TaskSpot vs Google Tasks: Free Simplicity Face-Off
TaskSpot and Google Tasks are both free, simple to-do apps. But they take different approaches. Google Tasks is built into Gmail and Calendar; TaskSpot is a standalone app focused on Today and Tomorrow. This comparison helps you choose.
Comparison Summary
TaskSpot is a minimalist, free-forever task manager built for daily planning. Five views—Today, Tomorrow, Backlog, Done, and Deleted—with keyboard shortcuts, daily streaks, morning briefing, and Jira integration. Web-based, works everywhere.
Google Tasks is a minimal task list built into Gmail and Google Calendar. Convert emails to tasks, drag tasks to your calendar. Free with any Google account. Simple and capable for basic use.
Quick verdict: Choose TaskSpot if you want dedicated daily planning, keyboard shortcuts, and features like streaks and morning briefing. Choose Google Tasks if you're deep in the Google ecosystem and want the simplest possible integration with Gmail and Calendar.
Who This Is For
This comparison is for:
- People who want free to-do apps without subscriptions
- Google users considering TaskSpot vs staying with Google Tasks
- Anyone who values simplicity and doesn't need projects or tags
- Daily planners who want to focus on today and tomorrow
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Simplicity and Learning Curve
TaskSpot: Get started in seconds. Today, Tomorrow, Backlog, Done, Deleted—five clear views. No tutorials needed. Slightly more structure than Google Tasks but still minimal.
Google Tasks: As simple as it gets. Add tasks, check them off. No views to learn. Zero learning curve.
Winner: Tie—both are simple. Google Tasks is slightly simpler; TaskSpot has more structure for daily planning.
Daily Planning Focus
TaskSpot: Built for daily planning. Today and Tomorrow views are the core workflow. Backlog holds everything else. Morning briefing email starts your day with your tasks.
Google Tasks: No dedicated Today/Tomorrow views. You see all tasks or filter by list. Calendar integration helps with dates, but no built-in daily planning workflow.
Winner: TaskSpot for dedicated daily planning.
Pricing and Free Features
TaskSpot: Free forever. All features—unlimited tasks, keyboard shortcuts, streaks, morning briefing, Jira integration—included. No credit card required.
Google Tasks: Free with Google account. All features included. No limits. Tied to Google ecosystem.
Winner: Tie—both are fully free.
Keyboard Shortcuts
TaskSpot: Full keyboard support—j/k to navigate, x to mark done, e to edit, ? for help. Power users can stay off the mouse.
Google Tasks: Limited keyboard shortcuts. Mostly mouse/touch driven.
Winner: TaskSpot for keyboard-first users.
Integrations
TaskSpot: Jira integration for importing issues as tasks. Web-based, works in any browser.
Google Tasks: Deep Gmail and Google Calendar integration. Convert emails to tasks, drag tasks to calendar. Best if you live in Google's ecosystem.
Winner: Google Tasks for Google integration; TaskSpot for Jira.
Habit Building and Motivation
TaskSpot: Daily streak counter, confetti when you complete all tasks, morning briefing. Built-in motivation features.
Google Tasks: No streaks, no confetti, no morning briefing. Pure task list.
Winner: TaskSpot for habit building.
Cross-Platform Access
TaskSpot: Web-based. Works on any device with a browser—Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux. No app download needed.
Google Tasks: Web, iOS, Android. Requires Google account. Works everywhere Google works.
Winner: Tie—both are cross-platform.
Backlog and Organization
TaskSpot: Backlog view for tasks without due dates. Keeps Today and Tomorrow clean. Clear separation between "now" and "later."
Google Tasks: Lists for organization. No dedicated backlog concept. Tasks can have due dates or not.
Winner: TaskSpot for backlog-focused workflow.
When to Choose TaskSpot
Choose TaskSpot if you:
- Want daily planning focus: Today and Tomorrow as your core workflow
- Love keyboard shortcuts: j/k/x/e for fast navigation
- Want habit building: Daily streaks, confetti, morning briefing
- Need Jira integration: Import issues as tasks
- Prefer a standalone app: Not tied to Google ecosystem
- Want a backlog: Clear place for tasks without due dates
When to Choose Google Tasks
Choose Google Tasks if you:
- Live in Gmail and Calendar: Convert emails to tasks, drag tasks to calendar
- Want the simplest option: Add tasks, check them off, nothing more
- Prefer Google ecosystem: Already using Google for everything
- Don't need extras: No streaks, no morning briefing, no keyboard shortcuts
- Want native mobile apps: Google Tasks has dedicated iOS/Android apps
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | TaskSpot | Google Tasks |
|---------|----------|--------------|
| Free | Yes, forever | Yes |
| Daily Planning | Today/Tomorrow built-in | Manual |
| Keyboard Shortcuts | Yes (j/k/x/e) | Limited |
| Morning Briefing | Yes | No |
| Daily Streaks | Yes | No |
| Backlog View | Yes | Lists |
| Jira Integration | Yes | No |
| Gmail/Calendar Integration | No | Yes |
| Learning Curve | Minimal | Minimal |
| Best For | Daily planning, habits | Google ecosystem |
Try TaskSpot
If you want more structure than Google Tasks without losing simplicity, TaskSpot might be the fit. Free forever, Today/Tomorrow workflow, keyboard shortcuts, and morning briefing.
Get started with TaskSpot for free—no credit card required.