Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Trello VS Org mode

Compare Trello VS Org mode and see what are their differences

Trello logo Trello

Infinitely flexible. Incredibly easy to use. Great mobile apps. It's free. Trello keeps track of everything, from the big picture to the minute details.

Org mode logo Org mode

Org: an Emacs Mode for Notes, Planning, and Authoring
  • Trello Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-23
  • Org mode Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-04-15

Trello

Website
trello.com
$ Details
freemium $12.5 / Monthly (Per user - Business Class)

Trello features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Trello's drag-and-drop interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.
  • Collaborative Features
    Trello allows for real-time collaboration, with features like comments, mentions, and attachments, making team communication seamless.
  • Customization Options
    Users can customize boards with different backgrounds, labels, and stickers. Additionally, Trello offers Power-Ups to extend functionality.
  • Cross-Platform Availability
    Trello is available on iOS, Android, and web, allowing users to stay connected and manage tasks from multiple devices.
  • Integration Support
    Trello integrates with a variety of other tools such as Slack, Google Drive, and Jira, enhancing its functionality and adaptability.
  • Free Tier
    Trello offers a robust free tier that includes many essential features, making it a cost-effective option for individuals and small teams.

Possible disadvantages of Trello

  • Limited Advanced Features
    Some advanced project management features, like Gantt charts and time tracking, are not available or require third-party integrations.
  • Notification Overload
    Users can receive a high volume of notifications, especially in larger teams, which can become overwhelming and reduce productivity.
  • Scalability Issues
    While suitable for small to medium-sized projects, Trello may struggle with more complex project management needs, particularly for large-scale enterprises.
  • Storage Limitations
    The free version of Trello has storage limitations, which can be restrictive for teams that need to share and store large files.
  • Dependence on Third-Party Integrations
    Many advanced features and functionalities depend on third-party integrations, which can lead to additional costs and potential security concerns.
  • Limited Reporting and Analytics
    Trello lacks comprehensive reporting and analytics features, making it difficult for teams to gain insights into their productivity and project performance.

Org mode features and specs

  • Seamless Integration with Emacs
    Org mode is tightly integrated with Emacs, allowing users to take full advantage of Emacs' powerful text-editing capabilities and extensive customization options.
  • Outline-Based Workflow
    Org mode supports hierarchical organization of information, which makes it easy to structure content in a clear, logical manner and manage complex documents or projects.
  • Task Management
    Built-in TODO lists, scheduling, and deadline management features make it a powerful tool for personal productivity and project management.
  • Export Capabilities
    Org mode can export documents to a variety of formats including HTML, LaTeX, PDF, and Markdown, making it versatile for different publishing needs.
  • Customizability
    Highly customizable through Emacs Lisp, allowing users to tailor Org mode to their specific workflow requirements.
  • Community and Extensions
    A robust community and numerous extensions are available, providing additional functionality and support.

Possible disadvantages of Org mode

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Requires significant time and effort to learn, especially for users who are not already familiar with Emacs.
  • Emacs Dependency
    Org mode is dependent on Emacs, which might not appeal to users who prefer different text editors or Integrated Development Environments (IDEs).
  • Complexity
    While it's powerful, the extensive features and customization options can become overwhelming and lead to a complex setup.
  • Lack of Standalone Version
    There is no standalone version of Org mode; it requires Emacs, which can be a barrier for those who do not want to use Emacs.
  • User Interface
    The text-based interface might not be as intuitive or visually appealing as modern, graphical task management or note-taking applications.

Trello videos

How to Organize Your Workflow - Trello Review!

