Why Mindwtr (Quick Comparison)

Mindwtr is built for people who want a complete GTD system without lock-in. Here is a brief, respectful comparison with mainstream task apps and GTD-focused alternatives.

Legend: ✅ = yes, ❌ = no, ⚠️ = partial/limited support.

This comparison is based on the current public capabilities of each product. If any entry is outdated, feel free to open an issue or PR with sources.

Philosophy

Mindwtr is built to be simple by default and powerful when you need it. We focus on reducing cognitive load, cutting the fat, and keeping you in flow. That means:

• Progressive disclosure: advanced options stay hidden until they matter.
• Less by default: fewer fields, fewer knobs, fewer distractions.
• Avoid feature creep: we prioritize clarity over clutter.

Don't show me a cockpit when I just want to ride a bike.

Features

• GTD workflow end-to-end: Capture, Clarify, Organize, Reflect, Engage.
• Focus view combines time-based agenda with next actions.
• Local-first data model with native iCloud / CloudKit sync on supported Apple builds, plus file sync, WebDAV, Dropbox, and self-hosted cloud options.
• Projects support sections, areas, and reorderable project task order for larger multi-step planning.
• Obsidian vault import with note deep links on desktop.
• Optional AI copilot (BYOK + local/self-hosted compatible models).
• Cross-platform apps for desktop and mobile, plus PWA.
• Optional automation helpers with desktop local REST API, CLI, and the published mindwtr-mcp server.

Installation

Desktop (Linux)

Arch Linux (AUR, prebuilt recommended):

# Using yay
yay -S mindwtr-bin

# Using paru
paru -S mindwtr-bin

Arch Linux (AUR, build from source):

# Using yay
yay -S mindwtr

# Using paru
paru -S mindwtr

Debian / Ubuntu (APT repo, recommended):

curl -fsSL https://dongdongbh.github.io/Mindwtr/mindwtr.gpg.key | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/mindwtr-archive-keyring.gpg
echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/mindwtr-archive-keyring.gpg] https://dongdongbh.github.io/Mindwtr/deb ./" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mindwtr.list
sudo apt update
sudo apt install mindwtr

Fedora / RHEL / openSUSE (DNF/YUM repo, recommended):

cat <<'EOF' | sudo tee /etc/yum.repos.d/mindwtr.repo
[mindwtr]
name=Mindwtr Repository
baseurl=https://dongdongbh.github.io/Mindwtr/rpm
enabled=1
gpgcheck=0
EOF

sudo dnf install mindwtr

Flatpak (Flathub):

flatpak install flathub tech.dongdongbh.mindwtr

Other methods: AppImage or .deb/.rpm from GitHub Releases.

Desktop (Windows)

Microsoft Store (recommended):

Winget:

winget install dongdongbh.Mindwtr

Chocolatey:

Scoop:

scoop bucket add mindwtr https://github.com/dongdongbh/homebrew-mindwtr
scoop install mindwtr

Portable ZIP (no admin required):

• Download mindwtr_<version>_windows_x64_portable.zip from GitHub Releases.
• Extract it to a writable folder and keep portable.txt next to mindwtr.exe.
• Mindwtr stores data under profile/ in the extracted folder.

Other methods: installer .exe from GitHub Releases.

Desktop (macOS)

Mac App Store (recommended):

Install from the Mac App Store: Mindwtr on Mac App Store. TestFlight beta (macOS): Join the beta.

Homebrew:

brew install --cask mindwtr

Other methods: .dmg from GitHub Releases.

Mobile

Android:

Install with F-Droid:

1. Install the F-Droid client.
2. Open Mindwtr on F-Droid and install.

Install with IzzyOnDroid (alternative F-Droid-compatible repo):

1. Install an F-Droid-compatible client (Droid-ify, Neo Store, or F-Droid).
2. Add the IzzyOnDroid repository: https://apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/repo.
3. Open Mindwtr on IzzyOnDroid and install.

Other methods: APK from GitHub Releases.

iOS:

Available on the App Store: Mindwtr for iOS. TestFlight beta: Join the beta.

However, maintaining the iOS version on the App Store requires a substantial annual fee (see the Apple Developer Program), which I currently cover out of pocket.

To ensure Mindwtr's continued existence and future development, your support is greatly appreciated! If you find value in the app, please consider supporting the project via GitHub Sponsors or Ko-fi.

Docker (PWA + Cloud Sync)

Run the web app (PWA) and the self-hosted sync server with Docker:

• Guide: docker/README.md

Install guides: 🚀 Getting Started

Community

Mindwtr is shaped by its users and contributors. Thank you for helping improve it.

♥️ Contributing & Support

If you want to get involved, start with CONTRIBUTING.md.

You can help in several ways:

1. Spread the word: Share Mindwtr with friends and communities, and support it on Product Hunt and AlternativeTo.
2. Leave store reviews: A good rating/review on the App Store, Google Play, or Microsoft Store helps a lot.
3. Star and share: Star the repo and post about Mindwtr on X, Reddit, or LinkedIn.
4. Report bugs and request features: Open issues on GitHub Issues.
5. Join the community chat: Come to Discord.
6. Help with translations: Contribute locale updates in packages/core/src/i18n/locales/.
7. Contribute code/docs: Open a pull request and follow the contribution guide and commit conventions.
8. Pick and build: Community members are welcome to pick any open issue and submit a PR.
9. Sponsor the project: Support ongoing development via GitHub Sponsors or Ko-fi.

Documentation

• 📚 Wiki - Complete user guide
• 🚀 Getting Started
• ❓ FAQ
• 🔄 Data & Sync
• 🔗 Markdown Links
• 🛠️ Cloud Deployment
• ☁️ Cloud API
• 🧠 MCP Server
• 📝 Release Notes Index

Star History

Sponsors

Thanks to these monthly sponsors for supporting Mindwtr.

_{@jarrydstan · @ronmolenda · @bepolymathe · @davidblume · @karl1990 · @srijan · @davibicudo}