Two different philosophies. One is a database that can do anything. The other is a focused task manager that just works. Which is right for you?
Last updated: January 2025. Based on discussions from r/productivity, r/Notion, r/todoist, r/getdisciplined.
"I've switched between Notion and Todoist 5 times in the past year. Notion is amazing until I need quick task entry. Todoist is great until I need project documentation. I hate this."
This frustration is everywhere on Reddit. Both tools are excellent - but for different things. Here's what the community has learned.
| Feature | Notion | Todoist |
|---|---|---|
| Quick task entry | Slow (find database, add row) | Instant (natural language) |
| Mobile app speed | Notoriously slow | Very fast |
| Project documentation | Excellent (full pages) | Basic (comments only) |
| Customization | Unlimited | Limited templates |
| Learning curve | Steep (weeks) | Gentle (minutes) |
| Offline mode | Improving but limited | Full offline support |
| Team collaboration | Built for teams | Good for shared lists |
| Life balance tracking | DIY templates | No (task-focused) |
Both Notion and Todoist focus on productivity - getting things done. Neither asks: "Are you working on the right things for your life?" You can complete 100 tasks and still feel empty because they were all work, no play, no relationships, no health. This is where tools like Funtasking with 8 life areas fill the gap.
Yes! Common setup: Todoist for daily tasks, Notion for projects and documentation. Connect with Zapier or use Notion's Todoist integration. Many Reddit users end up here after trying to make one tool do everything.
Start simple. One database for tasks. Don't add relations, formulas, or fancy views until you've used the basic version for a month. Most Notion burnout comes from over-engineering too early.
Maybe. Ask: what specifically is limited? If it's documentation, try Notion for projects only. If it's views and filters, try TickTick (more features, similar speed). If it's life balance, try Funtasking.
TickTick is often recommended as a middle ground - faster than Notion, more features than Todoist. Built-in Pomodoro, habit tracking, calendar view. Worth trying if neither extreme works for you.
If you're tired of the Notion vs Todoist debate, consider what you actually need. Many Reddit users realize they want:
Tools like Funtasking address these needs directly - visual planning, 8 life areas, coins and rewards - without the complexity of Notion or the limitations of Todoist.
Visual timeline, 8 life areas, gamification. Not a database. Not just tasks. A planner for your whole life.
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