BusyCal vs Todoist
Todoist is task-first; BusyCal is calendar-first with built-in tasks and multi-calendar planning. Choose Todoist for list-first capture across every platform, and BusyCal to plan by time with iCloud, Google, Microsoft 365 and Exchange, and CalDAV calendars in one window. You can also add a Todoist account to BusyCal and work both from the same place.
Last reviewed: April 28, 2026.
At a Glance
| Criteria | BusyCal | Todoist |
|---|---|---|
| Primary model | Calendar scheduling with tasks | Task and project list management |
| Best fit | Time-blocking and schedule-driven planning | List-first personal and team task workflows |
| Strength | Calendar context and visibility | Lightweight task capture and organization |
| Trade-off | Calendar-oriented setup | Less calendar planning depth |
Calendar & Sync Comparison
| Capability | BusyCal | Todoist |
|---|---|---|
| Native CalDAV account sync | ✓ | |
| Microsoft 365 / Exchange calendar sync | ✓ | |
| Calendar subscriptions (.ics / holiday feeds) | ✓ | |
| Multiple provider calendars in one app (iCloud + Google + Exchange + CalDAV) | ✓ | |
| Calendar views (Day / Week / Month / Year Planner) | ✓ | |
| Calendar Groups | ✓ | |
| Smart Date Picker with real-time suggestions | ✓ | ✓ (in task title and date field) |
| Favorite Time Zones | ✓ | |
| Map out events with locations | ✓ | |
| Apple Watch app | ✓ | ✓ |
| Widgets (multiple sizes) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shortcuts / Siri integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Google and Outlook calendar integrations | ✓ | ✓ |
| Task-first workflow without calendar-heavy UI | ✓ |
Where Todoist May Be Better
- You want lightweight, list-first task management.
- Your process centers on project lists rather than calendar blocks.
- You want a task-first app and optional Google/Outlook calendar integrations.
Where BusyCal May Be Better
- You plan primarily by time and calendar availability.
- You need events and tasks in one scheduling interface.
- You want richer multi-calendar filtering and visualization.
- You want Calendar Groups to organize many calendars into folders.
- You want native account sync across iCloud, Google, Exchange/Microsoft 365 (Graph), and CalDAV in one calendar client.
- You want to map out events with locations and travel-time context directly in your planning workflow.
BusyCal Account Sync Docs
- Office 365 via Microsoft Graph
- CalDAV account sync
- Public WebDAV calendar subscriptions
- Google Calendar sync
- iCloud calendar sync
- Map out events with locations and travel time
Common Questions
- Does BusyCal work with Todoist?
- Yes. You can add a Todoist account to BusyCal and manage those task lists beside your calendar. Changes made in BusyCal sync back to Todoist and to every other device running it, and BusyCal supports one Todoist account at a time.
- Does Todoist have calendar views like BusyCal?
- No. Todoist is a task-first app with optional Google and Outlook calendar integrations. BusyCal provides Day, Week, Month, and Year Planner views, calendar subscriptions, and native sync with iCloud, Google, Microsoft 365 and Exchange, and CalDAV accounts.
- Is BusyCal a subscription like Todoist?
- No. BusyCal is a one-time purchase with a perpetual license: $49.99 for Mac from our store, with a free 14-day trial, and $9.99 for iPhone and iPad on the App Store.
Official Links
Want to compare a few more options before deciding? Browse all BusyCal comparison guides.