The ToDoList Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about ToDoList in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
ToDoList
The Insider’s Guide
Free, open-source task outliner for Windows with Gantt and kanban
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among to-do list apps, read from ToDoList’s own pages.
Made by AbstractSpoon · checked Oct 9, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from ToDoList’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on ToDoList’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Oct 9, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.6
GPA, above 48 of the 123 other to-do list apps we grade
ToDoList by AbstractSpoon is a free, open-source Windows program for breaking work into tasks and nested subtasks. Each task carries detailed attributes such as priority, risk, time estimate and time spent, and the same tasklist can be viewed as a tree, a kanban board, a Gantt chart, a calendar or a mind map. Tasklists are saved as local XML files, and the program is delivered as a zip that runs without an installer.
To get you started, here are 8 things to know about ToDoList, taken from its own pages and our grades.
No installer: you unzip it and run it, from a hard drive or even a USB stick.
- 1
Best for a free, detailed task outliner on Windows
ToDoList is a free, open-source Windows program for detailed task trees, each task with priority, risk, time estimate and time spent, and views from Gantt to kanban to mind map, kept in local XML files.
- 2
It is free
ToDoList has no paid plan at all. The whole program is free and open source: the vendor's GitHub repositories publish the source code and the built download. The Help menu links to an optional PayPal donation.
- 3
It runs on Windows
Windows.
- 4
Nested tasks and subtasks
Any task can hold subtasks, which can hold subtasks of their own, so a large project breaks down into smaller steps. Dragging one task onto another makes it a subtask.
- 5
Detailed task attributes
Tasks carry priority, risk, time estimate and time spent, percent done, start and due dates, categories, status, version and the people they are allocated to.
- 6
Alternative task views
Besides the task tree there are kanban board, Gantt chart, calendar, workload and burndown views, plus plugin views such as Mind Map, Week Planner, Evidence Board and Word Cloud.
- 7
A 2.6 GPA, above 48 of 123
That is against the other to-do list apps we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 8
Keep it
ToDoList is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
ToDoList at a glance
- Pricing
- Free
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- Windows
- Made by
- AbstractSpoon
- Category
- To-Do List Apps
- Our grade
- 2.6 GPA, good
The report card
Best for a free, detailed task outliner on Windows
ToDoList is a free, open-source Windows program for detailed task trees, each task with priority, risk, time estimate and time spent, and views from Gantt to kanban to mind map, kept in local XML files. But it's Windows only, with Linux only through Wine, a shared list lets one person edit at a time, and several views need runtimes you add by hand. Skip it for a quick, simple list.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | Free and open source, with the source code and the built download both published on GitHub, so anyone can grab it and run it. Every view and plugin is in. The only money mentioned is an optional PayPal donation in the Help menu. |
| Free plan and trial | A | The whole program is free: the task tree, the kanban, Gantt, calendar, workload and burndown views, and the plugins. There's no paid edition to upgrade to, so nothing is held back. |
| Features | C | Subtasks inside subtasks, with attributes such as risk, time estimate, time spent, percent done and version. See the same list as a tree, kanban, Gantt, calendar or mind map. The gap its own notes name: a shared tasklist works by check-out, so only one person edits at a time. |
| Ease of use | C | No installer: you unzip it and run it, from a hard drive or even a USB stick. But several views need the Visual C++ 2015 runtime and .NET Framework 4.6.2 added by hand, and with this many attributes there's a lot to settle into. No rating on record either. |
| Platforms and integrations | D | Windows only, a single operating system. The vendor's notes cover running it on Linux through Wine, which isn't a native build, and there's no phone or web version. It does trade files with Outlook, GanttProject, FreeMind and MyLifeOrganized, and exports to HTML, CSV and iCalendar. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who ToDoList is for
- Fits if you're on Windows and want a free outliner with Gantt, kanban and workload views
- Works for keeping tasks in local files rather than an online account
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you want your tasks on your phone or a Mac, as it's a Windows program, and Linux needs Wine
- Not for you if two people need to edit at once, because sharing works by check-out
- Not for you if you want a quick, simple list, since it's built around detailed attributes and many views
- Watch out: there's no installer, and five views need the Visual C++ 2015 runtime and .NET Framework 4.6.2
Good to know
Good for
- Windows users who want a free, detailed task outliner
- People who keep their tasks in local files instead of an online account
- Planners who want Gantt, kanban and workload views in one program
- Small teams sharing a tasklist on a network drive
Worth knowing
- It is a Windows program. The vendor's install notes cover running it on Linux through Wine, not a native Linux build.
