The Microsoft To Do alternative with boards, notes and AI
Microsoft To Do is clean and simple — sometimes too simple. mirv keeps the quick capture and adds Kanban boards, a calendar, nested subtasks, Markdown notes and a built-in AI agent, free and not tied to Microsoft 365. Web, Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android.
Import your Microsoft To Do lists in a few clicks.
Who should consider a Microsoft To Do alternative
In fairness: Microsoft To Do is a good, free app, especially if you live in Outlook and Microsoft 365. Flagged emails turn into tasks, My Day is a nice daily focus, and it integrates cleanly with a Microsoft workplace. If that's your setup, it does its job well.
You might want a Microsoft To Do alternative when your work outgrows flat lists with steps: you want Kanban boards and a calendar to see work in progress; you want real nested subtasks, not just a checklist of steps under a task; you want notes connected to your tasks; or you simply don't want your to-do list tied to the Microsoft ecosystem. mirv gives you all of that in one free workspace, on any device.
mirv vs Microsoft To Do
A fair, factual look at where each app wins. Microsoft To Do is strong on simplicity and Outlook integration; mirv is strong on structure, notes and staying ecosystem-independent.
| Feature | mirv | Microsoft To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Quick capture & simple lists | Yes | Yes |
| Kanban boards | Yes | No |
| Calendar view & calendar sync | Yes | No (Outlook side) |
| Real nested subtasks | Yes | Steps only |
| Full Markdown notes app | Yes | No |
[[wikilinks]] linking notes & tasks | Yes | No |
| Built-in AI agent that acts on your tasks | Yes | No |
| Works independent of Microsoft 365 | Yes | Microsoft account |
| Deep Outlook / Microsoft 365 integration | No | Yes |
| Own & export your data (JSON / .md) | Yes | Limited |
What you gain by moving from Microsoft To Do to mirv
Boards & a calendar
See work in progress on a Kanban board and plan it on a calendar — structure Microsoft To Do's flat lists can't give you. See the task manager →
Real nested subtasks
Every subtask is a full task with its own dates, priority and subtasks — not just a flat list of steps. Moving a task keeps its whole subtree.
Notes in the same app
A full Markdown notes app with [[wikilinks]] that connect notes to tasks — reference material lives right next to the work. See the notes app →
A built-in AI agent
Mirv, the free built-in agent, can plan your day, reschedule, break down projects and tidy your workspace.
Not tied to Microsoft
Sign up with any email and use it anywhere. Your tasks aren't locked to a Microsoft account or Microsoft 365 tenant.
One-click import
Bring your Microsoft To Do lists and tasks across with their steps, due dates and completion — no re-typing.
How to move from Microsoft To Do to mirv
Export your Microsoft To Do data, then in mirv open Settings → Import from Microsoft To Do and upload it. Your lists and tasks arrive with their steps, due dates and completion state. From there, promote the steps that deserve it into real nested subtasks, drop the work onto a board or calendar, and attach notes with [[wikilinks]]. For the wider picture, read the best free task management apps, or compare mirv with Todoist and TickTick.
Microsoft To Do alternative — questions, answered
Is there a Microsoft To Do alternative with Kanban boards?
Yes. mirv is a free task manager with Kanban boards, a calendar, nested subtasks, reminders and recurring rules — plus a Markdown notes app and a built-in AI agent. Microsoft To Do is deliberately simple flat lists with steps; mirv keeps the quick capture but adds boards, a calendar and notes when you need more structure.
Can I import my Microsoft To Do lists into mirv?
Yes. Export your Microsoft To Do data and upload it under Settings → Import from Microsoft To Do. Your lists and tasks come across with steps, due dates and completion, so you can keep working without re-typing anything.
Do I need a Microsoft account to use mirv?
No. mirv isn't tied to any ecosystem. You sign up with an email, and it runs on the web plus native apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, macOS and Windows. It's a good fit if you want your tasks independent of Microsoft 365 or you use a mix of devices.
Where does Microsoft To Do still win?
Honestly: it's free, clean and integrates tightly with Outlook, Microsoft 365 and Planner — flagged emails become tasks and it fits neatly into a Microsoft workplace. If you live in Outlook and want that integration, it's a strong choice. mirv is the better fit if you want boards, notes and an AI agent in one place, without being tied to Microsoft.
Is mirv really free?
Yes. mirv's task manager, notes app and built-in AI agent are free, with no credit card and no trial wall. An optional Pro upgrade exists for power users, but the core workspace is free — and you can export everything anytime.
Ready to try a Microsoft To Do alternative?
Import your lists in a few clicks, add boards, a calendar and notes, and keep your tasks independent of Microsoft 365. Free — no credit card, ever.
Try mirv free →