15 Best iPhone Productivity Apps Wunderlist vs Evernote vs Remember The Milk ... and 12 more
Edited by Jasmin, Eng, Maria Quinney
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Many of us spend a good portion of each day with an iPhone in our hands. Instead of scrolling through endless social media feeds, why not put these devices to better use? An iPhone can be your best personal assistant, aiding in scheduling, reminders, to-do lists, note taking, and much more. Below, you'll find the very best in iPhone apps for staying on task, being productive, and making everything from small to large projects far more enjoyable.
Method 1: Wunderlist
- 1Create, categorize, and schedule with this to-do list and task manager app.Description.
- 2Wunderlist is free. There is a Pro option for $4.99 a month, which unlocks access to features like uploading files of any size, assigning tasks to multiple people, and unlimited subtasks.Payment/Upgrades.
- 3Pros.
- Timed reminders and due dates ensure you never miss a to-do or deadline.
- Share your lists with anyone else using the app to stay on top of shared tasks.
- Group related lists into one key folder.
- Turn emails into to-dos, by forwarding them directly to the app.
- Gain extra insight on a task by using the comments section.
- Offers both in-app and email notifications.
- Easy to use, simplistic interface.
- Assign tasks to specific people, who will automatically be updated.
- Link Wunderlist to your iCal app to automatically create events in both places.
- Speedy sync times between users and platforms.
- Swipe down in any app to see a list of your daily tasks by using Wunderlist's Today widget.
- 4Cons.
- Aesthetics are lackluster.
- No Siri integration.
- Quick duplication of tasks is only available on the web application.
- 5While Wunderlist might not be the slickest looking app, it's super simple to use and makes task management a breeze. You can't go wrong with its price tag, either. Download here.Verdict.
Method 2: Evernote
- 1An electronic notebook that stores and consolidates a wide variety of information such as notes, reading lists, recipes and much more.Overview.
- 2The basic version of Evernote is free. The plus version is $3.99 per month, offering more space and offline accessibility. At $7.99 per month, you can get the Premium version, which offers 10GB of space as well as a number of different search options and customer support.Payment/Upgrades.
- 3Pros.
- Notes can be text (both typed and handwritten), photos, audio, video, web clippings, and PDFs.
- Use tags to organize notes, making them easily searchable in the future.
- Finds and identifies text, including handwritten text, in saved images to make them easily searchable.
- Easy to use interface with a beautiful, sleek design.
- Share, discuss and collaborate on notes with co-workers or friends using the app.
- Enhance the security of your notes by requiring a password upon opening the app.
- Offers cross-platform syncing so your notes are always backed up.
- 4Cons.
- High monthly costs to access all features.
- Won't support the space needed for large documents.
- 5If you're looking for an alternative to the little notebook in your bag, or the sticky notes consuming your computer screen, Evernote is perfect for you. Download here.Verdict.
Method 3: Remember The Milk
- 1An app that specializes in to-do lists.Overview.
2
Payment/Upgrades
. 3
Pros
.
- Reminders available via notifications, text, email, and more.
- Share lists with and delegate tasks to other users. Shared lists can be updated by each person on the list.
- Set due dates, priority levels, and repeat options for every task.
- Add tags or organize to-dos into lists for super streamlined management.
- Add a location to your to-do and the app will remind you of the task when you are close by.
- Links with Evernote. Tasks edited or completed in either app will be automatically updated in the other.
- Easily search through tasks. Save frequent searches as Smart Lists.
4
Cons
.
- Many of the app's best features are only available in the Pro version.
- Doesn't support uploading or attaching files or photos.
5
Verdict
. Method 4: Any.Do
- 1The app that combines to-do lists and calendars, and offers an assistant for certain tasks to help you accomplish tasks quicker.Overview.
- 2Any.Do basic is free. The Pro version is $4.99 a month and unlocks access to features like unlimited file attachments, location based reminders, and more.Payment/Upgrades.
- 3Pros.
- Certain tasks, like making reservations for dinner, will prompt a chat-bot to pop up and offer you extra aid in achieving this task.
- Tasks can be grouped by date or in customized folders.
- Clean and simple interface.
- Share tasks with anyone you need to collaborate with.
- Auto-complete uses information on your phone to cleverly anticipate your tasks or who you might need to share them with, to speed up task creation.
- The Moment feature reminds you to check tasks scheduled for the current day. Set it to alert you at different points in the day to ensure you're accomplishing the day's tasks.
- 4Cons.
- Only two levels of priorities are offered for any task.
- Offline access is only available in Pro version.
- 5Any.Do is one of the simpler looking to-do list apps, but its Moment and Assistant features set it slightly apart from the rest. If you need the extra reminders or helping hand, then look no further. Download here.Verdict.