More videos:

  • Review - Why I'm LEAVING Trello 😲 | Trello 2019
  • Review - Trello - A Quick Overview

Org mode videos

org mode is awesome

More videos:

  • Review - 2018-11-14: Building a Second Brain in Org Mode - Tasshin Michael Fogleman

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Trello and Org mode)
Project Management
95 95%
5% 5
Task Management
90 90%
10% 10
Productivity
100 100%
0% 0
Note Taking
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using Trello and Org mode. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Trello and Org mode

Trello Reviews

  1. A handy tool for planning

    Trello excels as a task planning tool, and I appreciate its user-friendly interface, especially when using it on a smartphone. Its mobile app is incredibly convenient, allowing me to stay organized and connected on the go. I appreciate how it streamlines collaboration without unnecessary complexities.

  2. Been using it for over 5 years! Super effective!

    Incorporating Trello into my daily workflow has been a game-changer. It is an incredibly intuitive and versatile tool that has significantly boosted my productivity. What I particularly love about Trello is the visual aspect of its interface - the board and card system makes it easy to visualize my tasks and progress. The ability to create different boards for different projects or areas of work helps to keep everything organized and easy to manage. Adding, moving, and categorizing tasks are just a drag-and-drop away, making it straightforward and efficient. The flexibility to customize each card with due dates, labels, checklists, attachments, and even members has been beneficial in tracking the status of various tasks and deadlines.

    he collaborative features are another huge plus. Sharing boards and tasks with colleagues, and being able to comment directly on cards, makes team projects and communication a breeze. On the go, I have found the Trello mobile app to be just as user-friendly and functional as the desktop version, allowing me to stay on top of my tasks no matter where I am. Overall, Trello has proved to be an invaluable tool in managing my daily tasks and enhancing productivity. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to streamline their workflow.

    🏁 Competitors: Asana
  3. Simon
    · Working at Simon ·
    A Great Collaboration Tool, But There Are Better Options Out There

    I have been using Trello for a couple of years now and I must say, it's a great tool for organising tasks and collaborating with team members. It's simple to use, has a nice interface, and the mobile apps are great for on-the-go productivity.

    One of the best things about Trello is its flexibility. You can use it for almost any type of project, whether it's a personal to-do list or a complex team project. The ability to create multiple boards and add unlimited cards and lists makes it a great tool for keeping track of everything from the big picture to the minute details.

    However, while Trello is a good tool, I don't think it's the best option out there. For one thing, the free version is quite limited in terms of features and functionality. You'll have to upgrade to a paid plan to get access to things like integrations, power-ups, and more. Additionally, I've found that Trello can be a bit slow at times, especially when you have a lot of boards and cards.

    🏁 Competitors: Asana
    👍 Pros:    Flexible|Easy to use|Mobile app
    👎 Cons:    Expensive|Limited features on free plan|Little slow

Top 10 Productivity Apps for MacOS 2025
Trello is great for keeping track of all the stages of a project. It’s basically a visual to-do list on steroids. I use it when I need to plan something with more structure than just ticking things off — like launching a side project or organising a trip. Boards, lists, and cards might sound like overkill at first, but once you start dragging things around, it just clicks....
Source: dev.to
The Top 7 ClickUp Alternatives You Need to Know in 2025
Benefits:Trello's straightforward design allows users to quickly adapt without extensive training. Recent updates have introduced features like card mirroring and integration with Jira lists, enhancing its capabilities.
How Tight-Knit Teams Get More Done with Innovative Project Management Tools
A small business might suddenly land a new client or product line. With a flexible approach, you can handle sudden expansions. For instance, if your Trello board becomes crowded, you can create additional boards or switch to something like Asana that manages more detailed sub-tasks. Meanwhile, short video demos via ScreenRec can ensure your new hires (or existing staff)...
Source: medium.com
25 Best Asana Alternatives & Competitors for Project Management in 2024
If this isn’t your first time on the project management software hunt, you’ve most likely come across Trello as one of the popular Asana alternatives. Trello organizes projects into boards inspired by Kanban, a workflow management method. A board is filled with task cards containing notes, attachments, images, documents, and other data to collaborate with teammates.
Source: clickup.com
The 10 best Asana alternatives in 2024
Trello also lets you create custom automations that run based on project activity, like an approaching due date or when a card is moved between lists. You can even set up custom buttons for cards and boards that run an automated sequence when clicked. Individuals and small teams that don't need Asana's advanced template library and team management might be happy to trade...
Source: zapier.com

