Looking to download Todoist for Mac? You've got options — the Mac App Store, direct download from Todoist's website, or their web app. Each has its trade-offs in terms of features, sync speed, and system integration.
But before you commit to Todoist's complexity, consider TaskLoco — a refreshingly simple alternative that runs perfectly on Mac. Instead of overwhelming project hierarchies, TaskLoco uses familiar sticky notes that anyone can master in minutes. You get tasks, reminders, file attachments, and team sharing without the learning curve.
What to Look for in Mac Task Management
The best Mac task apps balance power with simplicity. You need something that handles your daily tasks without requiring a project management degree to use effectively.
Three things matter most: speed of capture — can you add a task in seconds without breaking your workflow? Natural organization — does the app match how you actually think about work? And reliable sync — will your tasks be there when you switch between your Mac, phone, and other devices?
Many Mac users get seduced by feature-heavy apps, then find themselves spending more time managing their task manager than actually getting work done. The sweet spot is an app powerful enough for real work, but simple enough that you'll actually use it every day.
How to Download Todoist for Mac
Todoist offers three ways to run on your Mac, each with different strengths. The Mac App Store version integrates best with macOS — you get native notifications, Spotlight search, and automatic updates. Just search 'Todoist' in the App Store and click install.
The direct download from Todoist.com often has newer features first, before they reach the App Store. Download the.dmg file, drag Todoist to your Applications folder, and you're set. This version sometimes has fewer restrictions than the sandboxed App Store build.
The web app at todoist.com works in any browser and stays synchronized instantly. No installation needed, but you miss native Mac features like dock badges and system notifications.
All three sync your data seamlessly, so you can switch between them or use different versions on different devices without losing anything.
TaskLoco: A Simpler Alternative for Mac Users
While Todoist drowns you in projects, labels, and filters, TaskLoco takes the opposite approach — sticky notes that work exactly like the ones you'd put on your monitor. Create a note, set a reminder, attach files, share with teammates. No elaborate setup required.
TaskLoco runs beautifully on Mac through any browser, plus the Chrome extension lets you capture any webpage as a task in one click. When a reminder fires, you get a push notification that deep-links straight back to your original note — no digging through project folders to find context.
The difference is philosophy: Todoist assumes you want to manage complex projects with dependencies and sub-tasks. TaskLoco assumes you want to capture thoughts quickly and get reminded at the right time. Most people's productivity needs fall into that second category.
Chrome Extension: Instant Task Capture
This is where TaskLoco shines on Mac. The Chrome extension captures any webpage, email, or document as a task with one click — no copying URLs or switching apps. You're reading an article and want to follow up later? Click the extension, add a quick note, set a reminder. Done.
The extension works with TaskLoco's free Lite Plus+ tier (30 notes, synced across devices) or Premium (unlimited everything). It's the fastest way to capture tasks without breaking your workflow — something Todoist's browser extension tries to do but with much more complexity.
When your reminder fires days later, the push notification takes you directly back to that webpage plus your notes. No project hunting, no context switching. Just the information you need, when you need it.
