Side by side
Purple Task vs Todo.txt
Both stand on to-do list apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Paid Linux
Purple Task offers straightforward local task management for Linux without requiring an internet connection. Its missing synchronization and recurring features make it best for simple, single-machine lists.
Visit Purple Task Paid AndroidExtensioniPhone+4
Todo.txt prioritizes portability, plain-text editing, and minimal task management over interface-heavy features. Its broad community ecosystem helps, but Android users should note the archived app and Dropbox sync requirement.
Visit Todo.txtThe facts
| Purple Task | Todo.txt | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Not published | Not published |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux | Android, Extension, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Not published |
| Plans published | None | None |
| Maker | Purple Task | Not published |
| Website | github.com | todotxt.org |
| On to-do list apps | #150 of 150 | #146 of 150 |
Purple Task: what it does well
- Free and open source under the MIT license
- Works offline with local data storage
- Supports categories and optional due dates
- Available through Snap Store and terminal
- Allows tasks to be marked complete
What to know first
- Linux only
- No recurring tasks
- No calendar synchronization
- No sync between devices
Todo.txt: what it does well
- Human-readable plain-text task format
- Works without a specific operating system or tool
- CLI archives completed tasks to done.txt
- Community apps span desktop, web, and mobile
- Free and licensed under GNU GPL v3.0
What to know first
- No task reminders
- Android syncing requires a Dropbox account
- Official Android repository is archived and read-only
- Known bugs remain in the Android app
Alternatives to Purple Task Alternatives to Todo.txt The whole list