It’s not always easy to find a good balance between work, play, school, and everything else in our lives. And with the human brain only being able to remember so much, things are bound to be forgotten along the way. This is especially true for individuals who struggle with executive functioning, but in the end, we all forget things when they aren’t written down. The good news is task management apps have exploded in popularity and usability, and many of them are available for free across different platforms.
The apps that we are looking at today are consistently featured in “top task management apps” lists across the internet and are largely considered to be the best in the category, but each of these apps take a slightly different approach to task management as well as having differences in compatibility and price. So, without further ado, let’s dive in to our top 5 task management apps for 2021:
Todoist
When it comes to task management at work, Todoist is a top contender. Todoist puts a lot of emphasis on collaboration by offering task delegation tools and reminders. The app also features a massive library of business-based templates such as campaign tracking, client management, accounting tasks, and much more, so users can put their best foot forward at work without having to spend unnecessary time creating new resources.
Compatibility: Android, iOS, PC
Price: Free for regular version with up to 5 collaborators, paid subscription required for larger teams.
Things 3
Things 3 is a top choice among Apple users for a few reasons. For one thing, unlike many apps today, the app is available as a one-time purchase rather than a recurring subscription, which can get expensive over time. The other thing that makes this app worth looking at is the Apple Watch integration. Apple Watch users will be able to access Things 3 from their watch, and anything they do on either device is instantly synced to the other. If you’re a dedicated Apple user, and especially if you own an Apple Watch, then Things 3 is a great choice for you.
Compatibility: iOS, Apple Watch
Price: $9.99
Microsoft To do
Microsoft To Do is a basic, free, task management app that emphasizes simplicity and ease of access over anything else. The app syncs across all devices, and it also integrates with Outlook Tasks, making it an especially good choice for Outlook users. Microsoft To Do is a no-brainer for users who are already subscribed to Microsoft 365 as well as for those who are already familiar with a Windows-based environment, and at the price point of $0 dollars, the app is certainly worth trying.
Compatibility: Android, iOS, PC, Mac
Price: Free
Google Tasks
Google Tasks is essentially Google’s version of To Do. It’s simple, free, and works well for users who are used to a Google-based tools and apps. Google Tasks is designed for users who are more familiar with the Google Workspace, (formally known as the G-Suite) which includes Gmail, Docs, Drive, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Calendar, and more. The app itself does exactly what a task management app should do without being too overwhelming. Gmail and Google Calendar integration keeps users organized across all their devices, all the time. If you’re a dedicated Google Workspace user or you simply enjoy the Google Environment, then Google Tasks is a great choice for you.
Compatibility: Android, iOS, Chrome
Price: Free
Omnifocus 3
If you’re an Apple user who tasks task management seriously, then Omnifocus 3 might be the choice for you. Also featuring Apple Watch integration, this app is packed with a ton of features. In fact, some users might be overwhelmed by the plethora of features available, so if you value simplicity over customizability then Omnifocus might not be the best choice. But if you want complete control over your tasks, value Apple Watch integration, and you’re not bothered by extra features, then Omnifocus 3 is definitely worth considering
Compatibility: iOS, Apple Watch
Price: Free trial available, subscription required to use.