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Productivity · head to head

Microsoft OneNote vs TickTick

Microsoft OneNote logo

Microsoft OneNote

Productivity

Free digital note-taking application for all devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
TickTick logo

TickTick

All industries

Stay organized, stay creative

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Microsoft OneNote full-featured OneNote requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription (from $9.99 per month for Personal); the standalone free version is web and mobile only; TickTick recurring task options are limited compared to dedicated project management tools
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft OneNote covers Digital notebook with sections and pages, TickTick covers Task management.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Microsoft OneNote and TickTick actually diverge.

Attributes where Microsoft OneNote and TickTick differ
AttributeMicrosoft OneNoteTickTick
Pricing modelfreeUnknown
PlatformsWeb, IOS, Android, MacOS, WindowsWeb, Mac, iOS, iPad, Android, Apple Watch, Windows
CategoryProductivityAll industries
Founded19752013

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Microsoft OneNote

  • Digital notebook with sections and pages
  • Rich text formatting
  • Drawing and handwriting
  • Image and file attachments
  • Web clipper
  • Cross-platform sync
  • Collaboration and sharing
  • Search functionality

Only in TickTick

  • Task management
  • Calendar integration
  • Pomodoro timer
  • Habit tracking
  • Natural language input
  • Collaboration
  • Voice input
  • Location reminders

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Microsoft OneNote

  • Productivitynot TickTick
  • Collaborationnot TickTick
  • Task managementnot TickTick
  • Organizationnot TickTick

TickTick

  • Personal task managementnot Microsoft OneNote
  • Team collaborationnot Microsoft OneNote
  • Project planningnot Microsoft OneNote
  • Habit trackingnot Microsoft OneNote
  • Time managementnot Microsoft OneNote

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Microsoft OneNote

  • Full-featured OneNote requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription (from $9.99 per month for Personal); the standalone free version is web and mobile only

TickTick

  • Recurring task options are limited compared to dedicated project management tools
  • Reporting and analytics are minimal, providing little productivity trend visibility
  • Calendar sync can be slow and unreliable, sometimes causing sync issues across devices
  • API capabilities are basic, limiting direct integrations beyond Zapier and IFTTT
  • Habit tracking becomes less useful once routines are well-established

Pricing, plan by plan

Microsoft OneNote

Free
  • OneNoteFree
    • Unlimited free notes
    • Cross-device sync
    • Collaboration

TickTick

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Up to 9 lists
    • Up to 99 tasks per list
    • Basic reminders
  • Premium$35.99/year
    • Up to 299 lists
    • Up to 999 tasks per list
    • Advanced collaboration for up to 30 members

Which should you pick?

Choose Microsoft OneNote if

  • You need digital notebook with sections and pages.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android, MacOS, Windows.
  • You also want rich text formatting.
Microsoft OneNote review

Choose TickTick if

  • You need task management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mac, iOS, iPad, Android, Apple Watch, Windows.
  • You also want calendar integration.
TickTick review

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft OneNote or TickTick better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft OneNote starts at Free and TickTick at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft OneNote or TickTick?
Microsoft OneNote starts at Free and TickTick at Free.
Does Microsoft OneNote or TickTick run on more platforms?
Microsoft OneNote runs on Web, IOS, Android, MacOS, Windows. TickTick runs on Web, Mac, iOS, iPad, Android, Apple Watch, Windows.
Can I use Microsoft OneNote for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Microsoft OneNote best used for?
Microsoft OneNote is most often used for productivity, collaboration, task management, organization. Of those, productivity and collaboration are not what TickTick is typically brought in for.
What can Microsoft OneNote do that TickTick cannot?
Microsoft OneNote covers Digital notebook with sections and pages, Rich text formatting, Drawing and handwriting, Image and file attachments. TickTick covers Task management, Calendar integration, Pomodoro timer, Habit tracking.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

TickTick: What is TickTick?

TickTick is a cross-platform task management and productivity app that combines to-do lists, calendar views, habit tracking, reminders, and a Pomodoro timer. It helps users organize personal and work tasks across 10+ platforms including Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, and web.

Source
TickTick: What are TickTick's pricing options?

TickTick offers a permanent free plan and a premium plan at $35.99/year (listed price $49.99, currently discounted). The free plan includes up to 9 lists and basic features, while premium unlocks up to 299 lists, advanced collaboration for up to 30 members, and calendar subscriptions.

Source
TickTick: Does TickTick have team features?

TickTick does not offer a dedicated team or family plan. Each user needs their own premium subscription. Premium users can share lists with up to 30 members for collaboration.

Source
TickTick: What integrations does TickTick support?

TickTick supports integrations with 2,000+ apps through third-party platforms like Zapier, Make, n8n, and Integrately. It also supports calendar subscriptions with Google Calendar and Outlook, and has a basic OAuth API for developers.

Source
TickTick: Is TickTick available offline?

TickTick requires an internet connection for syncing across devices. Offline functionality depends on the platform, with some mobile apps offering limited offline access but requiring connectivity for full features.

Source
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Related pages

More on Microsoft OneNote

More on TickTick

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