Best To-Do Apps for Browser-Based Workflows

Best To Do Apps for People Who Work in the Browser

If you’re like many modern professionals, a large chunk of your work (and life tasks) happens in a web browser. From handling emails and documents to doing research and managing projects, the browser has become a one-stop workplace. So, it makes sense to pick a to-do list or task app that fits seamlessly into your browser-based workflow. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best to-do apps for people who work in the browser. These apps either have great browser extensions, web interfaces, or unique features that cater to the browser-centric user. Our list will include both well-known tools and some innovative options like TaskSite that leverage the browser context in clever ways.

Whether you use Chrome, Firefox, or another browser, the following to-do solutions can help you stay productive without constantly switching context away from your browser. Let’s dive in!

1. TaskSite – Context-Aware Tasks in Your Browser

What it is: TaskSite is a browser extension (currently for Chrome) that turns every website into a mini to-do list hub. It allows you to create tasks, notes, or reminders attached to specific websites. Whenever you return to that site, your tasks reappear in a sidebar, so you see them exactly when and where you need them.

Why it’s great for browser-focused work: If you spend all day in the browser, TaskSite keeps your tasks in the same place. You never have to open a separate app; the tasks related to a site show up while you’re on that site, automatically. This reduces the need to toggle to a separate to-do list application and manually search for context. It’s a huge boon for focus – you’re reminded of tasks at the right moment, rather than seeing a giant list of everything. It also means fewer interruptions: you add a task with one click without leaving your current page.

Example use cases: You’re on GitHub and notice a bug in your code – add a TaskSite to-do on GitHub: “Fix bug in data parsing next sprint.” Next time you’re on GitHub, you’ll see it. Or while shopping online, you leave a task “Compare this item’s price with competitor” on Amazon’s page. When you come back, you won’t forget. Essentially, it functions like context-specific sticky notes that ensure you handle tasks in the appropriate context.

Limitations: TaskSite is designed for the browser environment, so it doesn’t have a separate mobile app (though your tasks sync via Chrome if you use it on multiple computers). It’s best for tasks that correspond to web activities. For general tasks (like “Call mom”), you might still need another tool. But for browser workers, it’s a unique productivity booster.

2. Todoist – Powerful Web App with Chrome Extension

What it is: Todoist is a well-established to-do list app (mentioned in depth in another article) that offers a robust web app and one of the top-rated Chrome extensions for task management. The extension lets you add tasks from anywhere, and the web app provides a full suite of features (projects, due dates, etc.) accessible in your browser.

Why it’s great for browser-focused work: If you prefer having a dedicated tab or window for your tasks, Todoist’s web interface is clean and powerful. But more importantly, the Chrome extension means you can add tasks without disrupting your flow. For example, if you find something online you need to do later, you can click the Todoist extension and quickly add it (it even grabs the URL). Zapier’s productivity guide highlighted that using Todoist’s Chrome extension speeds up capturing tasks, including adding websites as tasks, saving you from switching apps. This is ideal for browser workers who frequently turn emails or web pages into to-dos.

Standout features: Todoist syncs across devices, so anything you capture in the browser is also on your phone. It also has integrations with Gmail and other services – e.g., in Gmail’s web interface you can directly convert an email to a task. Plus, Todoist works offline in the browser and syncs when back online.

Any caveats?: Todoist requires sign-up and the free plan has some limitations (like number of projects). Also, because it’s so feature-rich, some might find it more than they need if they want ultra-simplicity. But for many, it strikes a good balance.

3. Microsoft To Do (Web) – Integrated with Microsoft 365 in Browser

What it is: Microsoft To Do is Microsoft’s task management app, and it has a robust web version accessible through any browser (often via Office.com or directly at to-do.office.com). It’s free with a Microsoft account.

