I need a to-do list app that works offline and does not require a subscription.

Microsoft To Do and Apple Reminders are the best free, reliable to-do list apps that work offline and require no subscription.

Here are the top options that fit your requirements:

• Microsoft To Do : Completely free with no subscription tiers , offering native desktop and mobile apps with robust offline mode support across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
• Apple Reminders : Built-in, 100% free , and works seamlessly offline across all Apple devices (iOS, iPadOS, macOS) with zero ads or subscription charges.
• Google Keep : Primarily a note-taking app that handles checklists and to-do lists well, works offline on mobile apps, and is entirely free with no paid upgrades.
• Obsidian : A local-first, markdown-based knowledge and task tool that stores files directly on your device, works completely offline, and is free for personal use without subscriptions (though syncing across devices requires extra setup or their paid sync service).

If you can tell me which devices you use (e.g., Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone), I can recommend the absolute best fit for your specific setup.

If you want offline + no subscription, I’d avoid many popular apps that put reminders, views, or limits behind paid plans. Here are some good fits:

My picks:

• Android: Tasks.org if you want privacy and no subscription; Microsoft To Do if you want the easiest all-around option.
• iPhone: Apple Reminders is hard to beat because it is already built in and free.
• No account, no cloud, just local lists: AtomicList is worth looking at.

If you tell me your device (Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac) and whether you need reminders/recurring tasks or just simple checklists, I can narrow it down to one.

If you want a to-do list app that works offline and doesn’t require a subscription, I’d look at these:

My picks:

• Best overall free choice: Microsoft To Do — simple, reliable, works across iPhone, Android, Windows, and web, with no subscription requirement.
• Best if you have an iPhone: Apple Reminders — already installed, deeply integrated, and free.
• Best privacy/offline-first Android option: Tasks.org — open source and designed around keeping control of your data.
• Best “no cloud, no account” style workflow: Super Productivity — good if you like projects, time tracking, and structured planning.

I’d avoid relying on apps like Todoist or TickTick if your main requirement is “no subscription ever”—their free tiers are useful, but some features are limited behind paid plans.

If you tell me your device (iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, or Chromebook) and whether you need reminders/notifications, I can narrow it down to one or two.

Here are the best to-do list options that work completely offline and do not trap you in a recurring subscription model:

1. Apple Reminders (Best for Apple ecosystem)
   • Cost: 100% Free (built-in) [1.7-18]
   • Platforms: iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS
   • Why it fits: It operates entirely locally on your device and syncs locally or via free iCloud if enabled, but works seamlessly offline out of the box [1.7-18]. It handles subtasks, recurring tasks, smart lists, and priority tags with zero upsells or ads.
2. Things 3 (Best premium one-time purchase for Apple users)
   • Cost: One-time purchase per platform (Mac, iPhone, iPad sold separately)
   • Platforms: macOS, iOS, watchOS, Vision Pro
   • Why it fits: It is widely praised for its gorgeous, distraction-free interface and powerful "Today" and "Upcoming" planning layout . It stores data locally on your device , works completely offline , and has no subscriptions —though you do need to buy the app license upfront for your specific devices.
3. Microsoft To Do (Best cross-platform free option)
   • Cost: Free
   • Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
   • Why it fits: While it can sync to a Microsoft account when online, the native mobile and Windows desktop apps support a robust offline mode that lets you manage your "My Day" and custom lists without an active internet connection . It is entirely free with no locked "pro" tiers.
4. Google Keep (Best for lightweight, visual note/list checking)
   • Cost: Free
   • Platforms: Android, iOS, Web/Chrome (Mobile caches locally)
   • Why it fits: The mobile app stores an offline copy of your checkable lists automatically. If you just need simple checkbox lists, color-coding, and local storage without paying a dime or seeing a paywall, it is a sturdy minimal choice.
5. Obsidian (Best local-file/power-user approach)
   • Cost: Free for personal use (Optional paid sync if you ever want it, but local folders cost $0)
   • Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
   • Why it fits: Obsidian stores your notes and to-do checklists as plain markdown text files directly inside a local folder on your device. It requires no account, works completely offline, and lets you use simple native checkboxes or the Task List Obsidian Plugin for structured task states.

