I replaced all productivity tools with Microsoft Loop for a month and here’s how it went

Even since its introduction, I have kept a close eye on Microsoft Loop’s progress. While it was barebone at launch, the Windows maker has done a solid job improving Loop with frequent updates. Fast-forward to 2025, and I wanted to discover if it could truly be the all-in-one productivity solution Microsoft promised. So, I decided to ditch my current toolkit and started my exclusive month-long experiment with Loop.

Did Loop ultimately replace my productivity needs? This is my experience, a deep dive into the strengths and weaknesses of Microsoft Loop as a primary productivity hub.

Microsoft Loop offers solid mobile apps

Would love to see native desktop versions

For any tool aspiring to be an all-in-one productivity hub, a robust mobile app is non-negotiable. After all, I need to create some quick notes, tweak pages, and access my workspace on the go. And in this arena, Microsoft Loop truly shines. Unlike some competitors, where mobile experiences feel like afterthoughts (looking at you, Notion), Loop’s mobile apps are feature-rich and thoughtfully designed.

The interface is clean and intuitive, content creation is a breeze thanks to a robust toolbar, and the overall experience is smooth and polished.

Ideas tab is ideal for quick notes

Arrange your quick notes later

The Ideas tab in Microsoft Loop quickly became my digital scratchpad, a place for unfiltered thoughts and fleeting inspirations. With Notion and Obsidian, I often felt pressured to immediately categorize and organize every note. Loop’s Ideas provides a sense of freedom. I can simply dump my quick thoughts and random snippets without thinking twice.

Later, I can easily transfer those notes to relevant workspace pages and connect them to databases, meeting notes, and other relevant information.

Loop has nailed the project management

Handy for personal projects

Thanks to its well-integrated Kanban boards, project management within Microsoft Loop proved surprisingly efficient. I found that Loop effectively replicated the core features of dedicated project management tools like Trello and helped me visualize and manage my personal projects with ease.

I can create customizable tasks, assign them, add relevant properties and comments to tasks, and track progress through a drag-and-drop interface. Unlike external tools, where project details are often stored across different platforms, Loop keeps everything on a single page. All the related documents, notes, client details, and discussions are readily accessible on the same page as the Kanban board.

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The collaboration experience is smooth

Comments, reactions, and components

After using Microsoft Word and OneNote, I didn’t have high hopes for Loop in terms of collaboration. However, Loop’s collaboration experience turned out to be fluid and intuitive. Comments are thoughtfully integrated and reactions add a neat communication touch. However, the true game-changer is Loop components.

This feature allows me to copy and paste specific components of my workspace, like a task list or a project update, into other platforms, such as a Teams channel. Whenever I’m working on a project plan in Loop, I create a task list as a Loop component and share it in a Teams channel. Any changes I make to the task list in Loop instantly update in the Teams chat. So, if I check off a task as ‘done,’ everyone in the chat sees it right away.

Mermaid is a surprisingly neat add-on

Create diagrams in no time

The support for Mermaid is another neat add-on from Loop. For those unfamiliar, Mermaid is a powerful text-to-diagram tool that allows you to create flowcharts and complex diagrams using simple markdown-like syntax.

It turned out to be a huge productivity booster when I needed to visualize the data flow for a new feature we were developing. Instead of creating a static diagram in a separate application, I used Mermaid directly within my Loop workspace to get the job done.

Database options are limited

Doesn’t come anywhere near Notion

While Microsoft Loop excels in many areas, its database capabilities are currently quite limited when compared to more robust platforms like Notion. Where Notion offers a versatile (List, Board, Gallery, Calendar, Gantt, and Charts) and powerful database system with custom formula support, a wide array of column types, and advanced filtering options, Loop’s database functionality feels relatively basic.

I can only work with simple tables and Kanban boards. The limited column types also restricted my ability to organize data in a way that perfectly fit my needs. If you’re looking for a tool to handle complex databases and data manipulation, Loop may disappoint you.

Misses out on reminders

Have to rely on Microsoft To-Do

While I wasn’t necessarily looking for a full-fledged task management system within Microsoft Loop, the absence of even basic reminder functionality turned out to be frustrating. Even for simple databases or crucial meeting notes, the lack of reminders meant I had to rely on Microsoft To Do or manual checks to stay on top of important deadlines.

The ultimate Loop challenge

In the end, my month with Microsoft Loop was an eye-opener. Microsoft has nailed several aspects, like collaboration and project management. It also feels and looks more modern than existing Microsoft 365 apps. However, the limitations in database options and the absence of dedicated task management turned out to be a dealbreaker.

It’s important to remember that Loop is a relatively new tool. The core framework is solid, and with continued development, Microsoft can easily fill these gaps. As of now, I’m moving back to my usual productivity toolkit, but I will continue to keep a close eye on Loop’s developments. I encourage you to explore Loop for yourself. If it doesn’t work for you, check out these Loop alternatives.

Microsoft Loop

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