Totem vs Todoist: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Totem and Todoist comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Totem
Effortless task management for Apple users
Best for you if:
- • Minimalist to-do app with a clean, distraction-free interface.
- • Seamless sync across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
Todoist
Organize work and life with natural language task capture
Best for you if:
- • Fast, cross-platform task manager with natural language input and clean design used by 50M+ people
- • Free tier covers 5 projects with smart scheduling; Pro adds calendar view, reminders, and 300 projects for $5/mo
| At a Glance |  Totem | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Task Management | Task Management |
Rating | - | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Totem or Todoist?
Choose Totem if
Effortless task management for Apple users
- Extremely simple and intuitive interface
- Fast performance with minimal lag
- Great for users who want a no-frills task manager
Choose Todoist if
Organize work and life with natural language task capture
- Exceptionally clean and fast interface with near-zero learning curve
- Generous free tier with 5 projects and core features included
- Natural language input makes adding tasks faster than any competitor
| Feature | Totem | Todoist |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.6/5 3,451 reviews |
| Categories | Task ManagementProductivity | Task ManagementProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Totem
Effortless task management for Apple users
Strengths
- +Extremely simple and intuitive interface
- +Fast performance with minimal lag
- +Great for users who want a no-frills task manager
Weaknesses
- -Limited advanced features like subtasks or tags
- -Only available on Apple devices
Key features
Value 50/100. Totem has no pricing tiers, free tier, or free trial listed, making it impossible to assess fairness or value.
Watch out: No pricing data means potential surprise fees
Todoist
Organize work and life with natural language task capture
Strengths
- +Exceptionally clean and fast interface with near-zero learning curve
- +Generous free tier with 5 projects and core features included
- +Natural language input makes adding tasks faster than any competitor
- +Available on every major platform with reliable real-time sync
- +Karma system and streak tracking provide built-in motivation
Weaknesses
- -No built-in time tracking or Gantt chart views
- -Limited project hierarchy depth compared to tools like Asana or ClickUp
- -Calendar view and task durations locked behind the Pro plan
- -No native document or wiki features for project context
- -Reporting and analytics are minimal even on paid plans
Key features
Value 85/100. Todoist's pricing is quite generous, especially with its robust free tier offering significant functionality.
Watch out: Pro tier requires annual commitment for $5/mo price.
Pricing: Totem vs Todoist
| Plan | Totem | Todoist |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Beginner |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $5/mo (billed yearly) Pro |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $8/user/mo (billed yearly) Business |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Totem pricing and Todoist pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Totem
Want the highest-rated option?
Todoist is rated 4.6/5. Totem has no ratings yet.
Go with: Todoist
Value user reviews?
Totem: no ratings yet. Todoist: 3,451 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Todoist
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are task management tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Todoist is rated 4.6/5; Totem has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Todoist
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Totem
- Choose if you want effortless task management for Apple users
The Bottom Line
Todoist is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Totem or Todoist better?
Todoist is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Totem and Todoist used for?
Totem: Effortless task management for Apple users. Todoist: Organize work and life with natural language task capture.
What does Totem cost vs Todoist?
Totem is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Todoist is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.