The Best To-Do List Apps for 2026: Productivity Meets Privacy

A to-do list app might seem like a simple tool, but the way your tasks sync across devices and the data the app collects can have real consequences for your privacy and security. In early 2026, the landscape hasn’t changed dramatically from last year, but a few updates and shifting privacy policies make it worth taking a fresh look.

We evaluated the top contenders based on features, cross-platform support, encryption policies, authentication options, and overall data-handling practices. The three apps that stand out are Todoist, Microsoft To Do, and Things. Each serves a different kind of user, and none is perfect for everyone. Here’s what you should know before choosing.

What Happened

In December 2025, Wirecutter published its updated list of the best to-do list apps for 2026, reaffirming its long-standing picks: Todoist as the top cross-platform app, Microsoft To Do as the best for Windows and Office users, and Things as the best for Apple-only users. Since that review, a few things have changed:

• Todoist updated its two-factor authentication (2FA) flow in early 2026, making it easier to use hardware security keys.
• Microsoft To Do quietly updated its privacy policy in February 2026 to clarify that task data is used to improve Microsoft’s AI features, though it still does not sell data to third parties.
• Things remains Apple-only and continues to store all data locally on your device, with iCloud sync encrypted in transit and at rest.

No major security breaches have been reported for these apps in 2026, but as with any cloud service, vulnerabilities can emerge. The privacy trade-offs are worth examining.

Why It Matters

Your to-do list often contains sensitive information: project deadlines, personal errands, health reminders, even passwords or account numbers if you use it loosely. If an app’s data is stored in the cloud, a leak or a policy change could expose that information. At the same time, poor authentication practices can let someone else access your entire task list.

Beyond direct security, many productivity apps collect usage data to improve their services or to sell aggregated insights. For busy professionals who already manage multiple accounts, the convenience of cross-platform sync can come at the cost of handing over more data than you’d like.

The choice is not just about features—it’s about how much trust you place in the company behind the app.

The Three Best Options for 2026

1. Todoist – Best for Cross-Platform and Collaboration

Todoist runs on nearly every platform: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even Linux via a web app. It offers natural language input, project labels, filters, and team collaboration.

Privacy and security: Todoist uses end-to-end encryption only for its premium “Todoist Business” tier; the free and Pro plans encrypt data in transit but not at rest on their servers. The company says it does not sell personal data, and it offers 2FA via authenticator apps, SMS, and now hardware security keys. For most users, that is sufficient if they enable 2FA.

Caveat: If you store highly sensitive information in your tasks, consider a local-only app instead.

2. Microsoft To Do – Best for Windows and Office Integration

Microsoft To Do is free, pre-installed on Windows, and syncs seamlessly with Outlook tasks, Planner, and other Microsoft 365 services.

Privacy and security: Microsoft does not sell your to-do data, but it does use task content to train and improve its AI models unless you opt out in the Microsoft 365 privacy settings. The data is stored on Microsoft’s servers with encryption in transit and at rest. The app supports 2FA only through your Microsoft account—there is no app-specific 2FA.

Caveat: If you want full control over your data, Microsoft To Do may feel too integrated with the broader Microsoft ecosystem. You can limit data sharing by reviewing your privacy dashboard at account.microsoft.com.

3. Things (Apple Only) – Best for Privacy-Focused Users

Things is a beautifully designed task manager for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. It does not have a web or Android version.

Privacy and security: All data is stored locally on your device. Sync is handled via iCloud, which encrypts data both in transit and at rest. Things itself never sees your tasks; the company cannot access your data. There is no 2FA because there is no cloud account to protect—your Apple ID handles authentication.

Caveat: You are locked into Apple’s ecosystem. If you ever switch to Windows or Android, you’ll lose access.

Quick Comparison

What Readers Can Do

No matter which app you choose, there are steps you can take to protect your task data:

• Enable two-factor authentication on your account. For Todoist, use an authenticator app or a hardware key. For Microsoft To Do, enable 2FA on your Microsoft account.
• Review app permissions. If you installed the app on your phone, check that it doesn’t have unnecessary access to your calendar, contacts, or location.
• Use a password manager to store sensitive information, not your to-do list. Do not write passwords or account numbers inside task notes.
• Opt out of AI training if you use Microsoft To Do. Go to your Microsoft account privacy settings and turn off “Improve Microsoft 365” under data sharing.
• Consider a local-only app like Things if you never need to access tasks on another platform. For the highest privacy, an app that syncs only via your own iCloud (end-to-end encrypted) is better than a cloud-based service.
• Regularly export your data. Most apps let you export tasks as CSV or JSON. Keep a backup in case the service shuts down or you want to switch.

Sources

• “The 3 Best To-Do List Apps of 2026,” Wirecutter / The New York Times, December 10, 2025.
• Todoist security documentation (todoist.com/security, accessed April 2026).
• Microsoft To Do privacy overview (support.microsoft.com, accessed April 2026).
• Things user guide (culturedcode.com/things/support, accessed April 2026).