When Microsoft announced the discontinuation of Wunderlist in 2020, a wave of frustration swept through the productivity community. For nearly a decade, Wunderlist had been a go-to task management app, appreciated for its elegant design, cross-platform compatibility, collaborative features, and simplicity. Microsoft’s replacement, Microsoft To Do, didn’t initially resonate with Wunderlist’s loyal fanbase, opening up a window of opportunity for competitors.
One such competitor is Zenkit To Do, a task manager that positions itself as a spiritual successor to Wunderlist. Developed by the German software company Zenkit, it attempts to recreate the Wunderlist experience, while also integrating more deeply into the broader Zenkit productivity ecosystem.
On the surface, Zenkit To Do ticks many boxes: a familiar layout, simple task management tools, and cloud sync. It even allows direct import of Wunderlist tasks. But once you dive in, the cracks begin to show. While it succeeds in capturing the spirit of Wunderlist, Zenkit To Do struggles with performance, reliability, and feature maturity.
This article will examine how Zenkit To Do stacks up as a Wunderlist replacement, where it succeeds, where it fails, and whether it’s a viable choice for users seeking a reliable productivity tool.
Zenkit To Do’s Promise – A New Home for Wunderlist Users
Familiar Design and UX
Zenkit To Do’s user interface looks strikingly similar to Wunderlist. From the sidebar list layout to the starred tasks and smart lists, Zenkit clearly set out to create a seamless transition for Wunderlist users. You’ll find the same sound effects, color themes, and intuitive design that made Wunderlist beloved.
One-Click Migration
Zenkit To Do offers a dedicated import feature for Wunderlist data. Users can transfer their entire account—lists, tasks, due dates, notes, and even attachments—with just a few clicks. This low-friction transition is one of Zenkit’s biggest strengths and a smart move to attract displaced Wunderlist users.
Basic Features and Simplicity
Zenkit To Do delivers on the basics. Users can:
- Create and manage task lists
- Add due dates and reminders
- Include subtasks and notes
- Attach files
- Collaborate with others in shared lists
The core experience is simple and uncluttered, echoing the original appeal of Wunderlist.
Where Zenkit To Do Falls Short
While Zenkit To Do shines in familiarity and concept, execution is a different story. There are several areas where the app doesn’t quite live up to expectations.
Performance and Stability
The most common user complaint is Zenkit To Do’s sluggish performance. The app can be unresponsive at times, with noticeable lag when switching between lists or editing tasks. Occasionally, the app freezes entirely or crashes without warning. This undermines trust in the product and can lead to lost productivity.
In comparison, apps like Todoist or Microsoft To Do feel snappier, more optimized, and responsive across devices.
Missing Features and Limitations
Despite replicating the look of Wunderlist, Zenkit To Do lacks depth in certain areas. Features that many users expect in modern task managers are missing or incomplete, such as:
- No calendar view or integration
- No recurring tasks with flexible repeat options
- No natural language date parsing
- Limited automation or integration with external tools
- No widget support (on mobile platforms)
- No location-based reminders
- Limited filtering and tagging options
These omissions might not affect basic users but are dealbreakers for power users who rely on more advanced workflows.
App Ecosystem Fragmentation
Zenkit offers a broad suite of productivity tools—including Zenkit Base (a database/kanban hybrid), Projects, and Zenchat. While the idea of a unified ecosystem is appealing, the way Zenkit splits functionality across these tools can be confusing.
Users looking for features like Gantt charts, kanban views, or mind maps have to use a different Zenkit app. This lack of cohesion can disrupt workflow and cause friction, especially for new users who don’t want to manage multiple apps just to access core features.
UI/UX Frustrations
Though the UI is visually pleasing, it sometimes prioritizes aesthetics over functionality. For example:
- Navigating between nested subtasks can feel clunky
- Collaboration tools are basic
- Bulk editing is awkward
- There’s no simple way to archive completed lists
The design often feels “almost there,” but not quite polished or optimized for heavy, daily use.