Method 5: IFTTT
- 1Want every photo you snap to be immediately saved in Dropbox? How about a text message letting you know it's going to rain tomorrow? IFTTT can do that for you and much more. "If this, then that" links a wide variety of Internet-connected apps, services, and devices so you can create personalized commands, or recipes, to help you stay productive.Overview.
- 2This app is completely free!Payment/Upgrades.
- 3Pros.
- More than 400 apps are supported, making recipe possibilities nearly endless.
- Offers a handful of curated collections to help you get started.
- No knowledge of coding required.
- Despite the complex nature of IFTTT, it is extremely easy to use.
- Simple, streamlined design.
- Supports Siri, which means you can dictate to-do lists while you take care of hands-on tasks.
- Trigger events based on your location, so you never forget something like groceries when you're near a store.
- 4Cons.
- Only connects two services at a time.
- 5While this app isn't made specifically to help in list making or scheduling, it can connect all the apps you use to do those things. By automating daily small tasks you save time for the bigger stuff, making your productivity levels soar. Download here.Verdict.
Method 6: Forest
- 1An app that boosts productivity by rewarding its users with a sense of achievement every time they stay on task. Plant a tree whenever you start focusing on a project. As you work your tree will grow and eventually you'll have a forest. However, exit the app and your tree will die.Overview.
- 2Forest has a low one-time cost of $2.79. In-app purchases are available but not necessary.Payment/Upgrades.
- 3Pros.
- An extremely easy way to visualize how much time you've spent being productive.
- The more you work the more tree species become available, so being productive can actually become addictive in a good way.
- Use the app to plant real trees.
- Whitelist any apps you need to use while being productive.
- View detailed statistic on how you spend your time.
- 4Cons.
- No option to set break times.
- Exiting or ignoring the app may be too easy for some. You need self-motivation!
- 5Using only charts, timers, or graphs to mark your progress can be boring. Caring for a tree or large forest is far more interactive and, frankly, very cute. Download here.Verdict.
Method 7: Freedom
- 1An app that blocks content from websites, apps, and email so you can focus on being productive.Overview.
- 2Prices range from $6.99 for a month-to-month basis, $2.42 for a full year's worth, or $119.99 to gain access forever.Payment/Upgrades.
- 3Pros.
- Try before you buy with a trial of 7 free blocking sessions.
- Create blocklists based on your behaviors, for sites, apps, etc., that distract you the most while trying to be productive.
- Enabling lock mode prevents you from "cheating" during a block session by disabling your ability to modify that current session.
- Schedule daily block sessions to help you maintain the habit of distraction-free work periods.
- Uses a Limited VPN Profile to block content, while never directly connecting to a server; your browsing history will remain private and secure.
- 4Cons.
- Can't block phone calls or texts.
- 5Limiting distractions is nearly impossible in today's world but Freedom makes it a much more attainable goal. If you're easily sidetracked when trying to be productive this app will be worth the small fee. Download here.Verdict.
Method 8: Bloom*
- 1The app that takes a different approach to productivity, Bloom* encourages stress management, healthy eating, etc., to help your mental and physical focus stay strong while accomplishing all life's tasks.Overview.
- 2Free!Payment/Upgrades.
- 3Pros.
- Use your own photos or music, or use the pre-created Blooms to get started.
- Schedule hourly, daily, or weekly Bloom alerts to keep you focused on the things that matter most.
- Share personalized Blooms with friends and family to inspire others.
- Similar to a to-do list, Bloom can remind you to call your mom, buy healthy snacks, or prepare for an important event, but in more inspirational ways.
- 4Cons.
- This approach won't work for everyone, as we all require different motivation.
- 5Regardless of what-to-do list, task, or calendar app you prefer, Bloom* is the perfect add-on. Managing stress and staying positive can only improve the speed and enjoyment of our productivity. Download here.Verdict.
Method 9: Producteev
- 1A task management app for personal or communal projects.Overview.
- 2An unlimited number of tasks and projects, to be shared with an unlimited amount of users, all for free.Payment/Upgrades.
- 3Pros.
- Use subtasks to create checklists for each main task.
- Set priorities to rank the importance of each task.
- Set multiple reminders for each task and customize the method (email, text, etc.) in which you're reminded.
- Tasks can be assigned to individuals but you can also tag followers who may only need access to project updates.
- Activity feed provides real-time updates on all tasks.
- Filters allow for various ways of sorting and viewing tasks.
- Allows integration with Dropbox.
- Create tasks through email.
- 4Cons.
- Limited scheduling features and no calendar view.
- Basic task management may not be enough for some business' projects.
- 5Considering Producteev offers a wide variety of features that other apps charge for, giving this one a shot is an easy yes. Download here.Verdict.
