Are you stuck using a random to-do list apps just because your friend recommended it, or because your work mandates a specific tool? Or perhaps you are currently writing down your tasks and reminders on a sticky note in your kitchen. Regardless of your current situation, picking the best to do list apps should be a personal and thoughtful decision, not one based on randomness or what someone else tells you to do.
So if you are someone who is stuck in a not-so-great to do list software, or if you are someone who is looking to finally start keeping track of your tasks, read along to learn about some of the best to do list apps and why each one is so useful.
Different types of to-do list apps
There are several types of to-do list apps on the market for individuals and teams seeking to stay organized and productive. Some apps offer simple, straightforward lists with the ability to add tasks and check them off as completed. Others provide more advanced features, like deadlines, notes, and subtasks.
Some apps also utilize a calendar view, allowing users to schedule tasks and events in a visual format. Additionally, there are apps that focus on collaboration, providing the option to share lists with others and assign tasks to team members. Overall, there is a wide range of to-do list apps to suit different preferences and needs.
What to look for in a to-do list app
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of apps out there — that’s why its key to identify exactly what you are looking for in your to do list tool. So before you begin your app hunt, ask yourself some of the questions below to ensure that the apps you’re looking for hit the requirements you need.
- Does it have the flexibility to create different types of tasks?
- Can I set dates and deadlines for my tasks?
- Will I receive reminders for upcoming tasks?
- Can I share tasks with others?
- Can my app also work on my computer?
- Does this app have a great user experience?
- Does my to-do list have a reporting function?
If using the list above and going through these top to-do list apps can help you narrow down your options just a teeny bit, then this article has done its job — and we can mark that accomplishment off our to-do list. So buckle up and get ready to learn more about some of the best simple to do list apps that might be precisely what you need.
The best to-do list apps of 2024
1. Hive
A look at Hive’s My Actions interface.
Hive is the ultimate to-do list app to take your productivity to the next level. With Hive, you can create tasks, set due dates, nest them within larger projects, and assign them to others in your workspace. The mobile app lets you track tasks on the go, while the desktop platform is perfect for when you’re working in a hybrid or remote setup.
My Actions view is your one-stop shop to see all upcoming tasks in one single list. Hive also offers multiple project layouts if you’re someone who prefers to view your to-dos in another format too. For example, Hive’s Kanban boards let you move tasks around a visual board based on their status, while the Calendar view displays what is due any particular day.
Additional features from Hive:
- Tasks and sub-tasks
- Recurring tasks
- Collaboration tools including native email, chat, and video integrations
- Workflow automation tools
- Collaborative note-taking platform
- Ability to create tasks from notes
- AI writing tool to generate content and create project plans
- Goal-tracking capabilities
Why Should You Choose Hive?
Hive has a free version that gives you access to all of the basic features, and is a great option for anyone looking to keep tabs on their personal to-do list. If you’re looking to use Hive Teams to collaborate with others, you can upgrade to the premium version and access additional features such as time tracking, reporting, and 1000+ integrations.
Start your free 14-day trial to see why thousands of individuals and teams use Hive to keep track of their to-dos, both personal and professional.
Now, here are some other great options that you can consider for apps in this space.
2. Todoist
Todoist is a fabulous option if you want an app available on multiple platforms. If you’re thinking: Is there an app for daily tasks? This is the right option for you. The interface is very user-friendly, and it’s easy to navigate. The app just feels minimalist. You are not overwhelmed by colors, clicking, and intrusive alerts. It is clean, easy, and seamless.
Todoist also has a built-in Karma system that tracks your progress and gives you points for completing tasks and using additional features. While these points won’t add up to any tangible goal, gamification is a fun way to feel rewarded for task-completion process and see how you are progressing over time.
The free version of Todoist gives you access to all of the basic features. If you want to upgrade to the premium version, it costs $72 per year and gives you access to additional features, such as task labels and filters, location-based reminders, and file attachments.
3. Google Keep
You may be thinking: Is there a Google app for lists? Years ago, I used Google Keep explicitly before I left its simplicity to try out some new to-do list apps and fancy user interfaces. Looking back at Google Keep today, I’m shocked and extremely pleased over the updates it has made since I have used it. It is definitely one of the best simple to-do list apps on the market.
However, this isn’t the app for you if you are looking for bells, whistles, and functionality to add additional people to tasks and schedules. It is suitable if you need a basic free app that will send you reminders, pings, and updates and be a place to jot notes, plans, and any personal information you need. It’s a sweet little program that offers nuts and bolts, and as a bonus, if you are a Google user, it’s already linked up with a lot of your day-to-day anyhow.
4. Remember The Milk
How can you not love an app called Remember The Milk? The name alone ranks it high on our list of to do list apps. Clever name aside, this app is especially useful for personal, non-work items. Many people can relate to having a busy family, growing kids, and animals to take care of… it’s not uncommon to forget the milk (and everything else).