Limited Free Plan
Zenkit To Do’s free plan places limits on the number of tasks, folders, and team members. While understandable from a business perspective, these restrictions can feel overly tight for users who are accustomed to the generous limits of Wunderlist.
Additionally, storage is capped at 1GB in the free tier, which might be insufficient for users managing tasks with frequent attachments.
Comparing Zenkit To Do to Competitors
Microsoft To Do
Ironically, Microsoft To Do has improved dramatically since its launch, and while it lacks the soul of Wunderlist, it is now more stable and functional than Zenkit To Do. Features like task sharing, Outlook integration, recurring reminders, and a strong mobile experience make it a more dependable option.
Todoist
Todoist offers a clean interface, robust features, and deep integrations with services like Google Calendar, Zapier, and Slack. It supports natural language processing, advanced filters, productivity tracking, and more. While it has a steeper learning curve than Zenkit To Do, it’s a much more powerful and reliable tool.
TickTick
TickTick is another compelling alternative. It offers all the basics of a to-do app, plus a built-in Pomodoro timer, calendar views, habit tracking, and excellent recurring task support. It also feels more polished and stable across all platforms.
Ideal Use Cases for Zenkit To Do
Despite its shortcomings, Zenkit To Do isn’t without merit. It can work well for:
- Casual users: Those who want a simple, no-frills to-do list
- Wunderlist nostalgics: Users who valued Wunderlist’s aesthetic and style more than advanced features
- Zenkit ecosystem users: Those already using other Zenkit apps may benefit from tighter integrations
- Teams with light collaboration needs: Small teams that need basic shared lists and task commenting
The Future of Zenkit To Do
Zenkit To Do is still relatively young compared to its competitors. If its development team addresses the performance issues and expands its feature set, it has the potential to become a serious contender in the task management space.
The underlying foundation is solid. The UI is attractive, the ecosystem is ambitious, and the vision is clear. But execution matters. Without responsive performance, reliability, and key features, users will eventually migrate to tools that offer a more complete and frustration-free experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zenkit To Do free to use?
Yes, Zenkit To Do has a free version that offers basic task management features. However, it comes with limitations on task count, folders, attachments, and team collaboration. To unlock more storage, team features, and integrations, users must subscribe to a paid plan.
Can I import my Wunderlist data into Zenkit To Do?
Yes. Zenkit To Do offers a one-click import feature for Wunderlist data. This includes tasks, lists, due dates, notes, and attachments, making it easy for former Wunderlist users to transition.
Is Zenkit To Do good for teams or project management?
Zenkit To Do supports shared lists, task comments, and basic team collaboration, but it lacks robust project management features like Gantt charts, kanban boards, or workflow automation. For advanced team needs, Zenkit offers separate tools like Zenkit Projects and Zenkit Base.
Does Zenkit To Do work offline?
Yes, Zenkit To Do has offline functionality. You can access and edit your tasks without an internet connection, and changes will sync when you reconnect online.
Does Zenkit To Do support recurring tasks?
It offers basic recurring task functionality, but it’s not as flexible as in more advanced apps. Some users find it limiting, especially when trying to set complex repeat patterns.
Can I use Zenkit To Do across different platforms?
Yes. Zenkit To Do is available on web, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Data is synced across platforms using cloud sync, but performance may vary slightly depending on the device.
Is Zenkit To Do a good replacement for Wunderlist?
It depends. Zenkit To Do captures the spirit and design of Wunderlist but lacks the polish and performance that many users expect today. For casual users or those deeply nostalgic for Wunderlist, it may suffice. But for serious task management, there are better alternatives.
Conclusion
Zenkit To Do is a noble effort. It clearly aims to give Wunderlist users a home, offering a design and experience reminiscent of a much-loved platform. For that, it deserves recognition.But as a task management solution in 2025, it lacks the depth, stability, and performance necessary to compete with the best. While it may serve as a nostalgic stepping stone, users seeking a long-term productivity solution are better off with more mature alternatives.Zenkit To Do is not a Wunderlist killer. At best, it’s a well-meaning tribute—a product that, while full of potential, still has a long way to go.