You might find it hard to stay organized, manage your daily schedule, and remember important tasks. But with the right ADHD to-do list app, you can conquer your everyday tasks with ease and confidence.
This article is here to help!
Since people with ADHD have unique needs, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of to-do list apps that truly work with ADHD brains, not against them.
Be sure to check out our choosing guide at the end—it will help you find the perfect todo app for your needs, making your days more productive and fulfilling.
How These ToDo Apps Help People With ADHD Improve Productivity
Struggles with focus and productivity are common for people with ADHD. Even easy tasks like watering the plants can feel overwhelming.
These to-do apps are designed to tackle these challenges head-on, helping you manage your daily tasks more effectively.
Each app targets specific ADHD symptoms. Some offer timers and reminders to keep you focused, while others excel at organizing and prioritizing tasks.
The key benefit? Reduced mental clutter.
These apps simplify the task creation process and work seamlessly across multiple devices, allowing you to capture tasks quickly from anywhere. This way, you don’t have to constantly worry about forgetting them.
Plus, with a minimal learning curve and a clean interface, these apps are easy to learn and use, even for new users.
Best ADHD To-do List App: Our 11 Picks
Without further ado, here’s our picks:
#1. Upbase — Best All-in-one For Tasks, Notes, and Daily Planning
Available for: web, iOS, Android
Upbase is a project management platform that can work well as a robust to-do list, especially for busy people with ADHD.
It helps you manage multiple to-do lists, like project and personal tasks, without feeling overwhelmed.
If you need more than a simple todo app, Upbase might be what you’re after.
It’s a robust yet ADHD-friendly productivity hub that combines to-dos, projects, planners, calendars, a Pomodoro timer, daily journals, and notes — all in one app.
How Upbase helps people with ADHD
Clear your mind: Unlike many todo apps, Upbase makes it a breeze to jot down everything (tasks, ideas, notes). It remembers it all for you, freeing up your mind.
Organize effortlessly: No chaos! Upbase keeps everything organized, easily accessible, and manageable. Even with complex tasks, Upbase makes it easy to break them down into smaller, more manageable chunks.
Collaborate seamlessly: Upbase not only provides robust collaboration features (including a real-time chat tool), but also offers them for free.
Boost your focus: Want to enhance your focus for maximum productivity? Upbase offers a variety of built-in productivity tools, allowing you to experiment with different prioritization and time management techniques to find what works best for your unique focus style. No more juggling multiple productivity apps!
Upbase’s key features
- Sections, tasks, and subtasks — to break down work into smaller, more manageable chunks.
- Task priorities, deadlines, and tags — to prioritize tasks effectively.
- Custom filters, tag filtering system, and sorting options — to hide distractions out of sight.
- Multiple reminders with customization options — to avoid forgetting tasks.
- Recurring tasks — to automate workflow and save time.
- Collaboration features include task assignments, file-version control, collaborative documents, commenting, and @mention.
- List, Board, and Calendar views — for progress tracking.
- Google Calendar integration, embedded Google Drive folders and Google Docs, and emails-to-tasks conversion — for a more unified view.
- Productivity features: daily planners, time blocking, Notepad, Pomodoro timers, and daily journals — to manage daily tasks and boost productivity.
Upbase’s Pricing:
Upbase’s plan |
Upbase’s pricing (per user/month) |
---|---|
Free version |
$0 |
Premium version | $5*, billed annually $9*, billed monthly |
Upbase Pro Tip:
One of Upbase’s strengths is daily planning. Its daily planner tool is a favorite among users with ADHD due to its ease of use and robust productivity toolset. But how does it stack up against other ADHD-friendly daily planners? Find out in the post below:
3 Best Daily Planners for ADHD in 2024
#2. Trello — Best for Visual Kanban Boards
Available for: web, Android, iOS, Mac, Windows
Trello is a project management platform known for its visual Kanban boards.
Simply put, this system uses boards, lists, and cards that you can move around, making it perfect for people who thrive on seeing their progress.
Read Full Review: Trello Review.
How Trello helps people with ADHD
See everything at once: Unlike traditional to-do lists, Trello’s board system lets you see all your tasks laid out, preventing overwhelm and information overload.
