Comparison

EffortList vs Mindwtr

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

Head to head
About

EffortList

Features
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Effortlist brings simplicity back to task management. Designed for people who want to get things done without wrestling with complicated features, Effortlist focuses on what matters: organizing your tasks efficiently across all your devices. Seamless Multi-Device Sync your tasks sync instantly across iPhone, iPad, and Mac through Firebase. Check off a task on your phone during your commute, and it's already updated when you open your laptop. No manual syncing, no conflicts, no lost data - it just works. Project-Based Organization Group related tasks into projects with an intuitive tab-based interface. Each project maintains its own task list, making it easy to focus on one area at a time. Whether you're managing work deadlines, home improvements, or personal goals, keep everything organized without overwhelming complexity. Smart Task Management • Create tasks with a simple tap or keystroke • Add detailed subtasks for complex items • Mark tasks as focused to highlight priorities • Completed tasks automatically move to the bottom • Reorder tasks with drag-and-drop simplicity Built for Real Work Effortlist handles the realities of task management: tasks that move between projects, changing priorities, and the need to quickly capture ideas without disrupting your flow. The app maintains data integrity even when switching between devices rapidly or working offline. Privacy-Focused Design Your data syncs through your personal Firebase account with anonymous authentication available. No social features, no public profiles, no distractions - just you and your tasks. Enable Apple Sign In for additional security and account recovery options. Thoughtful Details • Automatic order normalization prevents display glitches • Smart conflict resolution handles simultaneous edits • Keyboard shortcuts for power users • Clean, native interface that follows iOS and macOS design guidelines • Dark mode support for comfortable viewing anytime Perfect For: • Professionals juggling multiple projects • Students organizing assignments and deadlines • Anyone who's tired of overcomplicated task apps • People who need reliable sync between devices • Users who value privacy and data ownership No Subscriptions, No Complexity Effortlist is a one-time purchase with no recurring fees. All features are included from day one. No premium tiers, no artificial limitations, no ads. Just a well-crafted tool that respects your time and privacy. Whether you're managing a complex work project or simply keeping track of daily errands, Effortlist provides the perfect balance of power and simplicity. It's task management that gets out of your way and lets you focus on what needs to be done.

About

Mindwtr

A privacy-focused, local-first task manager that helps you organize your life using the Getting Things Done methodology. It offers zero friction capture, project organization, visual Kanban boards, and a guided weekly review process, all while keeping your data securely on your device.

Highlights
  • Zero friction task capture
  • GTD workflow integration
  • Hierarchical project organization
  • Visual Kanban boards
  • Guided weekly review
  • Offline-first functionality
Features
Read full description

Your head keeps reminding you of things at the worst times. Mindwtr gives them a safe home. Mindwtr (pronounced "mind water") is a free, open-source to-do app built on the Getting Things Done (GTD) method. Write down every task and idea the moment it appears, sort it in seconds, and see only what you can do right now. No account, no subscription, and your data stays on your device. HOW IT WORKS 1. Dump it. A task, an idea, a worry: type it or speak it, and it lands in your Inbox. 2. Sort it. A short guided pass: do it now, schedule it, hand it off, or shelve it for someday. 3. Do it. The Focus view shows only what you can act on right now, nothing else. 4. Reset weekly. A guided review catches loose ends, so the list stays trustworthy and your head stays clear. New to GTD? The idea is simple: your head is for having ideas, not for holding them. Mindwtr walks you through every step. WHY MINDWTR - Works completely offline. No account required. - Your tasks stay on your device. Sync is optional and you choose where: Dropbox, a folder you control, WebDAV, your own server, or iCloud on Apple devices. - The full GTD method built in: Inbox, Next, Waiting For, Someday/Maybe, Projects, Areas, Contexts, and reviews. - Capture from anywhere: quick add, widgets, sharing from other apps, or voice. - Plan your way: list, calendar, and kanban board views. - Reminders, repeating tasks, checklists, Markdown notes, and attachments. - Import from Todoist, TickTick, OmniFocus, and more. - Free and open source. No ads or lock-in. SIMPLE BY DEFAULT, POWERFUL WHEN YOU NEED IT Fewer fields, fewer knobs, no clutter. Advanced tools, like the kanban board, automation, and an optional AI assistant that uses your own AI account, stay out of sight until you want them. Mindwtr means "mind like water": the calm you get when nothing is rattling around in your head.

Screenshots

EffortList4 screens
Mindwtr4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Mindwtr at weekly against EffortList's monthly. Mindwtr also leads on device support (4 vs 2). On price, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

EffortList ships an update monthly, Mindwtr weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
EffortList versus Mindwtr: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterEffortListMindwtr
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.6 (10 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—88.9% of reviews
Number of ratings—10 — better
Update frequencyMonthlyWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS16.416.4
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB69 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerfrancesco gugliuzziDongda Li

In-app purchases

None

EffortList

No in-app purchases

None

Mindwtr

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is EffortList free?
EffortList is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Mindwtr free?
Mindwtr is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do EffortList or Mindwtr have ads?
Neither EffortList nor Mindwtr shows ads.
Which is updated more often, EffortList or Mindwtr?
EffortList ships an update monthly, and Mindwtr weekly. Most recently, EffortList was updated on October 7, 2026 and Mindwtr on October 21, 2026.

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