Done Bear is a local-first task manager for GTD-focused individuals and teams, available across web, macOS, Windows, and Linux.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
The app removes the connectivity dependency required by cloud-only rivals, serving users who need instant access to their task lists in offline environments.
For GTD-focused individuals and small teams who prefer list-based task management over complex project tracking software.
What does it look like?
Key features
Tasks reside on the device for instant access without network connectivity, syncing automatically when online.
Hosted MCP server allows AI assistants like Claude to read, add, and triage tasks directly into the user's list.
CLI command to migrate projects, areas, and schedules from Things 3 into Done Bear.
How much does it cost?
Freemium model uses a task-count cap to gate power users while offering unlimited team members to encourage viral adoption.
Velocity
Maintenance developmentUX improvementsperformanceShow more...
Done Bear: GTD Task Manager currently operates at a maintenance cadence, with only one release shipped in the analyzed window. The latest version focuses exclusively on performance refinements, checklist editing, and connectivity stability. Development appears stable but limited to technical upkeep rather than new feature expansion. Given the current pace of one release every 16 days, the app remains in a maintenance state.
Who built it?
User Sentiment
What do users think recently?
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
Not enough recent reviews to extract reliable themes yet.
Read the full review analysisCompetition
Competitive landscape for Done Bear: GTD Task Manager
How's the Productivity market?
Done Bear enters the productivity space as a niche utility, focusing on offline-first performance rather than broad project management features.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
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Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Done Bear: GTD Task Manager
Where is it heading?
The productivity market is consolidating around AI-integrated workflows, placing Done Bear in a position to capture power users who value offline reliability. Maintenance-mode updates leave the app exposed to feature-heavy rivals, so the PM must prioritize conversion and trust-building to secure a foothold.
- The current maintenance-only release cadence suggests a focus on stability over rapid feature expansion, which may limit growth against feature-rich rivals.
- The inclusion of a Things 3 migration CLI demonstrates a clear strategy to capture high-intent users from established competitors.
The SWOT
- Local-first architecture enables instant-load performance
- MCP server integration enables AI-augmented triage
- Things 3 CLI lowers switching barriers
- Expansion into AI-assisted professional workflows
- Targeting Things 3 power users via migration
Next best moves
A/B test the 250-task free limit because it is a primary churn risk for power users → increase conversion
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The reliance on a hosted MCP server for AI triage is a risk…
Read the full takeSince the last report: The developer has shifted focus from feature expansion to conversion optimization and trust-building, specifically targeting the 250-task free limit as a primary churn risk. This pivot marks a transition from a maintenance-only stance to an active effort to address competitive friction.
Bottom line
Done Bear's local-first architecture provides a reliable foundation for offline task management, but the task-count cap requires careful tuning to avoid premature churn. Pivoting toward conversion optimization will unlock the value of the existing power-user feature set.
Unlock 2 critical frictions, 2 market threats, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is Done Bear suitable for offline use?
How does Done Bear compare to Things 3?
Are there limits to the free version?
Sources
- [1] Done Bear website, source
Report last updated