Make prioritization easy: By showing all tasks in a visual way, Trello helps ADHD brains easily prioritize what needs to be done first, and not get sidetracked by less important tasks.
Customize your workflow: Trello lets you personalize boards and lists to match how you think.
Trello’s best features:
- Checklists — to make large tasks feel less daunting.
- Labels — to add the second layer of categorization to tasks to filter them more easily later.
- Due dates & Reminders — to ensure you don’t miss deadlines or forget important tasks.
- Collaboration features: task assignments, commenting, @mentioning, and file-sharing.
- Power-Ups — to further enhance list and board function.
- Automations — to save time in handling repetitive tasks (but note that setting them up can be a bit complex, especially for new users).
Trello’s Pricing
Trello’s Plan |
Trello’s Pricing (per user/month) |
---|---|
Free Plan |
$0 |
Standard Plan |
$6, billed monthly or $5, billed annually |
Premium Plan |
$12.5, billed monthly or $10, billed annually |
Enterprise Plan |
$17.5, billed monthly or $210 flat rate (for a maximum of 50 users) |
Upbase Pro Tip:
If you see that the Kanban board system fits your work style, this article might be helpful for you: 10+ Free Kanban Board Software Apps
#3. Amazing Marvin — Best for Habit Tracking
Available for: Web, Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Linux
If you struggle with to-do lists and focus, Amazing Marvin can be your secret weapon.
This comprehensive productivity tool, designed for people with ADHD, lets you capture all your tasks and ideas at once, then organize them later.
It goes beyond a to-do list by helping you manage time, build healthy habits, and reach goals—all while accommodating your unique thinking style.
How Amazing Marvin helps people with ADHD
Capture Everything: Don’t worry about immediate organization, just dump all your tasks and ideas into the Master List.
Focus on Today: When ready, select the most important tasks and schedule them for the day using the Day Planner.
Boost Productivity: Amazing Marvin goes beyond to-do lists, offering features like time management and powerful habit tracking to holistically improve your productivity.
Amazing Marvin’s best features:
- Master List — to capture everything you need to do.
- Day Planner — to schedule important tasks from your Master List.
- Groups/Sections & Subtasks — to organize complex projects.
- Priority & Scheduling — to set priorities, due dates, and reminders.
- Habit Tracking — to build and track positive habits to reach your goals.
- Weekly & Monthly Planning — to plan your week or month with time blocking.
- Focus Tools (Super Focus Mode, Sandlock, Pomodoro Timer, and Matrix) — to boost concentration.
Amazing Marvin’s Pricing: 30-day free trial; subscriptions ($8 annually or $12 monthly).
#4. TickTick — Best for Strong Task Management Features
Available for: Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple Watch
TickTick is one of the most powerful task management apps.
It allows you to break down tasks, prioritize effectively, and stay motivated – all within a user-friendly interface.
How TickTick helps people with ADHD
Make it easier to complete tasks: Unlike many to-do list apps that focus on capturing every thought, TickTick excels at helping you break down large tasks into manageable steps. This helps combat feeling overwhelmed and makes getting started less daunting.
Read Full Review: TickTick Review.
Improve time management: TickTick offers robust features with rich customization options to keep you focused on the task at hand.
Bring motivation: Some people with ADHD struggle with staying on track. TickTick’s habit tracker can help solve this.
Accessible for those on a budget: While many ADHD apps have a limited free version, TickTick includes core features for ADHD management in its free tier.
TickTick’s best features:
- Subtasks and habit bullets — to break down complex tasks and build habits, step-by-step.
- Lists, tags, filters, and smart lists — to prioritize effectively and stay focused on the most important tasks.
- “Won’t Do” List — to identify and address tasks you tend to avoid.
- “Beat the Clock” Challenges — to gamify your productivity, making it more engaging.
- “Eat the Frog” Labels — to highlight your most important task for the day.
- Built-in Pomodoro timer — to maintain focus.
TickTick’s Pricing: Free; Premium plan at $35.99/year unlocks all premium features on all platforms.
Upbase Pro Tip:
First time hearing about the Pomodoro Technique? It’s like a gym timer for your brain, using 25-minute focus sessions with short breaks in between. It helps you reduce procrastination, boost focus, and avoid burnout. Learn more about the Pomodoro Technique here.
