A dead simple Trello alternative
Trello grew into a platform: power-ups, butler automations, views, dashboards, per-seat pricing. If all you ever wanted was columns and cards, Simpleban is that — and nothing else. It opens in under a second, syncs in real time, works offline, and is free for two people forever.
| Feature | Simpleban | Trello |
|---|---|---|
| Drag-and-drop columns & cards | ||
| Real-time collaboration | ||
| Markdown notes & comments | ||
| Import a Trello board (JSON export) | — | |
| Works offline (PWA) | ||
| Opens in under a second | ||
| Labels, power-ups, automations, dashboards | None — on purpose | Hundreds |
| Pricing | Free — every feature, no paywall, never per-seat | Per user, per month |
| Learning curve | None | Real |
Bring your board with you
Export the board from Trello as JSON and drop the file into Simpleban: lists become columns, cards keep their notes, checklists, labels and due dates. About a minute, nothing changes in Trello. How to import a Trello board.
Who should NOT switch
Honest answer: teams that live on Trello’s automations, calendar/timeline views, or third-party integrations. Simpleban deliberately has none of that. It’s for people who felt Trello slowly turn into the thing they were escaping from.
Questions, answered
- Why pick Simpleban over Trello?
- If you use Trello as a simple to-do board and ignore 90% of its features, Simpleban gives you that 10% — faster, calmer, and free. If you rely on automations, integrations, and reporting, stay on Trello.
- Can I import my Trello board?
- Yes. Export the board from Trello as JSON (board menu → Print, export, and share → Export as JSON) and drop the file into Simpleban: lists become columns, cards keep their notes, checklists, labels and due dates. Archived items stay behind. It takes about a minute.
- Is Simpleban really free?
- Yes. Free for you plus one person, with every feature, unlimited boards, and no credit card. Nothing free today will ever move behind a paywall — that promise is in the Terms.
Columns, cards, done.
Try the live board on the homepage — no account needed — or create yours in 10 seconds.
Start freeOr play with the demo board first