Your task list is overflowing, your calendar is packed, and you still keep forgetting that one errand. Any.do wants to bundle all that chaos into one clear app. It combines tasks, calendars, and reminders in an interface that looks simple—but the question is: does it actually work as well as it looks?
Who is behind Any.do?
Any.do is developed by the company of the same name, Any.do Ltd., founded in 2011 in Tel Aviv, Israel. From the start, the company focused on creating productivity tools that are not only functional but also pleasant to use. The core idea: task management doesn’t have to be complicated. While many competitors opt for extensive features and complex systems, Any.do deliberately chooses simplicity. The app has grown into a popular choice for people who want to plan their day without spending hours learning a new system.
Who is Any.do for?
Any.do is mainly aimed at individuals, families, and small teams looking for an accessible way to organize their tasks and appointments. The app works well for people who don’t want to dive too deeply into project management but still want to see everything in one place. Think of students who need to keep track of classes and deadlines, families sharing shopping lists, or small teams coordinating simple projects.
But the app isn’t suitable for everyone. Linux users are out of luck because there is no native app available. Large organizations with complex project management requirements should also look elsewhere. Any.do is built for clarity and simplicity, not for extensive workflows with dependencies and advanced reporting.
What can Any.do do?
Any.do offers a wide range of features that help you take control of your day. Its strength lies in the combination of tasks and calendar, so you no longer have to switch between different apps. Here are the key features:
- Integrated calendar and task list – You see your appointments and tasks in one view. Any.do syncs with Google Calendar, iCloud, and Outlook, so everything comes together automatically. Useful if you don’t want to switch between apps all the time.
- Daily planner (My Day) – Every morning you get an overview of your planned tasks. You can confirm, move, or adjust them right away. This feature is often mentioned as one of Any.do’s strongest points because it encourages you to consciously think about what you really want to do that day.
- WhatsApp reminders – A standout feature available only in the Premium version. You receive reminders via WhatsApp, which is convenient if you already use that app all day. It feels more natural than a standard notification.
- Smart grocery list – The app automatically sorts your groceries by category. Produce with produce, dairy with dairy. Sounds simple, but it saves time at the supermarket. You can also share lists with housemates or family.
- Collaboration and shared lists – You can share tasks and lists with others. Everyone sees updates in real time, and you can chat per task. This makes it suitable for small teams or families working on projects together.
- Location-based reminders – Set a reminder that triggers when you arrive at a specific place. Useful if you need to do something at the supermarket or at the office. Note: this feature is only available in the paid versions.
Additionally, Any.do supports voice input, which users say works well. You can speak your tasks instead of typing them, which is especially convenient on mobile. The app is available on web, iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, including widgets and smartwatch integrations.
How much does Any.do cost?
Any.do has a free plan called Personal. You get unlimited tasks and lists, which is enough for many people. But the free version does miss important features. For example, you can’t set advanced recurring tasks (only basic repeats), you won’t receive WhatsApp reminders, and you’re limited to 1.5MB for files. Color labels and themes are also limited.
For the paid versions, you have three options. Premium costs 7.99 dollars per month, or 4.99 dollars per month if you pay annually (59.88 dollars total). Teams has the same pricing and is intended for small workgroups. Family costs 9.99 dollars per month, or 8.33 dollars per month with an annual subscription (99.96 dollars total). This version is suitable for families who want to share lists and tasks together.
New users can try all paid features for free for 7 days. That gives you enough time to see whether the Premium features are worth it. There are no lifetime deals available, so you always pay monthly or annually.
What should you watch out for?
Any.do looks great and works intuitively, but there are a few things you should know before switching. Users regularly report frustrations you can anticipate in advance.
The biggest pain point is that recurring tasks are behind the paywall. In the free version, you can set up simple repetitions, but for advanced patterns (such as every first Monday of the month) you need Premium. For many people, this is a basic feature they expect in a task app, so it feels like a missed opportunity.
Synchronization between devices doesn’t always run smoothly. Multiple users complain about delays, especially between the mobile app and the desktop version. You add a task on your phone, but it takes a moment before it appears on your computer. Not dramatic, but annoying if you work quickly.
The desktop app, especially on Windows, is often experienced as slow and buggy. Some users therefore choose the web version, which seems to work more stably. The mobile apps, on the other hand, receive a lot of praise, so the difference in quality between platforms stands out.
Customer service is another weak point. Several reviews mention that it’s difficult to get help and that responses take a long time. If you have a problem, you can’t count on quick support.
Finally, the free version is very limited. You can create tasks and keep lists, but as soon as you want a bit more (location reminders, color labels, recurring tasks), you run into its limits. It feels like the free version mainly exists to push you toward Premium.
Any.do alternatives
Any.do is not the only player in this field. Depending on what you’re looking for, there are alternatives that may suit you better.
- Todoist – Choose Todoist if you need advanced task organization and filters. Todoist is more powerful for people managing many projects who like working with labels, priorities, and complex filters. The interface is a bit busier, but you get more control.
- TickTick – This app offers more features than Any.do, such as habit tracking and a built-in Pomodoro timer. If you want to track habits in addition to tasks and work in a structured way with time blocks, TickTick is a better choice.
- Microsoft To Do – Completely free and simpler to use. If you’re looking for a straightforward solution without a paywall and you already work within the Microsoft ecosystem (Outlook, Teams), this is a logical option. Fewer features, but also less hassle.
Frequently asked questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Any.do.
Is Any.do free to use?
Yes, the Personal version is free and offers unlimited tasks and lists. However, you miss advanced features such as recurring tasks, WhatsApp reminders, and location-based notifications. For basic use, it’s sufficient, but power users will quickly hit its limits.
Does Any.do work on Linux?
No, there is no official native Linux app. Linux users can only use the web version, which feels less integrated than a real desktop app. If you work on Linux, this is an important drawback.
Can I sync my calendar with Any.do?
Yes, Any.do syncs with Google Calendar, iCloud, Outlook, and other calendars. Your tasks and appointments come together in one overview, which is one of the app’s strongest points. Syncing usually works well, though some users report occasional delays.
Conclusion
Any.do is a solid choice if you’re looking for a clear app that combines tasks and calendar. The interface is pleasant, the My Day feature helps you stay focused, and the mobile apps work well. For individuals and families who don’t need complex project management, it offers enough.
But there are limitations as well. The free version is tight, syncing doesn’t always run smoothly, and the desktop app feels heavy. If you consider recurring tasks essential or work on Linux, you’re better off looking at alternatives. For those willing to pay and who mainly work on mobile, Any.do is a great tool that delivers what it promises without becoming overly complicated.
