Zero-knowledge
We cannot read workspace content
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Quick verdict.
Choose Worklist if shared team tasks contain sensitive content and privacy matters more than personal productivity shortcuts. Worklist may help with technical safeguards for regulated workflows, but PHI still requires a written compliance agreement or BAA. Choose Todoist if you want fast personal task capture, reminders, calendar views, and a generous free plan for lightweight tasks.
Feature comparison.
| Feature | Worklist | Todoist |
|---|---|---|
| End-to-End Encryption | ||
| Zero-Knowledge Architecture | ||
| Self-Hosted Deployment Option | ||
| Provider Can Access Workspace Content | ||
| AI Features Can Process Workspace Content | ||
| GDPR Support | ||
| SOC 2 Certified | ||
| Open Source Crypto | ||
| Data Export | ||
| Team Collaboration | ||
| Kanban Boards | ||
| Personal Free Plan | ||
| Natural Language Quick Add | ||
| Calendar & Reminders | ||
| Granular Team Activity Logs | ||
| Starting price | $8.50/seat/mo | Free; Business $8/user/mo annually |
AI processing means workspace content may be processed when AI features are enabled or used; it does not mean customer data is used for model training.
Want the private option?
Try Worklist in the hosted cloud, or talk to us about the licensed self-hosted Docker image for your own hardware.
Who should choose which?
Choose Worklist if...
- You handle sensitive client or internal project data
- You need strong encryption for regulated workflows
- You do not want server-side AI processing workspace content
- You prefer focused task management over a broad work OS
- You want the provider unable to read encrypted content
- You want a licensed self-hosted Docker option on your own hardware
Choose Todoist if...
- You primarily need a personal productivity app
- Fast task capture and natural language input are essential
- Reminders, calendars, and personal filters matter most
- A free individual plan is more important than team content privacy
- Your tasks are lightweight and not highly sensitive
Security architecture.
Worklist: zero-knowledge.
Worklist encrypts all data on your device using ChaCha20-Poly1305 before it reaches our servers. We use OPAQUE PAKE for authentication so we never see your password, and the client unlocks encryption keys with an OPAQUE export key plus HKDF. Optional one-time backup keys are user-held; we do not have keys that can decrypt your workspace.
Result: Even if our database is breached, attackers get encrypted blobs. Even if served a warrant, we can only provide encrypted data we cannot decrypt.
Todoist: personal task security controls.
Todoist publishes TLS for data in transit, encryption at rest for most stored user data, AWS hosting, SOC 2 messaging for Business, and restricted staff access. This is conventional SaaS security rather than zero-knowledge content encryption.
Result: Provider-side compromise or authorized access paths could expose plaintext content. Todoist can process content for sync, reminders, AI features, support, and lawful data requests where it is technically able to access that content.
Frequently asked questions.
Is Todoist end-to-end encrypted?
No. Todoist publishes encryption at rest and in transit, but not Worklist-style client-side end-to-end encryption. That means the service can process workspace content in plaintext for product features and authorized support workflows.
Can Todoist employees see my data?
Todoist publishes access controls and policies limiting employee access, but its architecture still permits authorized server-side access to workspace content. With Worklist's zero-knowledge architecture, even our engineers cannot access encrypted workspace content because we do not have the keys.
Does Todoist use my data for AI training?
Todoist publishes commitments that customer content is not used to train AI models. Its AI features can still process workspace content when enabled or used. Worklist cannot process encrypted workspace content with server-side AI because we cannot decrypt it.
Can I use Todoist or Worklist for HIPAA-regulated PHI?
Do not treat either product as HIPAA-ready by default. Worklist's zero-knowledge design may help with technical safeguards, but PHI requires a written compliance agreement or BAA with Worklist. Todoist currently says it has not yet pursued HIPAA certification.
Which is better for simple task management?
Todoist is excellent for personal productivity, quick capture, reminders, calendar views, and lightweight team tasks. Worklist is better when shared team tasks contain confidential content.
References.
- 01 Todoist pricing update - Current Pro and Business pricing changes
- 02 Todoist pricing - Free, Pro, and Business plan features
- 03 Todoist security policy - Encryption in transit, encryption at rest, and Business admin controls
- 04 Todoist security, privacy, and compliance - GDPR, SOC 2, staff access, and HIPAA statement
- 05 Doist AI providers - AI providers, data retention, and no-training commitments
- 06 Worklist security architecture - Zero-knowledge encryption details
- 07 RFC 8439: ChaCha20-Poly1305 - Encryption standard used by Worklist
Need private team tasks?
Try Worklist free for 14 days, or ask about the licensed self-hosted Docker distribution for your own hardware.
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