Google Tasks vs. Todoist vs. TaskSite: Choosing the Right To-Do Tool

Google Tasks vs. Todoist vs. TaskSite: Choosing the Right To-Do Tool for You

With so many to-do list apps and extensions out there, how do you know which one will actually stick? The average person tries around 13 different time management systems throughout their life — from sticky notes and journals to fancy apps — and still ends up overwhelmed.

If that sounds familiar, this article is for you. We’re going to break down three tools — Google Tasks, Todoist, and TaskSite — to help you figure out which one genuinely fits your style and workflow.

Why Choosing the Right Tool Matters

A to-do list is more than just a place to dump tasks — it’s a system that should support your way of thinking and working. If it doesn’t align with your habits, you’ll end up ignoring it.

Up to 41% of to-dos never get completed simply because people use systems that don’t suit them. That’s why choosing the right tool isn’t about hype — it’s about finding what makes your brain click.

Quick Overview of the Contenders

• Google Tasks: A lightweight task tool built into Gmail and Google Calendar — simple, invisible, and surprisingly useful.
• Todoist: A powerful task app loved by over 30 million users, full of features for those who like structure.
• TaskSite: A fresh Chrome extension that ties your tasks to the websites they belong to — a totally different take on productivity.

Now let’s dig into each.

Google Tasks – Clean, Simple, and Integrated

If you spend a lot of time in Gmail or Google Calendar, you might already be using Google Tasks — even without realizing it. It’s integrated right into your workspace, so you can add tasks from emails and see them on your calendar.

It’s a minimalist’s dream: just checklists and subtasks. No clutter, no sign-ups, and no distractions.

Of course, that simplicity comes with trade-offs. There are no labels, filters, or collaboration options. You can’t assign tasks or get reminders beyond due dates. And many users never discover it exists unless they go digging.

Ideal for: People who live in Gmail, want a quick personal task list, and don’t need heavy organization.

Pro tip: If you like the simplicity of Google Tasks but wish your to-dos could appear while browsing, try pairing it with TaskSite. For example, use Google Tasks for your big-picture to-dos, and let TaskSite remind you of the tiny ones right where you need them — like when you’re on a specific page or platform.

Todoist – A Feature-Rich Powerhouse

Todoist is the go-to app for productivity nerds, project managers, and people who want control over every task. It has labels, filters, recurring due dates, nested projects, reminders, productivity streaks (“karma”), and tons of integrations.

It works across every device — desktop, mobile, browser extensions — and syncs in real time. You can also share lists with teammates or family members, making it great for collaboration.

But here’s the catch: it’s not for everyone. The sheer number of features can be overwhelming. Some people download Todoist, use it for a few days, and then never come back.

The free version is generous but has limits — if you want reminders, comments, and advanced filters, you’ll need a premium plan.

Ideal for: Users who love to organize, plan long-term, collaborate, or manage lots of complex projects across devices.

Where TaskSite comes in: Todoist is amazing for high-level planning, but it lives in a separate space. With TaskSite, tasks live in the space where you do the work. Think of TaskSite as a contextual layer — something even power users of Todoist can benefit from when they need micro-reminders in the moment.

TaskSite – Your Tasks, Where They Belong

This is where things get interesting. TaskSite is a Chrome extension that lets you attach tasks directly to websites. So if you’re watching YouTube, your video-related to-dos appear there. Working in Salesforce? Those tasks show up when you're on the Salesforce site. It’s intuitive and seamless.

You don’t have to open a separate app — the browser itself becomes your task manager.

It’s incredibly helpful for people who forget what they planned to do until they return to a page. You see your task the moment you land on the site. And you don’t even need to create an account — everything syncs with your Chrome profile.

There are some limitations: it currently works only in Chrome (desktop), and it’s geared more toward individual use, though a PRO version with collaboration features is coming.

Ideal for: Students, marketers, SaaS users, researchers — basically anyone who lives in browser tabs and wants simple, contextual reminders without managing a whole app.

And it’s not a replacement — it’s a complement. You can still use Todoist or Google Tasks for everything else, and let TaskSite handle those “oh I meant to do this here” moments.

Summary Table (Highlights)

• Ease of Use: Google Tasks – easiest; Todoist – detailed; TaskSite – intuitive in-browser
• Organization: Google Tasks – basic; Todoist – robust; TaskSite – contextual tagging (PRO)
• Platforms: Google Tasks – Gmail & Calendar; Todoist – all devices; TaskSite – Chrome desktop
• Collaboration: Google Tasks – no; Todoist – yes; TaskSite – solo (for now)
• Price: Google Tasks – free; Todoist – free/premium; TaskSite – free/PRO at $2.9/mo

Which One Should You Choose?

• If you’re already deep in Gmail and just want something simple: Google Tasks.
• If you want total control, project planning, and collaboration: Todoist.
• If you work across websites and want your tasks to appear exactly where they’re relevant: TaskSite.