Comparison

Principal Task vs 23Brain

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

Head to head
About

Principal Task

This app helps you manage tasks by tracking your completion rate against new tasks created. It offers a unique 'Task Velocity' score to show if you're keeping up with your workload. Organize with folders, contexts, and priorities, with advanced features available through a premium subscription.

Highlights
  • Task Velocity score
  • GTD-native structure
  • Due dates and repeating tasks
  • Markdown support
  • Kanban boards
  • Private templates
Features
Read full description

Most task apps help you organize. Principal Task helps you keep up. Task Velocity is a rolling 30-day ratio of tasks completed vs. tasks created — displayed as a simple multiplier. Above 1.0x, you're ahead. Below 1.0x, your backlog is growing faster than you can clear it. Every free user sees their current score. No other task manager shows you this. Built for productive people — and those who want to be. FREE * GTD-native structure: folders, contexts, and priorities * Due dates, tags, repeating tasks, and nested tasks * Markdown support in notes * Native push notifications * Your current Task Velocity score PREMIUM * Task Velocity history and charts, filterable by folder, context, priority, and status * Kanban boards * Private templates — reusable checklists you can create on your phone, tablet, or the web WHO IT'S FOR You've outgrown simple to-do lists. You have a system — or you're trying to build one. Principal Task gives you the structure to organize your work and the signal to know if your system is actually working. Terms of Use: https://principaltask.com/terms

About

23Brain

Read full description

Your second and third brain for smarter learning 23Brain helps you collect, summarize, and retain knowledge from everything you read, watch, or listen to — powered by AI. Build a personal learning system that grows with you. How it works • Summarize any content automatically Save links, videos, or PDFs — 23Brain generates concise, AI-powered summaries. • Learn on the go Listen to audio summaries anywhere and make use of your time more efficiently. • Organize with collaborative collections Group related topics, share insights, or explore curated watchlists. • Retain knowledge with AI-generated quizzes Reinforce what you’ve learned through personalized quizzes that adapt to your interests. • Chat with your second brain Ask questions, connect ideas, and reflect on what you’ve learned through intelligent conversations. • Track your progress Stay motivated with streaks, insights, and detailed learning statistics. Why 23Brain Unlike traditional note-taking tools, 23Brain helps you remember more and understand faster — not just store information. It’s your personal AI companion for continuous learning and long-term growth. Key features • AI summaries for articles, videos, and podcasts • Audio playback for summaries • Personalized quizzes and progress insights • Collaborative collections and watchlists • Multi-language support for 12 languages including English, German, and Hindi • Light and Dark Mode Start building your second brain today. Turn what you learn into knowledge that lasts.

Screenshots

Principal Task4 screens
23Brain4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: 23Brain at none against Principal Task's shown. 23Brain also leads on update cadence (every 8 days vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, 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

Both are free to download. Principal Task sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and 23Brain sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Principal Task ships an update every 2 months, 23Brain every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on June 28, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Principal Task versus 23Brain: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPrincipal Task23Brain
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 8 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size32 MB76 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperZechariah SchwenkFelix Seip

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Principal Task

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Subscription$3.991 Month
  • Annual Subscription$29.991 Year
4 purchases

23Brain

Subscriptions4
  • Pro (Monthly)3 Days trial$12.991 Month
  • Ultra (Monthly)3 Days trial$24.991 Month
  • Pro (Yearly)3 Days trial$99.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Ultra (Yearly)3 Days trial$249.991 Year

Questions

Is Principal Task free?
Principal Task is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is 23Brain free?
23Brain is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Principal Task or 23Brain have ads?
Principal Task shows ads; 23Brain does not.
Which is updated more often, Principal Task or 23Brain?
Principal Task ships an update every 2 months, and 23Brain every 8 days. Most recently, Principal Task was updated on June 28, 2026 and 23Brain on September 22, 2026.

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