Comparison

OpenTodoList vs Simple5

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

OpenTodoList

Organize tasks, notes, and images within local libraries for maximum privacy. Offers synchronization options via self-hosted servers or cloud services like Dropbox. Data is stored as simple files, enabling third-party synchronization tools.

Highlights
  • Organize todo lists and notes
  • Store images in libraries
  • Local-only storage for privacy
  • Sync via NextCloud, ownCloud, WebDAV, or Dropbox
  • File-based data storage
  • Third-party sync tool compatibility
Features
Read full description

OpenTodoList is a todo list and note taking application. Organize todo lists, notes and images in libraries, which can be stored either completely local on the device you are working on (and hence ensure no information leaks out to untrusted third parties) or use the built in synchronization features which allows you to synchronize your libraries across devices using your self-hosted NextCloud or ownCloud server, other WebDAV servers or Dropbox. In addition, a library is just a directory holding the items of your library as simple files - this allows you to use any kind of third party synchronization tool to sync your information.

About

Simple5

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Add up to 5 daily tasks by tapping the blue plus, then tap to complete or swipe left for 5-minute reminders. Each new day automatically gives you a fresh, clean slate to focus on what matters most. While other task apps overwhelm you with endless features and infinite task lists, Simple5 embraces the power of constraints. You're limited to just 5 tasks per day - not as a restriction, but as liberation from digital clutter and decision paralysis. This isn't random - it's based on cognitive science showing our brains can effectively prioritize maximum 5 items at once. When you can only choose 5 things, you automatically choose the RIGHT 5 things. When adding your tasks, you naturally consider the most important things you want to do. The app relies on that. Furthermore, you cannot delete your tasks once they have been written down. This is because it is not possible to "delete" something that has been written down with pen and paper. Choose how you want to spend your time wisely! Add up to 5 daily tasks by tapping the blue plus, then tap to complete or swipe left for 5-minute reminders. Each new day automatically gives you a fresh, clean slate to focus on what matters most. Key Features: * 5-task daily limit forces real prioritization * Automatic priority numbering (1-5) * Daily reset - no overwhelming backlog * Tap to complete, swipe for reminders * Built-in tutorial for instant understanding * Share your daily list as simple text * Clean, distraction-free design Why should I spend money: * No Subscriptions - Pay once, own forever * No Ads - Completely clean experience * Privacy First - Your tasks stay on your device * Thoughtful Design - Every detail carefully crafted * Quality Focus - Built for effectiveness, not feature bloat

Screenshots

OpenTodoList4 screens
Simple54 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: OpenTodoList at Free against Simple5's $4.99. On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

OpenTodoList is free to download; Simple5 costs $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
OpenTodoList versus Simple5: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOpenTodoListSimple5
PriceFree — better$4.99
Rating4.5 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews83.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size54 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMartin HoeherChristopher Fuchs

In-app purchases

None

OpenTodoList

No in-app purchases

None

Simple5

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is OpenTodoList free?
OpenTodoList is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Simple5 free?
Simple5 costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do OpenTodoList or Simple5 have ads?
Neither OpenTodoList nor Simple5 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, OpenTodoList or Simple5?
OpenTodoList ships an update every 2 months, and Simple5 every 2 months. Most recently, OpenTodoList was updated on October 17, 2026 and Simple5 on October 24, 2026.

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