Why it’s great for browser workers: If your work ecosystem is Microsoft-centric (maybe you use Outlook Web, Teams Web, etc.), Microsoft To Do’s web app ties in nicely. For example, Outlook on the web has a button that opens your To Do right alongside your email. Also, tasks created in Outlook (flagged emails) appear in To Do, so when working in the browser, your email and tasks are in sync. The interface is clean and minimal, so it’s easy to keep a tab with To Do open while you go about your work.

Notable features: My Day (to plan daily tasks) and integration with other Microsoft web apps are key. If you use the Edge browser, there’s even deeper integration (like showing tasks on new tab page via certain plugins). And because it’s Microsoft, security and organizational accounts are supported – good if your IT department prefers Microsoft products.

For the browser specifically: There isn’t an official Chrome extension for To Do as of now, but because Outlook and other web apps integrate it, you might not miss that. One cool tip: you can pop out To Do as a separate window from Outlook Web, essentially “app-ifying” it in your browser.

4. Google Tasks – Lightweight To-Do List integrated with Gmail/Calendar

What it is: Google Tasks is Google’s simple to-do list app. It exists primarily as a sidebar in Gmail and Google Calendar’s web interfaces and also has mobile apps.

Why it’s great for browser workers: If you’re living in Gmail or Google Workspace in your browser, Google Tasks is literally right there – a panel on the right side of your Gmail/Calendar with a checklist. It’s as simple as it gets: add a task, maybe assign a date, check it off when done. For people who don’t need bells and whistles, this is a zero-friction solution. No additional sign-in (if you use a Google account, it’s already on), and no new tab – it’s in the same view as your email or schedule.

Standout features: Simplicity and integration. For example, you can drag an email in Gmail to the Tasks panel and it creates a task with that email linked. Also, any tasks with a due date appear on your Google Calendar (which is great to visualize deadlines). It stays perfectly in sync because it’s Google – check off on phone, it’s checked off in your Gmail sidebar.

Limitations: Google Tasks is very basic – no tags, no advanced sorting, and collaboration is not possible. It’s meant for a single user’s simple list. But that can be a plus for those who find other tools too complex.

Browser tip: There are third-party Chrome extensions that surface Google Tasks in different ways (like a popup) if you want access outside of Gmail.

5. Notion or Trello (Web-Based Kanban for Browser Users)

(We’ll count these together as the “visual task boards” category, since both work wonderfully in a browser.)

What they are: Trello is a kanban-style list board (owned by Atlassian) that is entirely web-based (with optional apps). Notion is an all-in-one workspace app that runs in the browser and can be used for to-dos among many other things.

Why they’re great for browser workers: Both Trello and Notion are designed to be used in a web browser (though they have desktop apps, the experience is similar). If your work involves managing tasks through a project board or if you prefer a visual layout, these tools shine. Trello’s interface is literally just in a browser tab; everything is stored in the cloud and updates in real time for collaborators. Notion, on the other hand, can be your to-do list, note-taking app, and wiki all in one open browser tab.

Notable features for Trello: Drag-and-drop cards, checklists, due dates, and lots of power-ups/integrations (like calendar view, GitHub integration, etc.). Many people keep Trello open in a pinned tab throughout their workday to track tasks in progress. It’s very browser-friendly, and offline isn’t a concern since you’re mostly online when working in a browser.

Notable features for Notion: It’s highly customizable. You can create a simple to-do list page or a complex project dashboard. Browser workers love Notion for organizing everything in one place. For instance, you might have a Notion page with an embedded to-do list database, alongside notes and project specs. The fact that it’s accessible via any browser means you can log into Notion from anywhere and get your full workspace.

Integration with browser: Trello has a Chrome extension that lets you quickly add tasks (cards) from the browser. For example, if you’re on a webpage you want to save as a task card, you click the extension, select the board/list, and it’s captured. Notion has a Web Clipper extension for saving pages to Notion (not a task per se, but for research or reading tasks it’s useful).

Considerations: Trello and Notion are a bit heavier than a straightforward to-do list. They might be overkill if you just want a simple list in your browser. But for those managing projects or wanting an all-in-one solution, they are tops. They both have generous free tiers for individual use.

