The Best To-Do List Apps of 2026: Tested and Reviewed
Staying on top of tasks is harder than ever when every app wants your data. A to-do list might seem simple, but the choices in 2026 come with new AI features, subscription changes, and real privacy trade-offs. After reviewing the latest versions of the top contenders, here’s what we found about the three that Wirecutter recommends as of late 2025, and what you should know before picking one.
What Happened: App Updates and New Concerns
In the past year, several major to-do list apps rolled out significant updates. Todoist introduced deeper AI integration—suggesting task priorities and automatically categorizing items. Things 3 remained a polished, offline-first option for Apple users but added no major new features. Microsoft To Do improved its integration with Microsoft 365 and strengthened its encryption policies.
These changes bring both convenience and questions. The AI features in Todoist, for example, require sending task data to cloud servers for processing. That’s fine for many users, but if you’re privacy-conscious, you’ll want to know exactly what gets processed. Meanwhile, Things 3 continues to store everything locally by default, which makes it one of the few apps where your data never leaves your device unless you choose to sync via iCloud.
Why It Matters: Privacy and Security in Task Managers
A to-do list app holds more than just grocery lists. Many people store work tasks, personal notes, passwords (insecurely), and even health reminders. If the app’s data handling is weak, that information could be exposed in a breach or sold to third parties for advertising.
Key security features to look for:
- Encryption at rest and in transit – All three apps we examined use TLS for data in transit. For data at rest, Todoist and Microsoft To Do encrypt on their servers. Things 3 encrypts locally.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) – Todoist and Microsoft To Do support 2FA. Things 3 relies on Apple ID security if you use iCloud sync.
- Data collection practices – Microsoft To Do collects usage data for product improvement (you can opt out). Todoist collects similar data but offers a business plan with more control. Things 3 collects minimal analytics unless you enable iCloud sync.
- Third-party access – None of these apps have had a major data breach as of early 2026, but always check the latest privacy policy.
If you handle sensitive information, local-only storage (like Things 3) offers the strongest privacy. For most people, the other two are acceptable if you adjust settings.
What Readers Can Do: Choosing the Right App for Your Needs
Based on Wirecutter’s testing and our own look at security, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| App | Best For | Sync | Offline Mode | Privacy Rating (1–5) | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Todoist | Cross‑platform users, teams | Cloud (real‑time) | Yes (limited) | 4/5 (encrypted, but data processed for AI) | Free with paid Pro ($4/mo) or Business ($6/mo) |
| Things 3 | Apple‑only users who value design and privacy | iCloud or local only | Full offline | 5/5 (local by default, no server storage) | One‑time purchase ($9.99 iPhone, $19.99 iPad, $49.99 Mac) |
| Microsoft To Do | Office 365 subscribers, Windows users | Cloud (via Microsoft account) | Yes (limited) | 4/5 (encrypted, but Microsoft collects telemetry) | Free with optional premium features in 365 |
Practical tips:
- If you use multiple devices (Windows, Android, iPhone), Todoist is the most reliable option. Turn off AI suggestions in settings if you’re worried about data processing.
- If you’re all-in on Apple and want maximum privacy, Things 3 is worth the one‑time payment. Its lack of subscription and offline‑first design make it a safer long‑term choice.
- If you already pay for Microsoft 365, Microsoft To Do is a solid free option that integrates with Outlook tasks. Just review your privacy settings to limit data collection.
No app is perfect for everyone. Start with the free tier of the one that matches your ecosystem, test it for a week, then decide whether you need to upgrade or switch.
Sources
- “The 3 Best To-Do List Apps of 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter.” The New York Times, Dec. 2025.
- “Skylight Calendar Review.” The New York Times, Feb. 2026.
- Privacy policies and security documentation from Todoist, Things 3, and Microsoft (accessed April 2026).