- Sharing works by check-out: only one person can edit a shared tasklist at any given time.
- The Evidence Board, Logged Time, Mind Map, Week Planner and Word Cloud views need the Visual C++ 2015 runtime and .NET Framework 4.6.2.
- There is no installer: it is unzipped by hand, and the vendor advises against placing it in Program Files (x86).
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
Free
No paid plan at all
ToDoList is free to use.
Free and open source, with the source code and the built download both published on GitHub, so anyone can grab it and run it.
Free
$0
The full Windows program with every task view and plugin. The plugin source code carries the Eclipse Public License 1.0.
The free plan
The whole program is free and open source: the vendor's GitHub repositories publish the source code and the built download. The Help menu links to an optional PayPal donation.
Read from github.com on Oct 9, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
1
Place it runs: Windows
Free, open-source task outliner for Windows with Gantt and kanban. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: open source, works offline, local-first, tasks, kanban boards, Gantt & timelines, time tracking.
Subtasks inside subtasks, with attributes such as risk, time estimate, time spent, percent done and version.
- Nested tasks and subtasks
- Any task can hold subtasks, which can hold subtasks of their own, so a large project breaks down into smaller steps. Dragging one task onto another makes it a subtask.
- Detailed task attributes
- Tasks carry priority, risk, time estimate and time spent, percent done, start and due dates, categories, status, version and the people they are allocated to.
- Alternative task views
- Besides the task tree there are kanban board, Gantt chart, calendar, workload and burndown views, plus plugin views such as Mind Map, Week Planner, Evidence Board and Word Cloud.
- Comments and file links
- Each task has plain or rich text comments, which can embed images, and a file link field for local or network files, web and email addresses, Outlook folders or other tasks.
- Import and export
- Tasks import from Microsoft Outlook, GanttProject, FreeMind, MyLifeOrganized or a plain outline, and export to the same applications as well as HTML, CSV and iCalendar.
- Portable install and shared tasklists
- It ships as a zip that runs from a hard drive, USB stick, network share or synced cloud folder. A check-out system lets a team share one tasklist, one editor at a time.
Where it runs
- Windows
What it works with
- Microsoft Outlook
- GanttProject
- FreeMind
- MyLifeOrganized
ToDoList is made by AbstractSpoon.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
48/123
Other to-do list apps it is graded above
ToDoList's GPA of 2.6 is higher than 48 of the 123 other to-do list apps we grade, and level with 43.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 87 of 123) and worst on platforms and integrations (D, above 0).
ToDoList has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 1.7 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 124 to-do list apps we grade, cut by the letter each got. ToDoList’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 69 of 123
- AFree plan and trialAbove 87 of 123
- CFeaturesAbove 8 of 123
- CEase of useAbove 10 of 123
- DPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 123
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 99 to-do list apps. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. ToDoList is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
ToDoList is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
What you could make
- Tasks, kanban boards, Gantt & timelines and time tracking: an app builder makes these well.
What you could not
- A real app for Windows. Something home-made would be a web page.
What this rests on. ToDoList’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
MyLifeOrganized, Swift To-Do List, Super Productivity, Todo.txt and Microsoft To Do
The 5 tools ToDoList is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.4GPA
MyLifeOrganized
Free plan · from $29.99
Outline-based task manager that builds a next-actions list.
- Only MyLifeOrganized lists iOS and Android apps.
- ToDoList is open source, according to its own site.
- ToDoList also covers kanban boards, Gantt & timelines and time tracking.
- 2.4GPA
Swift To-Do List
Free trial · from $99/yr
Windows task and notes organizer with a tree of lists.
- ToDoList has a free plan. Swift To-Do List does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Swift To-Do List lists a web app.