Remember The Milk is an excellent option on our to do list apps list because it works for those needing extra reminders on-the-go and at home. The app is available on multiple platforms, allows you to create task lists, and has the functionality to set up recurring tasks. You can also add tags to tasks, which is extremely helpful to categorize your needs in a certain way. This app also can add subtasks to your main tasks, so this can be helpful when breaking your daily chores down into smaller steps.
The free version of Remember The Milk gives you access to all of the basic features. If you want to upgrade to the premium version, it costs $40 per year and gives you access to additional features, such as file attachments and location-based reminders.
5. Way of Life
Most commonly used to help break bad habits and build good ones, Way of Life is an app that also serves as a to-do list, especially if you have repetitive tasks throughout your week. You can track your performance with only one click, using the app color-coded based yes and no feature. Way of Life supports accountability graphics that report your activities.
Use the reminder feature if you need an extra push to remind you of your tasks. Use the journal feature to add notes or additional details about the task. One of the drawbacks of the tool is the absence of KPIs or OKR tracking tools. The app is available for iOS and Android and costs $4.99; users can make additional in-app purchases to unlock premium features.
6. nTask
nTask is an incredible task management and project management application that can be used to track all of the things you have to do in your personal and professional life. The application has an intuitive and minimalistic interface, making it easy to onboard new users. nTask is also easy-to-access being available on multiple platforms.
Some of the key features include team management, risk management, meeting management, bug tracking, Gantt charting, Kanban boarding, time management, and timesheet management. The platform offers a free trial. The premium toolkit costs $3/month/user which is why it ranks high on our list of best to do list apps.
7. Microsoft To Do
Microsoft To Do is a straightforward approach to staying on top of your to-do’s and access them anywhere via the cloud, which is why it’s on our list of great to do list apps. The software keeps it simple by giving you just the essentials you’ll need to scratch off your tasks without any bells or whistles.
You can set reminders for yourself and tasks can be sorted by the due date, creation date, importance, or alphabetically. Microsoft To Do allows you to share tasks with friends, family and colleagues and can be easily integrated with Microsoft Outlook.
The software is available for desktop, mobile, and your lists can also be accessed via the web. You won’t have to worry about shelling out any cash for this app as it’s completely free as long as you sign up for a Microsoft account.
8. TickTick
TickTick is one of our top to do list apps that has great features such as smart lists, calendar view, easy access to an overview of your daily to monthly tasks, and Kanban board view.
TickTick can also help you stay focused with its Pomo Timer which can be used along with a built-in white noise generator to keep you from reaching burnout level. Track how effective your workflow is by accessing the summaries views and stay motivated with achievement scores.
The tool can be used across several platforms, on desktops, the web and there are mobile apps for it too, which is why it ranks high on our list of best to do list apps.
TickTick can be used for free, and for $27.99 per year you get extended use of the features within the app such as full calendar functionality and customized filters.
9. Any.do
Any.do is a to-do list style task management application for individuals as well as teams. Getting started in Any.do is fast with its easy to use single interface, which features a dark mode for late night planning. The software levels up your to-do list game by allowing you to manage your daily task and create customized workflows. You can collaborate with other people, assign tasks, chat in real-time, and even onboard an entire team.
The software can integrate natively with many of your favorite tools that you might already be using and allows you to connect with thousands more through Zapier. In addition, it has apps across several devices so you can sync tasks seamlessly wherever you are, which is why it’s one of our top to-do list apps.
Any.do offers a free forever plan for personal use and they have a premium plan with more features for $3/month. For the full experience that will get a team up and running, it will cost your company $5/month/user.
10. OmniFocus
OmniFocus is a one of those to do list apps that works with the GTD or getting things done methodology in mind. The technique made popular by David Allen, best-selling author and productivity consultant, inspires focus, clarity and confidence. The app gives you a way to quickly list your to-dos, getting your tasks out of your head and into a tracking system.
OmniFocus is a heavy duty tool with many customizable features and integrations, through Zapier. The software has a standard and pro version available for a one-time purchase or you can opt for a subscription model that gives you total access across all your devices and the web. The platform is currently available for Apple devices and works seamlessly between your desktop and mobile devices.
11. Sunsama
Sunsama is a daily planner app that lets you organize your to-do list syncing with the calendar apps you use. With Sunsama’s integrations, you can see your tasks, emails and meetings planned for the day in a unified view.
The management application helps you to maximize your time and accountability. missing anything from your daily to-dos even if you don’t get to finish them all: the app automatically moves incomplete tasks to the following day, which is why it ranks high on our list of best to do list apps.
Sunsama features dark mode, focus mode, auto-scheduling, weekly review and planning, keyboard shortcuts and analytics. The software also has desktop and mobile apps to keep you connected from anywhere. Sunsama offers a 14-day free trial and their basic plan starts at $16/user/month.
