Google Tasks vs Super Productivity: A Full Comparison

Google Tasks is a minimalist task list built into Gmail and Google Calendar. Super Productivity is a free, open-source task manager with time tracking, developer integrations, and deep work features. Both are free, but they serve very different levels of complexity.

If you’ve outgrown Google Tasks and need more structure, integrations, or time tracking, this comparison will help you evaluate whether Super Productivity is the right step up. For a broader look at developer-focused options, see our Best To-Do Apps for Developers or the Developer Productivity Guide.

The Core Difference

Google Tasks is deliberately minimal. It’s a sidebar inside Gmail that lets you create task lists, set due dates, and add subtasks. That’s essentially it. There’s no time tracking, no boards, no integrations beyond Google Workspace, and no offline support.

Super Productivity is a full-featured productivity workstation. It handles task management, time tracking, Pomodoro timers, Jira/GitHub/GitLab integration, an Eisenhower Matrix view, and calendar-based timeboxing — all running locally on your device.

The question isn’t “which is better?” but “how much structure do you need?”

Feature Comparison

Google Tasks Limitations

Google Tasks works well for shopping lists and quick reminders. But for professional work — especially software development — it lacks:

1. Time tracking — There’s no way to know how long tasks take. No timers, no history, no export.
2. Developer integrations — No Jira, GitHub, or GitLab connectivity. Your tickets live in one tool, your tasks in another.
3. Limited offline support — The Google Tasks mobile app can view and edit tasks offline, but the web version (Gmail sidebar) requires a connection. Super Productivity works fully offline on all platforms.
4. Focus features — No Pomodoro timer, no focus mode, no distraction blocking.
5. Desktop presence — No native desktop app. You use it through Gmail, Calendar, or the standalone tasks.google.com web app (installable as a PWA).
6. Privacy — All data lives on Google’s servers. There’s no local option and no self-hosted alternative.
7. Project structure — Flat lists only. No projects, boards, sprints, or Eisenhower Matrix.

What Super Productivity Adds

Super Productivity fills every gap listed above:

• Built-in time tracking with per-task timers, idle detection, and CSV export
• Jira, GitHub, and GitLab integration — synced issues appear alongside personal tasks
• Full offline support — everything works without internet
• Pomodoro timer and focus mode for protected deep work sessions
• Desktop app on Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Local-first privacy — no account, no cloud, no telemetry
• Projects, boards, backlog/sprint views, and Eisenhower Matrix for structured workflows

When to Stay With Google Tasks

• You only need a simple list for groceries, reminders, and quick to-dos
• You live in Gmail all day and want tasks visible in the sidebar
• You don’t need time tracking, integrations, or focus features
• Simplicity is your top priority

When to Switch to Super Productivity

• You’ve outgrown simple lists and need project structure
• You need to track time for billing, estimates, or self-improvement
• You use Jira, GitHub, or GitLab and want issues in your task list
• Privacy matters — you want your task data on your device, not in Google’s cloud
• You want deep work features: Pomodoro, focus mode, timeboxing
• You use Linux and need a native desktop app

Ready to try a task manager that fits developer workflows?

Super Productivity adds everything Google Tasks is missing: time tracking, Jira/GitHub integration, a desktop app, and offline-first privacy.

• Download Super Productivity for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS.
• Explore the Developer Productivity Guide to set up your first project.
• Compare more tools in our Comparison Hub.

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