Tote

What Tote is

Tote is a shared grocery and shopping list app for Android and iOS. It keeps a list current on participants’ phones as they add items or mark them complete, and it can sync edits made offline once a connection returns. Lists can be shared through a link or QR code; joining or sharing requires sign-in with Apple or Google. Each list can have its own aisle order, which users can arrange to follow their store. Shopping mode keeps the screen on and offers larger text, a brightness boost, and tap or swipe controls for checking items. Users can enter prices and quantities to view the list total and a running total for items already in the cart. Tote supports recurring items. The free plan allows sharing with one other person on any number of lists. Tote+ adds unlimited collaborators, item photos, and reusable invite links, with monthly, annual, and lifetime purchase options. The maker says Tote shows no ads and does not sell users’ data. Its privacy policy says data is encrypted in transit and at rest and stored on North American cloud infrastructure. The policy also describes account and list data collection and city-level approximate location derived from IP addresses; it says GPS and precise location data are not collected.

Who it suits

Tote suits families, roommates, couples, and friends who want to coordinate grocery or shopping lists across phones. It may also suit shoppers who want store-specific aisle order, offline edits, or a running cart total.

Limits

The free plan supports sharing with one other person on any number of lists. Unlimited collaborators, item photos, and reusable invite links require Tote+, available for $1.99 a month, $12.99 a year, or $39.99, paid once.

Getting started

1. Open the Tote website or get the app on Android or iOS.
2. Create an account or sign in with Apple or Google.
3. Start a list and arrange its aisle order for your store.
4. Share the list with another person using a link or QR code.
5. Choose a Tote+ option if you need unlimited collaborators, item photos, or reusable invite links.

Verdict

Pick Tote if you want a shared shopping list with live updates, offline editing, and store-specific aisle order. Look elsewhere if you need unlimited collaborators without Tote+ or do not want Apple or Google sign-in for sharing.