12. ToodleDo
ToodleDo is a noteable to do list app because of its variety of customization options. With the ability to add fields and tags to tasks, ToodleDo allows users to organize tasks exactly how they want.
ToodleDo offers syncing across multiple devices, which is essential for someone like me who uses both a laptop and a phone for work. The app also offers integrations with other productivity tools such as Google Calendar, which makes it even more powerful.
Pricing for ToodleDo includes a free version with basic features, but for access to all the app’s features, including task outlines, subtasks, and collaborators, paid subscriptions start at $3.99 per month (when paid annually).
13. Habitica
Habitica stands out as a to-do list app due to its unique gamified approach to productivity. It treats your tasks and goals as a role-playing game, turning your daily to-dos and habits into monsters to defeat and quests to conquer.
This approach can make managing a to-do list more engaging and enjoyable. It also provides an additional layer of motivation by rewarding you with experience points, in-game currency, and virtual equipment for completing tasks, which helps keep you invested in maintaining your productivity.
Habitica also provides comprehensive task management functionality, allowing you to list your tasks under three categories – habits, dailies, and to-dos – making it easy to manage and prioritize tasks based on their nature and frequency.
On the flip side, Habitica might not be the right choice for someone seeking a minimalist or more conventional task management app. But for those who enjoy games or need a fun twist to boost productivity, Habitica is an exceptional choice.
14. Trello
Trello is a highly flexible project management application that also serves as a to-do list, organizing your tasks in a clear and engaging way. With Trello you create individual “cards” for each task and then organize those cards into customizable “lists” that represent different stages of a process or different categories of tasks.
The kanban-style layout makes it easy to visualize your workload and progress at a glance, and you can prioritize tasks by simply dragging and dropping them to reorder or move between lists. It helps you easily track what needs to be done, what you are currently working on, and what you’ve already completed.
There are notifications to ensure that you stay on track by alerting you when due dates are approaching or when changes are made to tasks. Additionally, Trello is available across multiple devices, so whether you are at your desk or on the go, you can easily access your to-do list. Trello has a free version and paid plans start at $5/user/month.
To explore alternative options and compare Trello with other tools available, you can refer to our comprehensive guide on Trello alternatives.
15. Coda
Coda is a project management solution and document creation that can also serve as a to-do list application due to its capacity to generate great data visualization. A to-do list created on Coda can be as complex as you would like it to be, putting it in our list of best to do list apps.
The application lets you embed tables and manipulate data in a way that goes beyond the spreadsheet-like databases offered by most to do list apps. Coda also has a powerful formula language that can perform complex computations, which means it might require a level of familiarity with the application to use it to its full potential.
Coda is definitely a great solution if you are looking for a custom project management app that includes an interactive task tracker, a project timeline, and a reporting dashboard.
Coda offers a free plan and paid options starting at $10/user/month. They also have enterprise plans with custom pricing available for larger teams.
16. TeuxDeux
TeuxDeux is a to-do list app for organizing everything. With a simple and user-friendly interface, TeuxDeux offers a list of tasks, including subtasks and notes. You are also able to include due dates and reminders to your to-do list items. The solution includes a Someday/Maybe list and a daily digest email to help you to keep on track with your lists.
The app costs $4 a month and has access to pro features. Their believer plan is $3 a month, but paid annually.
17. Evernote
Broadly known as a note-taking app, Evernote is also a great to-do list solution. Its checklist and tagging features are helpful when setting up tasks and reminders, and you can also create templates for repetitive tasks. You can include a to-do list of tasks inside your notes, so there’s no need to interrupt your flow by switching between your notes and a dedicated task manager.
The free version has limitations in terms of monthly upload limit and number of devices, but it still offers a wide range of capabilities that can aid in effective planning.
You can upgrade starting at $22.07/month and you’ll be able to sync unlimited devices as well as receive a substantial increase in your monthly uploads. Curious how it stacks up against similar tools? Check our choices of the best Evernote alternatives out now.
18. Quire
Quire is a task management tool with to do list app capabilities. Some users describe it as “the intersection of nested to-do list and Kanban board.” That’s because the platform allows you to nest your list of tasks or view your project in Kanban board view. Quire gives users the flexibility to also add folders, sections and permission control to your projects and tasks.
Speaking of personalization, Quire also lets you change your workspace, change the theme, add widgets, and create custom templates even on its free plan. Quire is available for iOs and Android mobile apps and integrates with Google Drive, Slack, and Zapier. If you need more, Quire’s professional plan starts at $7.65 per member/month.
In Conclusion
To do list apps are a critical part of many team’s workflows, and we’re happy to bring you some of our favorites. There are a wide variety of work styles and preferences, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t find the perfect tool right away.
Some things to keep in mind when you’re looking for a new application are the style of work, your project duration, and how you plan to work together with others on your team. Once you understand those items, you can choose from the list of to do list apps to find the right option for you.
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