Taskwarrior is a free and open-source command-line application for managing a task list. First released in 2006 and now maintained by Gothenburg Bit Factory, it is built for people who prefer working entirely inside a terminal rather than a browser or mobile app.
The tool is intentionally minimal and fast, focused on letting users add, modify, complete, and query tasks with short commands. Data is stored locally, and the project ships companion tools such as Timewarrior for time tracking and Taskshell for an interactive shell experience.
Key Features
Taskwarrior supports flexible tagging, priority levels, due dates, recurring tasks, and hierarchical projects and subprojects. Its reporting engine lets users build fully custom, colorized reports and filter tasks using sophisticated query expressions.
Advanced users extend Taskwarrior with hook scripts that run custom code on events like adding or completing a task, and with Taskserver for syncing a task list across multiple machines.
Pricing
Taskwarrior is completely free and open source under the MIT license, with no paid tiers or subscriptions. Development is funded through voluntary contributions and GitHub Sponsors rather than commercial licensing.
Key Features
Command-Line Interface — Fast task entry, modification, and completion using simple terminal commands.
Tagging and Filtering — Flexible tags and complex filter expressions to slice through large task lists.
Priorities and Due Dates — Assign urgency, due dates, and recurring schedules to keep work on track.
Projects and Subprojects — Organize tasks hierarchically across projects and subprojects.
Custom Reports — Build tailored report layouts and color rules for how tasks are displayed.
Hook Scripts — Trigger external scripts on task events for automation and integrations.
Synchronization — Sync tasks across devices using Taskserver.
Companion Tools — Timewarrior for time tracking and Taskshell for an interactive shell experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Completely free and open source with no vendor lock-in
Extremely fast and lightweight, ideal for terminal workflows
Highly customizable filtering, reports, and automation via hook scripts
Full control over locally stored task data
Active community and long development history since 2006
Cons
Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with command-line tools
No official polished mobile app (relies on third-party clients)
No built-in team collaboration or shared workspaces
Minimal visual interface compared to mainstream task apps
Setup and syncing require some technical configuration
Pricing
Taskwarrior Free N/A
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taskwarrior free?
Yes, Taskwarrior is completely free and open source under the MIT license.
What platforms does Taskwarrior run on?
Linux, macOS, BSD, and other Unix-like systems; Windows users typically run it via WSL.
Does Taskwarrior have a mobile app?
There is no official mobile app, but community-built clients exist for some platforms.
How do I sync tasks across devices?
Taskwarrior supports synchronization through Taskserver, a self-hosted or third-party sync service.
Who maintains Taskwarrior?
The project is maintained by Gothenburg Bit Factory and a community of open-source contributors.
Can I automate tasks in Taskwarrior?
Yes, hook scripts let you trigger custom code on events like adding or completing a task.
Is there a graphical interface for Taskwarrior?
Taskwarrior itself is command-line only, though third-party GUIs and terminal UIs built on top of it exist.
What is Timewarrior?
Timewarrior is a companion open-source time-tracking tool that integrates with Taskwarrior.