#5. Todoist — Best for Robust Reminder Features
Available for: Web, Mac, Linux, Windows, iOS, Android, Apple Watch, Wear OS
Todoist goes beyond task management with its industry-leading reminder system.
Unlike many todo apps, Todoist allows you to set reminders for any time, location, or even recurring tasks.
Imagine arriving at the airport and being reminded of a meeting with someone, or getting a notification at exactly 3 PM to call your client.
Read Full Review: Todoist Review.
If staying on top of your tasks is crucial, this is a good choice. Combined with its robust organization features, Todoist ensures you’ll never miss a deadline or forget an important task again.
How Todoist helps people with ADHD
Break down big projects: Turn overwhelming tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
Stay organized: Create different lists for work, errands, hobbies, and anything else you need to keep track of. ️
Never miss a thing: Set reminders for anywhere, anytime! Location-based reminders ping you when you arrive at a specific place, like reminding you to buy milk at the grocery store.
Gamifies progress: Completing tasks earns points, adding a fun, motivating element.
Todoist’s best features:
- Inbox — to quickly capture tasks
- Today view — to see only your tasks for today.
- Tasks & subtasks; projects & sub-projects; labels — to categorize tasks flexibly based on your needs.
- Due dates, priorities, labels
- Time-based and location-based reminders — to help you stay on top of your tasks.
- Karma system — to make you feel motivated by earning points for completing tasks.
Todoist’s Pricing:
Todoist’s Plan |
Todoist’s Pricing (per user/month) |
---|---|
Beginner |
$0 |
Pro |
$4, billed annually $5, billed monthly |
Business |
$6, billed annually $8, billed monthly |
#6. Sunsama — Best to Optimize Your Daily Planning
Available for: Web, Android, iOS
Sunsama goes beyond just a to-do list. It’s a digital daily planner that optimizes your day by combining your tasks and calendar in one place. This unified view lets you see everything alongside meetings and appointments.
But the real power lies in its daily planning ritual.
Unlike traditional to-do apps, Sunsama guides you through a structured process each morning. You’ll identify your top priorities, estimate workloads, and create a focused plan – all within the app.
Read Full Review: Sunsama Review.
This streamlined approach ensures you start your day with clarity and purpose.
How Sunsama helps people with ADHD
Plan your day: Break down big tasks, schedule them, and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Stay focused: Block out distractions with “Focus Mode” and a clear visual layout.
Remember things: Keep all your tasks in one place and review them weekly.
Sunsama’s best features:
- Daily Planning Ritual — to structure your day intentionally.
- Weekly Review and Planning — to review your progress and plan for the upcoming week.
- Time blocking — to schedule specific time slots for tasks.
- Focus Mode — to minimize distractions and help you hyperfocus on the task at hand.
- Keyboard shortcuts — for faster navigation and task management.
Sunsama’s Pricing: 14-day free trial; subscription at $16 per user/month when billed annually or $20 per user/month when billed monthly.
Upbase Pro Tip:
Did you know that the way you use a planner can make or break your productivity? If you need more tips and strategies to optimize the use of your planner, check out this blog post:
How to Use a Planner to Crush Your Goals
#7. Workflowy — Best for Nested Lists
Available for: Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
Workflowy is a powerful nested to-do list app that offers unlimited levels of nesting to organize projects and ideas with unmatched flexibility.
In other words, it allows you to create tasks, subtasks, and even sub-subtasks within them.
But Workflowy isn’t limited to just tasks. You can also use it as a note-taking app for brainstorming, taking meeting notes, or even creating a personal knowledge base.
How Workflowy helps people with ADHD
Write down ideas fast: No getting stuck setting things up, just capture thoughts on the fly from all your devices.
Organize without stress: Move things around, add details later, it’s flexible!
See the big picture: Lists show how tasks connect, keeping you motivated.
Focus on what matters: Unlike some todo apps with tons of features, Workflowy’s simple design avoids distractions.
Workflowy’s best features:
- Quick-add
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Voice notes — to dictate ideas or tasks on the go.
- Unlimited nested lists — to chunk down complex work into smaller bits with endless levels of subtasks.
- Drag and drop functionality — to easily move and reorder items.
- Checklists and deadlines — to enhance task management.
