do list in a plain text file they control
• Keyboard-centered outlining of projects and tasks on a Mac
• Buyers who prefer a one-time purchase to a subscription
• Users who like to customize an app with scripts and stylesheets

Godspeed

• There is no free plan: after the 2-week trial the pricing page offers only yearly or monthly subscriptions.
• Native apps exist only for macOS 12 or newer, iPhone and iPad. Other systems use the web app, where some hotkeys are taken by the browser.
• Data in shared lists is not end-to-end encrypted, so that every collaborator can read it.
• The Google Calendar integration is described on the vendor's site as a private beta.

TaskPaper

• Mac only, requiring macOS 11 or later. There is no iOS, Windows or web version, though other developers' apps can edit TaskPaper files.
• The developer calls it finished software and does not expect to add big new features.
• The user guide describes phone capture and notifications as weak areas and suggests pairing it with Apple Reminders.
• The direct-download version allows three activations and does not support iCloud directly, unlike the Mac App Store version.

Godspeed

Keyboard-driven interface

Every action has a hotkey or sits in the Command Palette. Hotkeys can be reassigned or set as multi-key chords, and Hardcore Mode switches the mouse off altogether.

Natural-language dates and repeats

Due dates and repeat rules are typed in plain language. A task can repeat from its previous due date or from the day it was completed, and can be snoozed.

Labels, smart lists and search operators

Labels can be grouped and made mutually exclusive. Smart lists are saved searches built from boolean operators over lists, labels, dates and other task properties.

Macros

Macros are custom commands made by stringing together existing commands and other macros, with variables that can be updated using JavaScript.

Shared lists and public links

Lists can be shared with other Godspeed users, who see each other's live selection while working in the same list, or published as a publicly viewable link.

Capture by email, URL handlers and API

Each list has its own email address for creating tasks, a global hotkey opens Quick Entry on the Mac, and URL handlers and an API let other apps and scripts add tasks.

TaskPaper

Plain text files

Lists are saved as plain text .taskpaper files that can be opened in any text editor or in compatible apps that other developers have written for iOS, Windows and Linux.

Auto-formatted projects, tasks and notes

Each line becomes a project, task or note as you type, and @tags add structure. Tagging a task @done crosses it out, and a command archives finished items.

Fold, focus and filter

Collapse sub-lists, zoom into a single project, or filter by tag, type or content with logical searches such as "not @done". Searches can be saved for reuse.

Dates in plain text

A date palette inserts ISO 8601 dates for tags such as @due and @start, chosen with the arrow keys or typed in TaskPaper's date and time syntax.

Import and export with Apple Reminders

Reminders captured on a phone, for example with Siri, can be imported with their due dates and priorities, and selected items can be exported to the Reminders app.

Stylesheets and scripting

Appearance is set by LESS/CSS stylesheets, and scripts written in JavaScript or AppleScript can automate the app and be run from its command palette.

Godspeed

• Pay yearly$48

  per year ($4 / month)

  Full access after the 2-week trial. One purchase covers the Mac, iOS and web apps on any number of devices.

• Pay monthly$6

  per month

  The same full access on every device, billed month to month.

• Full access$149.00

  in-app purchase; basis not shown on the App Store listing

  Listed among the iOS app's in-app purchases without a billing period. The vendor's pricing page describes only the two subscriptions.

TaskPaper

• Mac App Store License$24.99

  one-time purchase

  Bought through the Mac App Store and tied to an Apple account. This version is sandboxed and supports iCloud directly.

• Direct Download License$24.99

  one-time purchase

  License key bought through Paddle from taskpaper.com after a 1-week trial. One license allows three activations.

Godspeed

• Annual discount

  Yearly billing works out to $4 a month

  The pricing page lists $48 billed yearly ($4 a month) against $6 billed monthly, which is $24 less over a year, a saving of about 33%.

• Education

  Student discount on request

  The pricing FAQ says students can contact Godspeed for a discount. The amount is not published.

• Nonprofit

  Nonprofit discount on request

  The same FAQ answer extends a discount to nonprofits and others who get in touch. The amount is not published.

TaskPaper

No public discounts listed.