6. TickTick (Web & Extension) – Feature-Rich and Pomodoro in Browser

What it is: TickTick is a task app that often flies under the radar but is very powerful. It has a full web app and Chrome extension, and it’s known for built-in Pomodoro timers and habit tracking.

Why it’s great for browser work: The web app is smooth and modern, so working in a browser tab feels just like using a desktop app. It also has a Chrome extension for clipping tasks from websites. But one unique feature: TickTick has a Pomodoro timer built in, including in the web version. People who work in the browser can take advantage of this by starting focus timers directly from their task list – a small widget will pop up in the corner timing your work interval. This helps you stay focused and reminds you to take breaks, all within your browser environment.

Standout features: Multiple list views (list, kanban, calendar), natural language processing for dates, the mentioned Pomodoro mode, and even a ”Markdown” support for notes. It also has a Eisenhower Matrix view if you’re into that productivity technique. And unlike many, it includes a habit tracker section in case you want to build daily habits.

Integration: TickTick integrates with calendars (can show your calendar events in-app) and has sharing for lists if needed. For browser integration, their extension allows adding the current web page as a task or selecting text to create a task.

Pricing: Free with limits (like max 9 lists, etc.), premium around $2-3 per month. It’s comparable to Todoist in many ways, and some prefer its interface and extra features.

7. Momentum or Infinity New Tab – New Tab To-Do Lists

What it is: These are new-tab page replacements for Chrome that often include a simple to-do list. Momentum is a popular one that shows a beautiful photo, an inspiring quote, and has a to-do list you can expand from the corner. Infinity New Tab is another that offers widgets on your new tab, including a task list.

Why it’s great for browser users: Because it lives on the new tab, every time you open a new tab to start something, you see your tasks. This passive reminding can keep you focused on priorities. It’s a very lightweight approach; you don’t have to remember to open an app – it comes to you naturally as you browse.

Features: Momentum’s to-do list is pretty basic (just add tasks, check them off). It’s more about the routine of daily focus – it even asks “What is your main focus for today?” which you set and it shows prominently. This can be powerful in keeping you centered on your top goal whenever you get distracted and open a new tab (instead of letting your mind wander). Infinity New Tab is more customizable, letting you add a task widget among others (notes, weather, etc.).

Limitations: These are not for complex task management – they won’t do scheduling or sync across devices (Momentum does sync your list via account, I believe, but it’s meant as personal daily checklist). They also only show when you open a new tab, not on demand (though you can of course press Ctrl+T to see it anytime). They’re best for personal reminders and daily goals rather than comprehensive to-do systems.

Honorable Mentions

• Asana or Monday (Web Project Management): For those working in teams via browser, these project management tools have built-in task lists assigned to you, and they’re fully browser-based. It might be overkill for personal tasks but worth noting if your work tasks live there.
• Simplenote or Google Keep: While not traditional to-do apps, many browser-based workers use simple note apps (Keep has checkboxes, Simplenote can be used as a text to-do). They run in the browser and can be sufficient for a lightweight list.
• Browser-specific tools: Some people use bookmark-based todo (e.g., bookmarks folders as tasks), or even the browser’s reading list for “to-read” tasks. And of course, TaskSite (mentioned as #1) is quite browser-specific.

Conclusion

Working in the browser has become the default for millions of people — from developers to marketers, students to solopreneurs. In that environment, traditional task apps aren’t always ideal. That’s why browser-based to-do solutions have carved out their own space.

Whether it’s contextual overlays, simple sidebars, or tab-based reminders, the key is choosing a task tool that aligns with how and where you spend your time. Browser-based tools reduce friction, limit context switching, and keep you anchored in your current workspace.

The goal isn’t to find the flashiest app, but the one that disappears into your workflow — quietly helping you remember, act, and stay focused without ever needing to think about your to-do list. With thoughtful integration and minimal disruption, these tools can help turn your browser from a source of distraction into a powerful productivity hub.