Org mode Reviews

Ask HN: Favorite note-taking software?
Before going full Org Mode, I used MS OneNote, and liked it very much. My notes from that period has tons of images and annotated screenshots dumped into them. I miss that in my Emacs workflow nowadays. My dream software would be pieces of Org Mode on a OneNote-like canvas, with support for easily pasting images and drawing on them (especially using a graphics tablet, or at...

Social recommendations and mentions

Trello might be a bit more popular than Org mode. We know about 242 links to it since March 2021 and only 181 links to Org mode. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Trello mentions (242)

  • Outsourcing Node.js Development: A Smart Choice for Modern Businesses
    Communication & Collaboration Tools: Communication must be clear as crystal. AI-based project management tools such as Jira and Trello facilitate real-time collaboration with outsourced developers. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • Mastering the Money Matters of Open Source: Navigating the Financial Landscape
    Budgeting and Planning: Setting a realistic budget that aligns with the project’s goals is an essential first step. Tools such as Trello and Asana can help project teams organize tasks and track financial planning efforts. Detailed budget management strategies are also discussed within the open source project budget management guides. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • The Best 100 Free UI/UX Resources for Every Designer & Developer
    Trello Trello.com Project management tool. - Source: dev.to / 4 months ago
  • Time management: Learn how to make a huge difference in your productivity
    Write down your daily tasks in a notebook. After completing each task, put a tick next to it. This gives you a great sense of reward like you’ve accomplished something. If there’s something you cannot work on during the day, record it in a task-management app like Trello or Todoist. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • Ask HN: How do I consolidate all my messaging services into ont big dashboard?
    Trello? I haven’t used it in … years, so I don’t know if it supports everything you need, though that was its original intended purpose https://trello.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 8 months ago
View more

Org mode mentions (181)

  • Ask HN: How do you store the knowledge gained in a day?
    TIP: When asking for advice in relation to knowledge management, note-taking, etc., be sure to ask for precise details regarding commenters' solutions. There are many people who participate in these discussions who don't seem to take a lot of notes (e.g., one file or paper notepad for all of their notes!). I have a personal knowledge base that currently includes almost 7,000 files in which I store my notes. I take... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
  • Ask HN: Static Site (not blog) Generator?
    My favorite static site generator is Org mode[1] for Emacs. Org files are written using a feature-rich lightweight markup language[2] that is much more powerful than Markdown (e.g., plain text spreadsheets). Org files can be exported to HTML[3]. The reason I prefer Org for static site generation is not because I already use Emacs. I actually started using Emacs about 20 years ago specifically to use Org mode. [1]... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
  • Reinventing notebooks as reusable Python programs
    "until recently, Jupyter notebooks were the only programming environment that let you see your data while you worked on it." This is false. Org-mode has had this functionality for over two decades. https://orgmode.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Emacs 2024 Changes
    Work - I use org-mode heavily for my personal project management and note keeping. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • My 2024 review
    While embracing analog tools, I've also refined my digital organization using ORG mode in Emacs. The system has evolved to become more structured and efficient. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Trello and Org mode, you can also consider the following products

Asana - Asana project management is an effort to re-imagine how we work together, through modern productivity software. Fast and versatile, Asana helps individuals and groups get more done.

Todoist - Todoist is a to-do list that helps you get organized, at work and in life.

Basecamp - A simple and elegant project management system.

Workflowy - A better way to organize your mind.

Wrike - Wrike is a flexible, scalable, and easy-to-use collaborative work management software that helps high-performance teams organize and accomplish their work. Try it now.

Obsidian.md - A second brain, for you, forever. Obsidian is a powerful knowledge base that works on top of a local folder of plain text Markdown files.