If you want to narrow this down, let me know:

• What devices/operating systems are you using (e.g., Windows + Android, or strictly Mac/iPhone)?
• Do you prefer a super minimal checklist or a complex planner with deadlines and projects?

Finding a solid to-do list app that works entirely offline and doesn't trap you in a subscription model can be tough, but there are some fantastic options depending on your ecosystem:

1. Apple Reminders (iOS, iPadOS, macOS)
   • The Deal: 100% free, built right into your device, and requires no subscription or account upsells.
   • Why it fits: It caches fully offline, supports subtasks, tags, attachments, smart lists, and syncs locally or via your private iCloud when you do connect.
   • Best for: Anyone fully embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
2. Things 3 (iOS, macOS)
   • The Deal: A one-time purchase (split across mobile/desktop platforms) with no subscriptions.
   • Why it fits: It is a local-first, beautifully designed, incredibly smooth task manager. It works completely offline and stores your data right on your device.
   • Best for: Apple users who want a premium, distraction-free interface and prefer buying software once rather than renting it.
3. Microsoft To Do (Android, iOS, Windows, Web)
   • The Deal: Entirely free with a standard Microsoft account, with no hidden paywalls or subscription tiers for core list-making.
   • Why it fits: The mobile apps cache your tasks locally so you can view, edit, and check off items offline, syncing changes once reconnected.
   • Best for: Cross-platform users (Windows/Android/iOS) who want a clean, no-cost organizer.
4. Super Productivity (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Web)
   • The Deal: Free and open-source with no subscriptions or data tracking.
   • Why it fits: An offline-first, privacy-focused task manager and time tracker that doesn't force an account sign-up on you.
   • Best for: Power users, developers, and privacy-conscious individuals looking for a robust desktop/mobile tool.

To help narrow down the best fit , tell me:

• What devices/operating systems are you using (e.g., iPhone, Windows PC, Android)?
• Do you prefer a completely free tool or are you open to a one-time purchase app?

Absolutely. If your priorities are offline use + no subscription, I’d narrow it to these:

• Things 3 — Best polished option if you use Apple devices. It works offline and is a one-time purchase, with separate purchases for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
• Microsoft To Do — Best free mainstream choice. Core task management is free and it doesn't require a paid subscription.
• Tasks.org — A strong choice if you're on Android and want an open-source, no-subscription approach. It's particularly appealing if you care about keeping your task data under your control.
• Reckon — Interesting minimalist option for Apple users: local-first, no account required, and currently free during beta with no subscription.
• Apple Reminders — If you have an iPhone, don't overlook the built-in option. It's free and works well offline for basic task lists.

My pick:

• iPhone/iPad/Mac → Things 3 if you're willing to pay once.
• Android → Tasks.org if you want free and flexible.
• Any mix of devices → Microsoft To Do if you want something mainstream and free.

If you tell me iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, or a combination, I can give you the best 2–3 options specifically for your devices, including whether they support reminders, recurring tasks, widgets, and syncing.

Yes. If your priorities are offline use + no subscription, I’d narrow it to these:

1. Microsoft To Do — best overall

   • Free with a personal Microsoft account.
   • Works offline and syncs when you’re back online.
   • Available on Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac, and web.
   • Includes reminders, recurring tasks, subtasks (“steps”), lists, and a “My Day” view.
   • My pick if you want something polished and simple.

2. Tasks.org — best if you want privacy/local-first

   • Designed to work offline; you can keep tasks local on the device.
   • Open-source and available across Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
   • Supports subtasks, lists, recurring tasks, reminders, and automatic local backups.
   • You don't need a subscription just to use it locally; subscriptions apply to its optional cloud-sync service.