- Only Swift To-Do List lists iOS and Android apps.
- 3.4GPA
Super Productivity
Free
Free, open-source to-do app with time tracking and a Pomodoro timer.
- Only Super Productivity lists a web app.
- Only Super Productivity lists macOS, Linux, iOS and Android apps.
- ToDoList also covers Gantt & timelines.
- 2.6GPA
Todo.txt
Free
Plain-text to-do list format with an open-source command-line tool.
- Only Todo.txt lists macOS and Linux apps.
- ToDoList also covers kanban boards, Gantt & timelines and time tracking.
- 3.6GPA
Microsoft To Do
Free
Free to-do list from Microsoft that syncs with Outlook tasks.
- Only Microsoft To Do lists a web app.
- Only Microsoft To Do lists macOS, iOS and Android apps.
- ToDoList is open source, according to its own site.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
13
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is ToDoList free?
Yes. ToDoList is free to use.
How much does ToDoList cost?
ToDoList lists one plan. Free: $0.
What platforms does ToDoList work on?
ToDoList is available on Windows.
Does ToDoList have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. ToDoList is listed for Windows.
Does ToDoList have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. ToDoList is listed for Windows.
Is ToDoList open source?
Yes. ToDoList is open source, according to its own site.
Does ToDoList work offline?
Yes, according to its own site. What works without a connection differs by plan and platform, so check the vendor's page for the detail.
What does ToDoList integrate with?
ToDoList's listing names Microsoft Outlook, GanttProject, FreeMind and MyLifeOrganized.
Who makes ToDoList?
ToDoList is made by AbstractSpoon.
What are the alternatives to ToDoList?
The closest alternatives to ToDoList in our directory are MyLifeOrganized, Swift To-Do List, Super Productivity, Todo.txt and Microsoft To Do.
How does ToDoList compare with other to-do list apps?
ToDoList's GPA of 2.6 is higher than 48 of the 123 other to-do list apps we grade, and level with 43.
Is ToDoList good value for money?
ToolGPA grades ToDoList A for value for money. ToDoList has no paid plan.
Could I make my own version of ToDoList?
ToDoList is free, so making your own would save you nothing. What you could not make: A real app for Windows.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from ToDoList’s own pages on Oct 9, 2026, and the grades were given on Oct 10, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from AbstractSpoon's own pages on 9 October 2026. Also tested with a demo account on 2026-05-22.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by AbstractSpoon. Prices change, so check abstractspoon.com before you buy.
- github.com/abstractspoon/ToDoList_Dev
- github.com/abstractspoon
- raw.githubusercontent.com/abstractspoon/ToDoList_Dev/master/Core/ToDoList/ToDoList.cpp
- raw.githubusercontent.com/abstractspoon/ToDoList_Dev/master/Plugins/LICENSE
- github.com/abstractspoon/ToDoList_Dev/tree/master/Core
- raw.githubusercontent.com/abstractspoon/ToDoList_Resources/master/Install.Windows.txt
- raw.githubusercontent.com/abstractspoon/ToDoList_Resources/master/Install.Linux.txt
- raw.githubusercontent.com/abstractspoon/ToDoList_Resources/master/Examples/Introduction.tdl
- github.com/abstractspoon/ToDoList_Downloads/tree/master/Latest
- github.com/abstractspoon/ToDoList_9.1
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
3,189
Tools graded, in 94 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
3,189
tools graded
94
categories
426
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- ToDoList, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/todolist
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "ToDoList: The Insider's Guide", checked Oct 9, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/todolist
Know someone choosing between to-do list apps?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/todolist/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded to-do list apps after ToDoList, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- To-Do List Apps Insider's GuideEvery one of the 124 to-do list apps we grade, compared
- Apple Reminders Insider's GuideApple's free to-do app for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch3.6 GPA
- Microsoft To Do Insider's GuideFree to-do list from Microsoft that syncs with Outlook tasks3.6 GPA
- Google Tasks Insider's GuideGoogle's to-do list, built into Gmail, Calendar, Chat and Docs3.4 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what ToDoList’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. ToDoList is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by AbstractSpoon. Prices and plans change: check abstractspoon.com before you buy.