- Search — to quickly find specific tasks or notes.
Workflowy’s Pricing:
- Basic plan: $0
- Pro plan: $4.08 per user/month, billed annually or $4.99 per user/month, billed monthly.
#8. Habitica — Best for gamified task management
Available for: Web, Android, iOS
Unlike other apps, Habitica turns your tasks into a game. You create an avatar, earn rewards for completing tasks, and face setbacks for missing them.
Source: Reddit
If you’re looking for an engaging task management app, Habitica is your go-to.
How Habitica helps people with ADHD
Stay motivated: Habitica’s role-playing game approach makes staying productive fun and motivating.
Boost focus: Breaks down big goals into bite-sized tasks, making them less overwhelming.
Improve various aspects of life: Not only managing your daily to-do list, but Habitica also helps you build habits and reach long-term goals.
Habitica’s best features:
- Habits — to track your habits.
- Dailies — to manage your daily task list.
- Rewards and penalties system — to turn your tasks into a game. You get an avatar and rewards for completing tasks, or monsters to fight if you miss tasks.
- Party — you can join parties with friends or other users to work towards common goals and fight monsters together based on your productivity.
- Stats & Achievements — to track your progress over time, showing streaks, completed tasks, and earned rewards.
Habitica’s pricing: Habitica offers four subscription options:
- $4.99 every month;
- $14.99 every three months;
- $29.99 every six months; and
- $47.99 every year
#9. Focus To-Do — Best for Promoting Focus
Available for: Chrome extension, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Apple Watch
Focus To-Do is a simple to-do app with a twist: it incorporates the Pomodoro Technique for improved focus and productivity.
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that involves working in focused intervals with short breaks in between.
Focus To-Do includes a built-in Pomodoro timer to help you implement this technique with your to-do list.
How Focus To Do helps people with ADHD
Beat procrastination & Increase focus: Focus To Do breaks down tasks into short work periods with quick breaks. This can be easier to focus on than staring at a big to-do list all day.
Improve time management: The built-in timer helps you become more aware of how you spend your time.
Focus To Do’s best features:
- Built-in Pomodoro timers
- Multiple to-do lists
- Subtasks
- Due dates
- Recurring tasks
- Reminders
- Reports
Focus To Do’s pricing:
Focus To Do’s Plan |
Focus To Do’s Pricing |
---|---|
Free |
$0 |
Premium |
$1.99 |
3 Months |
$3.99 |
Lifetime |
$11.99 |
Upbase Pro Tip:
Promoting focus is a powerful way to boost productivity, but it’s not the only strategy. For more science-backed hacks to maximize your productivity, check out this blog post:
How To Be Productive – 21 Best Productivity Hacks, Backed by Science
#10. Nozbe — Best for Organizing Tasks
Available for: Web, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Nozbe is a project management and collaboration app that also incorporates to-do lists.
Break down big tasks into manageable steps, organize them into clear categories, and stay focused – Nozbe helps you see your plan and avoid getting sidetracked.
It even offers collaboration features for teamwork!
How Nozbe helps people with ADHD
Enhances organization: Nozbe’s project management features allow you to sort tasks into clear categories. No more mental clutter!
Stay focused: See your entire plan clearly, so you can avoid getting sidetracked by distractions (hello, squirrels!).
Improve teamwork: Work with friends on projects using Nozbe’s team features.
Nozbe’s best features:
- Workspaces, projects, tasks, and subtasks, plus project sections and tags (premium features) — for organizing tasks.
- Project templates — create templates for frequently recurring tasks, saving time and ensuring consistency.
- Quick Capture
- Task priorities, dates, and deadlines
- Comments and notes — for team collaboration.
Nozbe’s pricing:
Nozbe’s Plan |
Nozbe’s Pricing (per user/month) |
---|---|
Free |
$0 |
Premium |
$8 when billed yearly, or $10 when billed monthly. |
Business |
$12 when billed yearly, or $15 when billed monthly. |
#11. Structured — Best for scheduling tasks
Available for: Web, Android, iOS, Mac, Apple Watch
Structured is an all-in-one daily planner app designed to let you manage your to-do list, appointments, and habits all in one place.
