To do lists are one of the easiest ways to keep yourself (and your team/family) on track for deliverables, meetings, and appointments. Having the right to do list application to help you do that is essential! However, finding that “perfect” application can be difficult with so many different types of productivity applications out there. After sorting through all of the options, these are the only 7 to do list apps that you should be using!
Perfect for those looking for an all-in-one productivity system
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Web
Notion is an exceptionally powerful tool and is the ideal option for those interested in an “all-in-one” productivity system. It offers the ability to break projects into various views and hierarchies, while also integrating various aesthetic and visual customization to give everyone their own feel to their dashboards. Collaboration is another large staple of this software, offering chat and comment options that allow open and quick collaboration between teams of all sizes efficient. Oh, and did we mention their mobile, web, and desktop applications are all user friendly and sync effortlessly.
With the ability to essentially organize information in any way, Notion can also be slightly overwhelming making it a little less ideal for those looking for a “quick start” option. With those options though, it also has tons of integration options like calendars, and other applications. The free version of the app is out of the box pretty great, but plan pricing are also affordable for teams or those who need more space for files.
Free & Paid Versions (<9$/month) available
THE to do list app for beginners or those wanting simplicity
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Web
This application packs the perfect punch of simplicity and power for users, making it the ideal option for beginners and those who like “quick start” to do list apps. Todolist has excellent natural language processing, making task creation intuitive and easy (i.e. call the vet on Monday → a task is created titled “Call the vet” with a due date of Monday). Another perk of the Todoist system is that is allows for the creation of tasks, subtasks, and labels to keep your work/deliverables/tasks organized.
Outside of it’s easy and intuitive application, Todoist is also great for users that work collaboratively with a team! It’s also available on all platforms eliminating the issue of users on various platforms. There are free and paid options that are extremely affordable!
Free & Paid Versions (<3$/month) available
For to do list pros or more complicated tracking needs
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Web
This app is what we would consider an “above and beyond” on the list of to do list apps and is great for those who love the GTD (Get Things Done) method. It’s available on most platforms and offers users extreme flexibility in terms of how to organize their tasks, subtasks, projects, labels, etc. TickTick also offers integrations that allow you to see all of your tasks, meetings, and appointments in one view.
What makes this an “above and beyond” option though? The additional organization and productivity features it offers! It has a built-in Pomodoro Timer, as well as habit tracking tool. In it’s most recent update, Tick Tick also added an Eisenhower Matrix which is one of our favorite ways to organize your daily schedule! Tell us this isn’t awesome! We’ll wait.
Free & Paid Versions (<2.40$/month) available
For Microsoft Users or Wunderlist Groupies
Windows, Android, iOS, Web, iPad, iPhone
The child of Microsoft and Wunderlist, To Do is a powerful to do list app that heavily integrates with Microsoft applications. This makes To Do a perfect application for Microsoft and Window’s users. This to do list app syncs tasks from Outlook and also offers a way to mobile sync tasks. Along with it’s strong natural language processor and integration with Cortana, To Do offers a powerful tool with a minimal learning curve.
One perk with To Do that other to do list apps don’t offer is customization. Change backgrounds and themes to create a look all your own. Another added perk is that this application is 100% free!
Free version only
For “all” Apple Users
iOS, iPad, iPhone
A fan favorite for Apple users, Things 3 is a to do list app that offers users total flexibility in how to organize and control tasks, projects, and deadlines. A perk for how powerful this software can be is that it’s extremely easy to use, making it another option for users looking for a “quick start” app. The level of organization that Things 3 offers also makes it ideal for users that have more complex, or long-term projects and tasks/tracking needs.
Outside of what the software offers out of the box, Things also integrates with several other apps (like calendars) that can only add to your level of organization/views. It offers a free trial before users are required to select a plan, ranging in price depending on platform.
Free trial, $49.99 macOS, $19.99 iPad, $9.99 iPhone
Great for users who need more engagement, but not complexity
iOS, iPad, iPhone
Make to do lists fun again! Habitica was created by game designers to do just that. Turn your to do list into a game to keep yourself more engaged and motivated to finish your tasks! Create characters and level them up or take damage depending on if you complete or put off tasks.
Although it’s not great for long-term or complex tracking/projects, it’s a great way to get engaged with yourself and others. Who doesn’t love something that makes working fun again?
Free version only
The one for Kanban lovers
iOS, iPad, iPhone
This application is like Kanban boards on crack. Not only do the tiles offers exceptional levels of detail, individual tasks lists, labels, and more, but the drag and drop interface is excellent. Trello offers users the ability to get as detailed or general as they would like, and offer tons of different integrations to stay on track. Our favorite integration with Trello is Planyway which helps with time blocking and is another favorite of ours to help you manage your daily schedule!
As if there wasn’t enough to love about this to do list app, it also is great for users looking for a “quick start” app. It’s perfect for those interested in tracking linear, on-going projects and tasks.
Free and Paid (<17.50$/month) version available
When it comes to productivity systems, we a firm believers in work smarter, not harder. That’s why having only the best to do list apps working for you is so important! If you decide to implement any or multiple of these to do list apps into your task management system, you are guaranteed to see an increase in productivity!
