Quick verdict
Apple Reminders is a strong default for errands, shared groceries, location alerts and lists that do not need much ceremony. It is already installed, works with Siri and costs nothing extra.
Tasks is for the point where a project no longer fits inside “to do” and “done.” Each project can define its own statuses, fields, task types and board. Smart Lists can then collect the right work across those projects without moving or duplicating it.
The reason to switch is not that Reminders is weak. It is that your work has developed a workflow Reminders was not designed to represent.
Sources checked: Apple Reminders overview, Apple Reminders Smart Lists and Tasks on the App Store.
Feature and workflow comparison
This table covers the decisions that usually change which app fits. For the underlying product detail, browse all 173 documented Tasks capabilities.
Scroll sideways to compare both products
| Question | Tasks | Apple Reminders |
|---|---|---|
| Capture | ||
| Quick task capture | App, widgets, Siri and extensions | App, widgets, Siri and share sheet |
| Natural-language dates | Recognised while typing | Recognised in supported input |
| Structure | ||
| Lists, projects and subtasks | Folders, projects and nested subtasks | Lists, sections and subtasks |
| Custom workflow statuses | Defined per project | No project status model |
| Project-specific fields | Dates, people, files, types and more | Fixed reminder fields |
| Views | ||
| Kanban board | Statuses form workflow columns | List sections can be viewed as columns |
| Tags and saved Smart Lists | Cross-project filters and grouping | Tags and custom Smart Lists |
| Reminders | ||
| Fixed recurring schedules | Calendar-based rules | Repeat schedules |
| Repeat after completion | Completion-based recurrence | Repeat rules follow a calendar schedule |
| Location reminders | Arrival and departure | Location and messaging triggers |
| Task detail | ||
| Images, scans and files | Images, PDFs and file attachments | Photos, scans and links, not general files |
| Collaboration | ||
| Shared work and assignments | Shared projects with assignees | Shared lists with assignees |
| Task comments | Comments live with the task | No task discussion thread |
| Automation | ||
| Siri and Shortcuts | More than 50 App Intents | System Siri and Shortcuts actions |
| Deep links to app content | Tasks, projects, filters and actions | Reminder URLs and Shortcuts |
| Devices | ||
| iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch and Vision Pro | Native Apple-platform apps | Built into supported Apple systems |
| Price | ||
| Free use | Free download with limits | Included with Apple devices |
| Lifetime purchase | Tasks Plus lifetime option | No separate purchase required |
Choose Tasks if…
- You want custom statuses and Kanban boards
- Different projects need different fields or task types
- You want advanced Smart Lists across projects
- You want a workflow that can grow without changing tools
Choose Apple Reminders if…
- You need a free list already installed on every Apple device
- Shared groceries and simple household reminders cover the job
- Calendar integration matters more than custom workflow structure
- You do not want another app or purchase
Limitations worth knowing
Tasks asks you to install and learn another app. Reminders is built in, free and deeply familiar to Apple users.
A sensible migration path
Use Tasks' Reminders importer after making a backup and testing one disposable list. Keep the original list until dates, recurrence and shared-list behaviour have been checked.
Sources and review date
Last reviewed .