Locu vs BlitzIt: Complete System vs Quick Capture
BlitzIt is designed for fast task capture and daily priorities. Locu provides the complete execution system: planning, focus sessions, time tracking, and work history. Compare features.
Locu vs BlitzIt: When Speed Isn't Enough
BlitzIt has perfected one thing: speed. Quick capture, lightning-fast shortcuts, minimal interface. It's designed for people who want to dump tasks quickly and focus on execution.
But fast capture doesn't mean focused execution.
Locu shares BlitzIt's philosophy of speed and simplicity, but adds the execution infrastructure you need to actually complete those tasks: structured focus sessions, distraction blocking, time tracking, and deep integrations.
If BlitzIt helps you capture quickly, Locu helps you execute effectively.
Why Fast Capture Needs Execution Structure
No Focus Support
BlitzIt is a task manager, period. It doesn't help you stay focused while working. No Focus Mode, no session structure, no distraction blocking. You see your tasks, but you're on your own for execution.
Locu's approach: Full execution infrastructure. Start a 60-minute focus session, select a task, get full context visible, automatic app/web blocking kicks in, Slack goes to DND. The system protects your focus while you work.
Missing Time Tracking
BlitzIt has no time tracking at all. For freelancers billing clients or anyone wanting to understand their execution patterns, this is a dealbreaker. You'd need to run Toggl or another tracker alongside, adding manual overhead.
Locu's approach: Sessions naturally capture time as you work. One action (start session) serves both focus and tracking. Export client-ready timesheets. See exactly how long tasks actually took vs how long you thought they'd take.
No Work History
BlitzIt shows you today's tasks and completed items, but there's no rich work history. Can't see patterns, can't review what you shipped last week, can't export for retrospectives or client reports.
Locu's approach: Complete work history built naturally from your sessions. See what you worked on, when, for how long. Task-based timeline shows your actual execution. Export for invoicing, reviews, or personal insights.
Limited Integrations
BlitzIt is intentionally minimal—no Jira, no Linear, no Slack, no Calendar. It's a standalone fast capture tool. But engineers need their execution workspace to connect with their actual work tools.
Locu's approach: Deep integrations where it matters. Jira and Linear tasks sync automatically. Slack status updates during focus. Calendar integration shows meeting context. GitHub commits can link to tasks. Your execution layer connects to your stack.
No Task Context Management
BlitzIt keeps tasks minimal by design—just a title and maybe a quick note. But complex engineering tasks need more: requirements, breakdown, notes from previous sessions, links to docs or PRs.
Locu's approach: Rich task context. Add detailed notes, break tasks into subtasks, link related resources. Full context visible during focus sessions—no switching to Jira or Notion to remember what you were doing.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | BlitzIt | Locu |
|---|---|---|
| Quick task capture | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Fast keyboard shortcuts |
| Daily planning | ✅ Today view | ✅ Today/Sooner/Later |
| Focus sessions | ❌ | ✅ Full session structure |
| App/website blockers | ❌ | ✅ Focus Mode |
| Time tracking | ❌ | ✅ Natural session tracking |
| Work history | ⚠️ Completed items only | ✅ Full timeline with context |
| Task notes | ⚠️ Minimal | ✅ Rich text with breakdown |
| Jira integration | ❌ | ✅ Full bidirectional sync |
| Linear integration | ❌ | ✅ Full sync |
| Slack integration | ❌ | ✅ DND + status updates |
| Google Calendar | ❌ | ✅ Meeting awareness |
| Client timesheets | ❌ | ✅ Invoice-ready export |
| Focused vs unfocused | ❌ | ✅ Execution quality metrics |
| Keyboard shortcuts | ✅ Core feature | ✅ Comprehensive |
| Mobile apps | ✅ | ✅ Planning & review |
| Pricing | Free / $5/mo pro | $12/mo ($6 Beta) |
When to Choose BlitzIt
✅ You want the absolute fastest task capture possible
✅ You don't need time tracking or work history
✅ You prefer ultra-minimal interfaces
✅ You handle focus and execution without tool support
✅ You don't need integrations with other tools
✅ Budget is critical (free tier available)
BlitzIt excels at getting tasks out of your head instantly.
When to Choose Locu
✅ You need fast capture AND focused execution
✅ You want time tracking without manual timer burden
✅ You need work history for invoicing or insights
✅ You work in Jira, Linear, and need integration
✅ You want distraction blocking during focus
✅ You need rich task context for complex work
✅ You're willing to pay for complete execution system
Locu combines speed with structure.
The Real Difference: Scope
BlitzIt's philosophy: Do one thing perfectly—fast task capture. Stay minimal. Stay fast.
Locu's philosophy: Fast capture + structured execution. Complete daily system.
They're not exactly competitors—they solve different parts of the problem:
- BlitzIt gets tasks into a list quickly
- Locu gets tasks into a list AND helps you complete them with focus
You could theoretically use both (capture in BlitzIt, execute in Locu), but that's tool sprawl. Locu's capture is fast enough for most users while providing the execution infrastructure BlitzIt lacks.
Switching from BlitzIt
What you'll keep:
- Fast keyboard-driven workflow
- Today/Later task organization
- Minimal, focused interface
- Quick task capture habits
What you'll gain:
- Focus sessions with distraction blocking
- Automatic time tracking
- Work history and timeline
- Jira/Linear/Slack/Calendar integrations
- Rich task notes and context
- Focused vs unfocused metrics
What you'll adjust to:
- Slightly more UI (but still minimal compared to Notion/ClickUp)
- Session-based workflow instead of pure task list
- Small monthly cost (but ROI is clear for freelancers/engineers)
Migration process:
- Export BlitzIt tasks to CSV
- Import to Locu or sync from Jira/Linear
- Set up integrations (5 minutes)
- Start first focus session
- Experience structured execution
Setup time: 10 minutes
Learning curve: 1 day (the concepts are simple)
Pricing Comparison
BlitzIt: Free or $5/month (Pro)
Locu: $12/month or $6/month (Beta discount)
The value gap:
BlitzIt at $5/month: Fast capture + basic tasks
Locu at $6/month (Beta): Everything above + focus sessions + time tracking + work history + integrations + export
If you're also running:
- A focus timer: $0-10/month
- Toggl or time tracker: $10-20/month
- Total with BlitzIt: $15-35/month
Replace all with Locu: $12/month ($6 with Beta)
Savings: $3-29/month ($36-348/year)
For Freelancers Specifically
BlitzIt's limitation: No time tracking means you still need Toggl/Harvest. That's another app to switch between, another timer to remember to start/stop, more manual overhead at invoice time.
Locu's advantage:
- Same fast task capture
- PLUS natural time tracking (sessions = billing units)
- PLUS invoice-ready exports (time + tasks + notes)
- PLUS better focus (higher quality work = happier clients)
The math: $6/month (Locu Beta) vs $5/month (BlitzIt) + $10-20/month (Toggl) = save $9-19/month while getting better execution tools.
The Honest Assessment
BlitzIt is excellent at what it does. If you truly only need lightning-fast capture and nothing else, stick with it. It's cheaper and more minimal.
But most engineers and freelancers need more than capture. They need:
- Focus sessions (to actually work deeply)
- Time tracking (to understand or bill time)
- Work history (to see patterns or report to clients)
- Integrations (to connect with Jira/Linear/Slack)
If you need any two of those, Locu becomes more valuable than BlitzIt + whatever other tools you'd add to fill the gaps.
BlitzIt is a great task list. Locu is a complete execution system.
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