How TaskLoco Compares
| Feature | TaskLoco | Todoist |
|---|---|---|
| Mac installation | Browser-based — works on any Mac instantly, plus Chrome extension | Three options: App Store, direct download, or web app |
| Learning curve | Sticky notes — anyone can use it immediately | Complex project hierarchies require training |
| Quick capture | Chrome extension captures any webpage in one click FREE | Browser extension available but more complex setup |
| File attachments | 10GB included with Premium — attach anything | Limited file upload in most plans |
| Reminders | Push notifications that deep-link to original note | Standard reminders with multiple notification options |
| Free tier | Two free options — Lite (20 notes) and Lite Plus+ (30 notes, synced) FREE | Free tier with basic task management |
| Team sharing | Yes — included with Premium. Each team member requires a separate subscription — currently $9.99/month per person, but TaskLoco is offering a Charter Member special: 50% off for life, currently $4.99/month per person for the first 500 subscribers with code CHARTER50. | Project sharing with permission levels |
| Calendar view | Built into Premium — see all tasks and reminders | Calendar integration available |
| Natural language input | Simple manual entry — no parsing complexity | Advanced natural language task creation |
| Project management | Not designed for complex projects | Full project hierarchies with sub-tasks |
| Labels and filters | Search works across all notes and attachments | Extensive labeling and filtering system |
| Third-party integrations | Limited integrations — focuses on core functionality | Hundreds of app integrations available |
| Templates | No templates — each note starts fresh | Project and task templates available |
| Productivity reporting | Basic dashboard showing note counts and activity | Detailed productivity insights and karma system |
| Collaboration comments | Simple note sharing without comment threads | Full commenting system on tasks and projects |
Who Should Use Each
Use TaskLoco if…
- You want task management that works like sticky notes — simple and immediate
- You need to capture webpages and documents as tasks quickly
- You prefer one subscription per person with no complexity
- You want file attachments included without upgrade hassles
- You value speed over extensive project management features
Use Todoist if…
- You manage complex projects with multiple sub-tasks and dependencies
- You need natural language task input and extensive automation
- You want detailed productivity tracking and reporting
- You require extensive third-party app integrations
- You work with large teams needing permission-based project sharing
TaskLoco Premium is regularly $9.99/month per person. Right now, charter members can lock in 50% off the regular price — forever. That means $4.99/month per person today. And if our price ever goes up, you still pay half. Always.
Code CHARTER50 auto-applies at checkout. First 500 spots only — once they're gone, this offer is gone permanently. Act fast while spots last.
Every Premium subscription includes unlimited notes, 10GB file storage, reminders, calendar, and team sharing. Each team member requires a separate subscription. 7-day free trial — no charge until day 8. Cancel anytime.
Free Options: TaskLoco
TaskLoco Lite
- Native iPhone & Android app
- Completely anonymous — no sign-in
- Data stays on your device
- Up to 20 notes
- Free forever
TaskLoco Lite Plus+
- Web app + Chrome extension
- Sign in with Google
- Wall syncs across all devices
- Up to 30 notes
- Free forever
Lock In 50% Off — Forever
7-day free trial. No charge until day 8. CHARTER50 auto-applies at checkout.
🔒 Lock In My Charter SpotSee TaskLoco in Action
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TaskLoco better than Todoist for Mac users?
TaskLoco is better if you want simplicity over complexity. While Todoist excels at project management, TaskLoco focuses on quick task capture and reminders that actually link back to your original context. $9.99/month per person (currently $4.99/month per person for first 500 charter members with code CHARTER50)
Can I use TaskLoco without downloading anything on Mac?
Yes — TaskLoco runs in any browser on Mac, plus the Chrome extension captures tasks instantly. No App Store downloads or system installations required. Your data syncs across all devices automatically.
Does TaskLoco work offline on Mac?
No — TaskLoco requires an internet connection to sync your notes and reminders across devices. The trade-off is instant sync and access from anywhere, rather than.
What's included in TaskLoco's free tier?
Two free options: TaskLoco Lite (20 notes, no sign-in, stored locally) and Lite Plus+ (30 notes, synced across devices, includes Chrome extension). Neither has reminders, file attachments, or team sharing.
How do TaskLoco reminders work on Mac?
Push notifications appear on your Mac and deep-link directly back to the original note. Optional email notifications are also available. The key benefit is never losing context when a reminder fires.
Can teams use TaskLoco instead of Todoist?
Yes — TaskLoco Premium includes team sharing where recipients can clone shared notes and make them their own. Each team member needs their own subscription. It's simpler than Todoist's project permissions but works well for most teams.
Does TaskLoco have a native Mac app?
No — TaskLoco runs as a web app in your browser plus the Chrome extension. This means it works on any Mac without installation and stays updated automatically. The only native app is TaskLoco Lite for phones (20 notes, no sync).
Born in Brooklyn. Powered by AWS. Your data stays yours.
TaskLoco is available on iPhone, Android, Chrome, and every web browser.