Replace Todoist?
YES · one-shottableA personal task app with projects, recurring due dates, filters, and reminders is a one-sitting/weekend build; collaboration and sync polish are the product moat.
Build me a personal task manager to replace Todoist. Requirements:
- A local web app: Node + Express + better-sqlite3, server-rendered, binds to
localhost only. Keyboard-first: n for new task, x to complete, / to search.
- Quick-add parses natural language with chrono-node: "call Sam tomorrow 4pm
#home p2" sets due date, project, and priority in one line.
- Projects via #tags, priorities p1-p3, free-text notes on any task.
- Recurring tasks stored as rrule strings ("every 1st", "every mon,thu");
completing one schedules the next occurrence.
- Views: Today, Upcoming (next 7 days grouped by day), and per-project. Overdue
tasks pinned red at the top of Today.
- Reminders: node-cron checks each minute and pushes due tasks to my phone via ntfy
(topic in .env), plus a 7am digest of today's list.
- A t add "..." CLI for capture from any terminal.
- No accounts, no telemetry, everything in one SQLite file I can back up.
- Out of scope: collaboration, native mobile apps, and offline sync. Phone access
is ntfy notifications, that is the trade.
- README: ntfy app setup on the phone and where the DB lives.$ open in your agent (prompt prefilled, you press enter) or copy it raw · this prompt is generated from the build plan · improve it via PR
They pay because task capture must be fast everywhere and reminders cannot miss.
xnative apps
xoffline sync
xcollaboration
xreminders reliability
xintegrations
xyears of UX polish
What does the Todoist verdict mean?
The directory classifies the core job as practical to build with an AI coding agent. Use the prompt as a starting point and review the tradeoffs before relying on the result. This research record is not a hosted IVCIFY tool.
What price does this directory record show for Todoist?
The directory records $7/month for Pro, checked 2026-07-30. Verify the source before making a purchase decision. This reference stays outside retail Stack Math unless current matched evidence supports the comparison.
What do I lose by replacing Todoist?
Honestly: native apps; offline sync; collaboration; reminders reliability; integrations; years of UX polish. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Todoist?
The listed prior art includes Vikunja (Open-source task/project management app suitable as a Todoist-style alternative.). Inspect those projects before starting from a blank prompt.