10 Best Task Management Apps & To-Do Lists [2025]

TickTick offers more features (Pomodoro timer, calendar, habits) at a lower price ($2.99 vs $4/mo). Todoist has a cleaner interface, better brand recognition, and more integrations. Choose TickTick for value and features, Todoist for simplicity and ecosystem. Both have excellent free tiers to try.

If you're deep in the Apple ecosystem and value beautiful design, yes. Things 3 is arguably the most polished task manager available. However, it's a one-time purchase ($50-100 total for all devices) vs ongoing subscriptions elsewhere. The lack of collaboration and Apple-only limitation are significant drawbacks. Try the free trial before committing.

Yes, many people do. Notion's databases let you build custom task systems with exactly the fields and views you want. However, it's slower than dedicated task apps, has a steeper learning curve, and can become a productivity time-sink. Best for people who already use Notion for other things and want everything in one place.

Microsoft To Do is the best fully-free option with solid features and no limitations. Google Tasks is simpler but very reliable. Todoist and TickTick have excellent free tiers but limit some features. Habitica is free with optional premium. Avoid apps that heavily restrict free tiers - they'll frustrate you into upgrading.

Task managers (Todoist, Things) are for personal productivity and simple list sharing. Project management tools (Asana, Trello) are for team collaboration with dependencies, timelines, and assignments. Use a task manager for your personal work, project management tools for coordinating teams. Many people use both: Asana for team projects, Todoist for personal tasks.

App-hopping is procrastination disguised as productivity. Pick a tool (any tool - they're all fine) and commit for 3 months minimum. The problem is rarely the tool - it's usually unclear priorities, overwhelming task lists, or avoidance of actual work. Focus on fewer, more important tasks rather than finding the perfect app.

GTD is a productivity methodology by David Allen. It involves capturing all tasks, clarifying what they mean, organizing by context/project, reviewing regularly, and engaging with work. Tools like OmniFocus, Things, and Todoist are designed around GTD principles. It's powerful but requires commitment to learn and maintain. Not everyone needs full GTD - simple lists work fine for most people.

Most productivity experts recommend 3-5 important tasks per day, not 20+. If your daily list is overwhelming, you're setting yourself up for failure. Use your task manager to store everything, but only commit to 3-5 tasks daily. TickTick, Things, and Microsoft To Do have good "Today" views for daily planning. Quality over quantity.

Yes, external task systems are helpful for ADHD by reducing cognitive load and working memory demands. Simple apps work best - avoid overwhelming systems. Consider: Todoist (simple), TickTick (built-in Pomodoro), or Habitica (gamification for motivation). However, apps alone don't solve ADHD challenges - combine with strategies like time blocking, accountability, and professional support.

You can try, but most people forget or skip them when busy. Better to use dedicated break reminder tools like DeskBreak that automatically interrupt your work. Breaks shouldn't be optional tasks you can postpone - they should be automatic enforced pauses. Combine task management (what to do) with wellness tools (when to rest) for sustainable productivity.