Desktop vs. Browser vs. Mobile - the Asana guide

[Arthur_BEGOU]

Hi fellow Asana users

Did you know that Asana offers three platforms - desktop, browser and mobile - each with different benefits and limitations?

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the best fit.

1- Desktop App: Focus & Efficiency

Designed for a distraction-free workspace, the desktop app is ideal for managing complex projects.

• Work on multiple projects simultaneously across tabs & windows (new, since 2024)

• Native OS notifications

• Pomodoro timer for deep work focus

• Quick access via system tray (Windows) & menu bar (Mac)

• No offline mode or browser integrations

Best for: Power users needing structure and focus.

2- Browser: Flexibility & Accessibility

The most flexible option, offering seamless integration and multi-tab support.

• Work on multiple projects simultaneously across tabs & windows

• Automatic updates with no installation needed

• Browser extensions for enhanced productivity

• Works on all OS, including Linux

• Requires an open tab for notifications

• No offline mode

Best for: Users who need quick access, or have special needs (using Chrome add-ons, working with multiple Asana sessions in parallel…)

3- Mobile App: Productivity on the Go

Stay connected and manage tasks anytime, anywhere.

• Offline functionality—syncs when reconnected

• Voice input for tasks (iOS)

• Instant real-time notifications

• Attach images and documents on the go

• No drag & drop task management

Best for: Remote workers and users managing tasks on the go.

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Recap: Which One Should You Choose?

Feature/Criteria	Desktop App	Browser	Mobile App
Power User Experience	Yes	Yes	Limited
Offline Work	No	No	Yes
Real-time Notifications	Yes	Requires browser open	Instant updates
Multi-Tab Support	Yes	Yes	No
Multi-windows Support	Yes	Yes	No
Task Drag & Drop	Yes	Yes	Yes
Voice Input for Tasks	No	No	Yes (iOS)
System Tray Shortcuts	Yes	No	No
Integration with Browser Extensions	No	Yes	No
Weekly Focus Feature	No	No	Yes
Best For	Power users, detailed project management	Flexible work setup, real-time collaboration	Quick task updates, fieldwork, on-the-go management, Offline work

Final Thoughts

1. Need deep focus? → Choose Desktop.
2. Want flexibility? → Use the Browser.
3. On the move? → Go with Mobile.

Each platform has unique strengths—pick the one that fits your needs.

To go further:

• This article is Inspired by a question from a user Desktop app vs Internet bw* - Thanks @Chantelle_Drury
• Check my full blog article
• Help center : Asana desktop apps
• Help center : Asana mobile apps
• This article translated to French : Comparaison des plateformes Asana : Bureau vs Navigateur vs Mobile

Help me with your ideas

If something is wrong or has changed or you want to add an idea, please let me know in comment.
And if you found that content useful, feel free to drop a like

About me:

Arthur, Asana Expert and AI enthusiast
iDO Asana Partner: Services & Licenses

[Rashad_Issa]

Excellent post and a good summary! Thanks @Arthur_BEGOU for sharing it!

[Arthur_BEGOU]

TY @Rashad_Issa appreciated

[Richard_Sather]

Awesome post, @Arthur_BEGOU , super helpful!

[Dawn_Cassel]

This is a great article! I tend to utilize all three!

I wanted to add that Desktop App also supports multi-tabs/windows. Option appears when you right-click on just about anything from search results to the project list in your favorites.

[lpb]

Beautiful job comparing and contrasting the alternatives, @Arthur_BEGOU; thanks!!

Larry

[Arthur_BEGOU]

Hi @Dawn_Cassel

@Dawn_Cassel

I wanted to add that Desktop App also supports multi-tabs/windows. Option appears when you right-click on just about anything from search results to the project list in your favorites.

Thanks for your comment, you are absolutely right, this was launched in 2024, I made some changes to my article.

In terms of multitasking, the only benefit that I would see to use the browser is that you can have different Asana accounts connected at once (for example, with multiple Chrome profiles, as a consultant, I work simultaneously in different Asana environments, but that’s quite an edge case.).

[Rex_Boyd]

My Asana workflow requires that I have access to browser extensions. That said, I do like the focus capabilities (and one click startup) of the Desktop App. A few years ago I moved to using the “Install Page as an App” option in Chrome/Edge/Chromium browser option. This allows me the best of both worlds. When I need another Asana tab, it will open in my browser, but I always have access to browser plugins & a “home base” Asana for keeping organized.

[Arthur_BEGOU]

Smart, and great addition to the that post, thanks @Rex_Boyd !

[Lady_Grove]

That’s so helpful, thank you! I had no idea I could do that

[Bastien_Siebman]

Thanks Arthur, super useful. Even if I lose access to browser extensions, I’ll be a desktop app die hard fan for a long time… Feels more natural, more integrated, as well as faster…

You didn’t include the clock icon in the comparison, which is a game changer on the desktop app