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Utilities · head to head

Rectangle vs Todoist

Rectangle logo

Rectangle

Utilities

Free open source window snapping for macOS, with a separate paid Rectangle Pro for extra features

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Todoist logo

Todoist

Productivity

The world's #1 task manager and to-do list app

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Rectangle rectangle Pro is a separate app rather than an in-app purchase, so upgrading means installing and managing a second piece of software.; Todoist no built-in time tracking for tasks; requires third-party integration like Toggl
  • They diverge on capability: Rectangle covers Keyboard shortcuts, Todoist covers Natural language input.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Rectangle and Todoist actually diverge.

Attributes where Rectangle and Todoist differ
AttributeRectangleTodoist
Pricing modelOpen source, no licence feeUnknown
PlatformsMacWeb, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows
CategoryUtilitiesProductivity
FoundedUnknown2007

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 Rectangle

  • Keyboard shortcuts
  • Drag to snap
  • Multi-display support
  • Almost full screen
  • Rectangle Pro extras
  • Open source core

Only in Todoist

  • Natural language input
  • Recurring tasks
  • Projects and sub-tasks
  • Labels and filters
  • Priority levels
  • Productivity tracking
  • Templates
  • Notifications

What people use each for

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

Rectangle

  • A developer who wants source-available window management with no cost and no accountnot Todoist
  • Anyone replacing Magnet who does not want to pay even a small one-time feenot Todoist
  • A user who installs software via Homebrew rather than the Mac App Storenot Todoist
  • A power user who later wants Rectangle Pro extras but does not need them from day onenot Todoist

Todoist

  • Personal task managementnot Rectangle
  • Team project coordinationnot Rectangle
  • Goal trackingnot Rectangle
  • Habit buildingnot Rectangle
  • Daily planningnot Rectangle

Where each one falls short

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

Rectangle

  • Rectangle Pro is a separate app rather than an in-app purchase, so upgrading means installing and managing a second piece of software.
  • It is Mac only, so it offers nothing for a user who also runs Windows and wants one window manager everywhere.
  • It has no official paid support channel, being a community open source project, so issues are handled through GitHub rather than a vendor support desk.
  • Some very old or unusually built third party apps still resist Rectangle window snapping, a limitation shared with most third party window managers on macOS.
  • Because it is not distributed through the Mac App Store, some users have to manually approve accessibility permissions and updates rather than getting silent App Store updates.

Todoist

  • No built-in time tracking for tasks; requires third-party integration like Toggl
  • Free plan limited to 5 personal projects only
  • No Gantt charts, resource allocation, or advanced project management features for large enterprises
  • Phone support not available; email and help center only
  • Calendar view and advanced filtering only available on paid plans

Pricing, plan by plan

Rectangle

Free
  • RectangleFree
    • Free and open source, no account needed
    • Keyboard and drag window snapping
    • Multi-display support
  • Rectangle Pro$9.99/one-time
    • Separate paid app, not an in-app unlock
    • Cursor-following snap areas
    • Per-app window size memory

Todoist

Free
  • BeginnerFree
    • 5 personal projects
    • Smart Quick Add
    • Task reminders
  • Pro$5/month
    • 300 personal projects
    • Calendar layout
    • Custom task reminders
  • Business$8/month
    • Everything in Pro
    • Shared team workspace
    • Up to 500 team projects

Which should you pick?

Choose Rectangle if

  • You need keyboard shortcuts.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Mac.
  • You also want drag to snap.
Rectangle review

Choose Todoist if

  • You need natural language input.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows.
  • You also want recurring tasks.
Todoist review

Questions people ask

Is Rectangle or Todoist better?
Neither clearly leads. Rectangle starts at Free and Todoist at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Rectangle or Todoist?
Rectangle starts at Free and Todoist at Free.
Does Rectangle or Todoist run on more platforms?
Rectangle runs on Mac. Todoist runs on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows.
Can I use Rectangle for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Rectangle best used for?
Rectangle is most often used for a developer who wants source-available window management with no cost and no account, anyone replacing magnet who does not want to pay even a small one-time fee, a user who installs software via homebrew rather than the mac app store, a power user who later wants rectangle pro extras but does not need them from day one. Of those, a developer who wants source-available window management with no cost and no account and anyone replacing magnet who does not want to pay even a small one-time fee are not what Todoist is typically brought in for.
What can Rectangle do that Todoist cannot?
Rectangle covers Keyboard shortcuts, Drag to snap, Multi-display support, Almost full screen. Todoist covers Natural language input, Recurring tasks, Projects and sub-tasks, Labels and filters.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Rectangle: Is Rectangle really free?

Yes. The core app is free and open source with no feature gating or trial period.

Todoist: Does Todoist work offline?

Basic editing and task management work offline, but advanced features like syncing reminders and shared updates require internet connectivity.

Source
Rectangle: What does Rectangle Pro add?

Cursor-following snap areas, per-app window size memory and some additional layouts, sold as a separate one-time purchase app.

Todoist: Does Todoist have a free plan and what does it include?

Yes, Todoist offers a free Beginner plan with 5 personal projects, Smart Quick Add, task reminders, flexible layouts, 3 filter views, and 1 week activity history. More advanced features require the Pro or Business plans.

Source
Rectangle: How is it different from Magnet?

Rectangle is free and open source; Magnet is a paid Mac App Store app from the start with no free tier.

Todoist: Can I use Todoist on mobile devices?

Yes, Todoist offers native apps for both iOS and Android with over 30 million downloads. Mobile apps provide full task management functionality across devices.

Source
Todoist: What integrations does Todoist support?

Todoist integrates with over 100 apps including Slack, Google Calendar, Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Gmail, and Toggl Track. Additional integrations are available through Zapier, Make, and IFTTT automation platforms.

Source
Todoist: How much does Todoist cost?

Free plan is $0. Pro plan costs $5/month (billed annually) or $7/month (monthly billing). Business plan costs $8/month per user (annual) or $10/month per user (monthly), as of December 2025.

Source
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