TickTick is a gem in the productivity space, but it might not gel with you.
Maybe it was too cluttered? Or was overly personal (not suitable for work)?
Common reasons why people don't like TickTick
Here's some of the reasons folks typically share with us:
Not Work Focused - Themes, habit tracking & timers might make TickTick feel too personal for a workplace setting.
No AI Superpowers - It lacks many AI features that other apps are adding to their to-do apps.
TickTick does have a lot going for it; low price for premium, easy to use experience & lots bundled into one, but hey! You're here for alternatives.
1. Todoist
Like for Like Alternative
Todoist resembles TickTick the most. It's easy to get on with, has more work-focused UI & similar features.
People tend to move towards Todoist as they find it feels similar in features, adding tasks, sharing projects with others, good calendar modes and Kanban abilities. We'd have to agree. It works well but does lack the habit tracking ability as a feature (you can do this with an add-on) but it doesn't feel native like TickTick does. Another feature it lacks is a pomodoro timer too, so no time tracking abilities sadly.
But if you use your to-do app at work, this is a good switch-up, Todoist does feel more professional in the looks department.
Seeking out more apps like Todoist, try this list.
Things Todoist lacks
Lacks pomodoro timers.
No habit tracking abilities.
Higher price point at $4 per month (per year).
Things Todoist upgrades
Feels more robust than TickTick.
Easier to navigate & use.
Calendar modes are cleaner to use.
Comes with AI powered features.
Verdict: Switch to Todoist?
If you're looking for something similar to Todoist with a cleaner design, and a more professional overall presentation, you will like Todoist. It doesn't have features like habit tracking, or pomodoro timers, but it does allow you more structure and better layout in our opinion. Todoist is better for sharing with teams, AI features for smaller features & better stability from our tests.
2. Akiflow
Best for Consolidating Tasks
Akiflow is a more premium way to handle tasks and that's reflected in the price compared to TickTick.
It is better for work management as you can import tasks from apps like ClickUp, Notion and more allowing you the best dashboard to plan those tasks out. Think of Akiflow as the landing strip for your tasks, as a way to use time blocking to fan them out into your schedule. A daily planner that a lot of people are moving to from apps like TickTick.
But it is a big step up. Comparing this to TickTick is like comparing a Jaguar (car) to a Hyundai (car) - more power, more price. It really depends on your needs, but for those who get a lot of tasks from other apps, you'll like Akiflow.
Try these Akiflow alternatives, if you're liking it - but considering your options.
Things Akiflow lacks
Lower cost - it is $19 per month (annual) compared to $3 per month (TickTick).
Doesn't do habit tracking or themes.
Things Akiflow upgrades
Workplace ready with importing from other apps.
Better for time-blocking than TickTick.
Comes with an AI chat assistant for planning workload.
Comes with a timer function for starting tasks.
Verdict: Switch to Akiflow?
Akiflow is more expensive, more powerful for task management than TickTick.
It offers some great features for those who want to bring all their tasks into one place, unlike TickTick which limited to just their own task system. You can use it to better time-block, better plan your day with the guided planning/ritual features that it offers and overall the ability with AI can help you to better plan using the chatbot assistant. Akiflow is far more superior in features than TickTick, but that does come at a price that 4x the pricing per month than what TickTick offers, if you're a busy professionals yearning for more support with task management, this is a consideration.
3. Blitzit
Good for Timer & Tasks
Blitzit is good for Mac users who want a nice way to track tasks & time.
Many people like it for the one-time pricing option, the way to get into focus modes & the time tracking you get in reports. If you're on TickTick for the sole reason of tracking your time, or maybe the way they set-up themes and focus, this could be a good replacement.
This is very popular for ADHD as it throws you into a way to zone into a task, rewards you after each task with confetti and GIFs, then stacks the next task up for you.
Things Blitzit lacks
Only limited for Mac whilst TickTick is available everywhere.
Focuses on tasks & timer only.
Things Blitzit upgrades
Has one-time pricing option (as well as monthly) to reduce ongoing cost.
Good for importing tasks from Notion & Google Calendar.
Handy for embedded Mac use.
4. Griply
Best for Life OS
Griply is probably very close to TickTick for those who like task & habits together.
It has a way to see your habits, tasks, goals and your lifeOS plans (your plans for the areas of your life) in one place. The pricing is very reasonable and can be accessible on pretty much all devices too. The app is relatively new, but a good all-round if you want to get something similar to TickTick without the themes. It does lack a timer function.
This is better for someone that wants to zoom out more and finds they lack that in TickTick - which in comparison to Griply, you do.
Things Griply lacks
No timer abilities for tracking tasks.
Things Griply upgrades
Pricing is cheaper than TickTick at $29.99 per year.
They allow you to plan your goals alongside your tasks.
Has a good way to track habits, better than the way TickTick does it.
5. Things 3
Best for Mac/iOS
If you're a Mac or iOS user, this might be a good solid upgrade from TickTick.
Things 3 is like a sturdy reliable rock in the productivity space, with its last major update in 2017, but it still just knocks everything out of the park. They have made a timeless to-do list app that people adore. As it compares to TickTick, you're getting a much more personal to-do app, so no sharing abilities, no timers, no habit management or even calendar abilities.
It's reliable, raw task management & just a stunning one to look at.
Things that Things 3 lacks
Higher upfront cost if you get on all devices (one-off pricing).
No timers, no habit tracking.
Only limited to Mac & iOS.
Things that Things 3 upgrades
Good for personal projects as you can plan deadlines for projects.
Much needed upgrade to the speed and user interface from TickTick.
Which would we pick?
So here's the real lowdown, the chance to cut to which one to get for your needs:
Best for Free Alternatives
We'd go with Todoist.
It offers a lot in the free plan, similar to TickTick.
If you want a totally free to-do app, look at Microsoft To-Do.
Best for Team Users
Todoist has better team abilities than TickTick.
You can share administrative areas, collaborate on tasks & projects and connect apps too.
Best for AI-Powered Productivity
We'd recommend either Akiflow or Motion.
Both do AI tools well, but Motion is the best in-class for AI planning for tasks.
It is much more expensive, both of these are, but worth considering for more powers & features.
Another lesser-known alternative is BeforeSunset.
Best for Long Term Planners
We'd recommend Griply as the best long-term planner that's like TickTick.
But there are more tools like this like Timestripe & Sunsama too that help you zoom out.
Both are good TickTick alternatives, but go deeper on the mindful management of tasks.
More Notable Mentions
Tools we added in this extra part have been added below for you to grab:
Microsoft To-Do
Microsoft To-Do is a to-do list application that can be used to manage lists & tasks.