3. Google Tasks — best if you already use Google

   • Free with a Google account.
   • Works offline and syncs with Google services when connected.
   • Very simple, so it's good if you don't want a complicated task-management system.

My recommendation: Start with Microsoft To Do if you want a conventional, easy-to-use app. Choose Tasks.org if “my tasks should remain on my device and I don't want a subscription” is the bigger priority.

If you tell me Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac, or multiple devices, I can narrow it down to the best 1–2 options for you.

Finding a great to-do list app that operates fully offline and avoids the trap of a monthly or yearly subscription can be tricky, as most modern productivity tools push cloud syncing and recurring fees.

Here are the best options available depending on your preferred ecosystem and device:

• Apple Reminders — Best free, built-in option for Apple users. It works completely offline, saves locally, supports subtasks, tags, custom lists, and smart folders, and requires no account or subscription whatsoever.
• Things 3 — Best premium, one-time purchase app for Mac, iPhone, and iPad. It features a stunning, minimalist interface, works entirely offline with local storage, and uses a traditional upfront purchase model rather than a subscription.
• Super Productivity — Best open-source, cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android) choice. It is completely free, offline-first by default, requires no account/login, and even includes built-in time tracking if you need deep work analytics.
• Obsidian (with Tasks plugin) — Best local-first markdown approach. Obsidian stores all your lists as plain text files directly on your hard drive or phone storage. It works offline forever, is free for personal use, and doesn't lock you into any proprietary cloud.
• Microsoft To Do — Best free cross-platform option (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android). While it syncs with a Microsoft account, it features a reliable offline mode that lets you manage your "My Day" and local task lists without an active internet connection at zero cost.

If you let me know what devices you plan to use it on (e.g., Windows + Android, Mac only, Linux) and whether you need advanced features like time-tracking or Kanban boards, I can recommend the exact best fit for your workflow.

If you want offline + no subscription, I’d look at these:

My picks:

• Android + iPhone + computer: Mindwtr is worth trying because it is open-source, local-first, and doesn’t require an account.
• Just a clean phone checklist: AtomicList or Clearlist.
• If you want absolutely minimal: look for a local-only app that stores tasks on-device and avoids accounts entirely.

A few popular apps to avoid for your requirements:

• Todoist, TickTick, Any.do, etc. — they have useful free tiers, but many features are tied to accounts or paid plans.

If you tell me your device (iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, or Linux) and whether you need sync between devices, I can narrow it down.

Here are the best to-do list apps that work entirely offline, store data locally on your device, and require zero subscriptions or accounts:

• Super Productivity Super Productivity — A phenomenal free, open-source (MIT licensed) productivity app built for local-first use . It works completely offline without an account, tracking, or telemetry, and includes advanced features like time tracking, pomodoro timers, and daily summaries alongside your to-do lists . Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
• Tasks.org Tasks.org — An open-source, privacy-focused task and reminder app for Android . It operates completely offline by default, allowing you to manage local lists and reminders without signing up for any cloud service or subscription.
• Obsidian Obsidian — While technically a markdown note-taking app , Obsidian is widely used as a local-first, offline-only task manager . Your to-do lists are just text files stored directly in a folder on your device. It is entirely free for personal use with no subscription (unless you pay for their optional end-to-end sync service).
• Built-in Native Apps (Apple Reminders / Microsoft To Do / Google Tasks) — If you use an iPhone, Mac, or iPad, Apple Reminders works locally on device storage and requires no subscriptions. Google Tasks and Microsoft To Do also cache lists locally on their mobile apps, allowing you to check off and create tasks while offline for free (though they are designed to sync when reconnected).

If you let me know your preferred operating system (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or Linux) and whether you need advanced features like time-tracking or just a simple checklist, I can help you pick the exact right fit.