What sets Structured apart is its visual timeline format where you can see your day laid out hour by hour. This allows you to easily drag and drop tasks to adjust your schedule and visualize your free time.
If you’re looking for a simple to-do app with some extra features for scheduling and staying focused, Structured could be a good option.
How Structured helps people with ADHD
Combats time blindness: Structured’s hourly view helps visualize how much time each task takes, preventing underestimation and promoting realistic scheduling.
Seeing your whole day: Shows your tasks, appointments, and habits all at once, making it easier to stay organized.
Focusing on one thing at a time: Helps you stay on track with a timer for each task, minimizing distractions.
Building good habits: Lets you track habits like exercising or taking meds, reminding you and keeping you motivated.
Structured’s best features:
- Timeline View — to see your entire day laid out hour-by-hour.
- Drag and drop functionality
- Time blocking and focus timer — for improving time management
- Subtasks, notes, and priorities
- Habit trackers
Structured’s pricing:
Structured’s Plan |
Structured’s Pricing (per user) |
---|---|
Free |
$0 |
Pro |
$4.99 when billed monthly, or $14.99 when billed annually, or $49.99 when billed lifetime. |
What To Consider When Seeking A To-Do App For People With ADHD?
Finding the perfect to-do list app can be a challenge, especially for those with ADHD.
We all know the allure of “shiny object syndrome,” downloading a new app with excitement, only to be overwhelmed by its features and abandon it entirely.
Here’s how to avoid that trap and pick a to-do list app that actually complements the way you work with ADHD:
1. Simplicity:
Look for an app that’s clear, concise, and easy to navigate.
ADHD brains can get overloaded easily, so an app with minimal clutter that directs your focus to the most important tasks is key.
Bonus points for:
- Intuitive interface,
- Minimal learning curve, and
- The ability to filter out completed tasks or those not relevant to your current focus.
2. Flexibility:
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to managing ADHD. Your to-do list app should adapt to your workflow, not the other way around.
Look for features like: customizable task categories, tagging for prioritization, and the ability to rearrange tasks easily.
Bonus points for:
- Options to break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps,
- Drag-and-drop functionality, and
- The ability to add notes or reminders directly to tasks.
3. Time management:
A simple to-do list might not be enough. For people with ADHD, time management is just as crucial as task management.
Look for features that help you schedule time for tasks, not just list them.
Think:
- Time-blocking functionality,
- Built-in calendars and planners,
- Integration with your calendar, and
- The ability to estimate how long each task will take.
Find A ToDo App That Works Well With Your ADHD Brain
Remember, the best ADHD to-do list app is the one you’ll actually use.
It’s important to explore different apps and see which one resonates with you. Don’t be afraid to try out free trials before committing.
The key is to find a tool that simplifies your workflow, keeps you focused, and helps you manage your time effectively.
While some to-do list apps focus solely on tasks, others cater to those who crave a central hub for tasks, notes, and daily planning. Upbase fits the latter perfectly.
It’s a user-friendly productivity app designed to streamline your schedule and manage all your to-dos, both work and personal.
Ready to try a more holistic approach to getting things done? Sign up for a free Upbase account and see if it clicks with your ADHD brain!
FAQs
1. What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a condition that makes people restless, struggle to focus, lose track of time, and act on impulse.
2. Do ADHD apps really work?
Yes, ADHD apps can be very effective in managing symptoms.
They allow you to break down work into smaller tasks, making them less overwhelming.
Additionally, these apps provide tools to remind you about important tasks, enhance focus, track progress, and increase overall productivity.
The key is to find the ADHD app that works for you.
3. How to make a to-do list with ADHD?
To-do lists and ADHD can clash, but here’s how to make them work for you:
- Start small: Aim for 3-5 tasks a day, with the most important one at the top.
- Break it down: Don’t just list huge tasks. Chunk them into smaller, actionable steps.
- Make it pretty (optional): Use colors, highlighters, or fun fonts to boost motivation.
- Time block: Estimate how long tasks take and schedule them in your calendar.
4. Is there a good ADHD app?
Yes, there are many highly-rated ADHD apps on the market, each designed to address specific ADHD symptoms.
I can say for sure there’s at least one app that matches your needs—no matter if you’re looking for a simple interface above all else, focus on habit tracking, or want to make your task management fun.