Method 10: Trello
- 1The app that allows you to create and monitor the progress of any task, from to-do to done. Each task board has columns for every state your project will undergo. Move to-do cards from column to column so you can stay on track of what aspect of the project needs your focus.Overview.
- 2Trello is completely free, but there is a Gold option for $5 a month that upgrades attachment limits, saves frequent searches, and adds additional features to the task boards.Payment/Upgrades.
- 3Pros.
- With so much available in the free version, there are very few reasons to upgrade.
- Easy to use interface, with drag and drop gestures as the primary method of interaction.
- Color-coding, due dates, to-do card images, subtasks, and checklists make each task board highly customizable.
- Avoid constant, time-wasting meetings by using the app to track a team's progress.
- Subscribe to individual to-do cards and get instant updates on their progress.
- Upload photo or video and attach files directly to cards.
- Work offline.
- Particularly efficient for visual thinkers.
- Discuss projects by commenting on cards.
- 4Cons.
- No ability to link two task boards.
- Large scale projects are difficult to manage as task boards become too cluttered.
- 5Trello is especially useful for team-based projects, whether you're securing a new sale lead or managing the steps of TV shoot. Tracking your progress at every step is highly rewarding and will no doubt encourage continuous productivity. Download here.Verdict.
Method 11: TimeTree
- 1The calendar app that manages your plans while connecting you to the people you share those plans with.Overview.
- 2Free!Payment/Upgrades.
- 3Pros.
- Create and share multiple calendars based on different responsibilities; personal, work, family, couple, hobbies, etc.
- Instant notifications on updates or sent messages delivered to anyone sharing the calendar.
- Links with the iPhone calendar app and supports imports from Google Calendar.
- Simple yet intuitive design makes the app easy for almost anyone to use.
- Add photos to events.
- Sort schedules by date or by what's been recently updated.
- Color code different schedules to help visualize everything you've got going on.
- You can add to-do lists and memos to each schedule.
- Home screen widget available for extra ease of use.
- 4Cons.
- Administration privileges are difficult to navigate.
- 5This app is perfect for people with lots of shared responsibilities as it takes the worry of miscommunication off the table. It's also a great way to keep track of a partner or entire family's schedule so you can make better use of all your time. Download here.Verdict.
Method 12: Soulver
- 1The app that combines a calculator with a piece of paper, to offer more visual and easy to understand calculations.Overview.
- 2One time purchase of $5.49.Payment/Upgrades.
- 3Pros.
- Provides instant answers as you type, so no need for an equals button.
- Creates a spreadsheet without requiring you to enter any formulas.
- Use as a currency converter while traveling.
- Type words alongside any calculation to give them context.
- Traditional calculators will replace your problem with the solution but with Soulver you can see it all, side by side.
- Basic design that never distracts from the work at hand.
- Can be used for almost any situation where you use math, from studying to engineering.
- 4Cons.
- It is a bit pricey.
- 5If you need a calculator that offers more than just the basics, Soulver is definitely for you. Perfect for people who work with math on a daily basis, but also great for anyone who needs math to be a more visual experience. Download here.Verdict.
Method 13: 30/30
- 1An app that combines task and time management. Create a list of tasks and assign each of them a length of time. Start the timer and the app will alert you when it's time to move on to the next task.Overview.
- 2Free!Payment/Upgrades.
- 3Pros.
- Clutter free and easy to use gesture-based interface.
- Minimal but efficient display that only shows what's important: what task you should be working on and how much longer you have to do it.
- Customize your task list with color, time, labels, and icons.
- Turns tasks into a beat-the-clock game, which can be motivations to stay focused and get things done.
- Share the task/time list with others to work at the same pace.
- 4Cons.
- Updates are sparse; the last one was in 2014.
- Some users have noticed the app drains their battery quickly
- 5If you have a difficult time picking one task and sticking to it, 30/30 may be just what you're looking for. Download here.Verdict.
Method 14: Pendo
- 1Note taking and task management appOverview.
- 2Free!Payment/Upgrades.
- 3Pros.
- Comprehends complicated events such as, "walk 2km every Mon & Fri for 3 weeks," and immediately syncs them with your calendar.
- Charming and simple, hand-drawn interface.
- Displays tasks and notes in a unique, vertically oriented timeline.
- Easy to use with basic tap and swipe gestures.
- Uses shortcut commands, like 'C' for calendar or 'T' for to-do.
- Completed items will drop to the bottom of the timeline, keeping things clear and organized.
- Share your notes through email, Facebook, Twitter, and more.
- When using Twitter, if your tweet is over 140 characters Pendo will immediately create an image for easier sharing.
- Add photos to notes and easily reposition or resize using drag and drop, and pinch and zoom gestures.
- 4Cons.
- Pendo's layout isn't for those who prefer a more traditional box or list display.
- 5For some, Pendo's vertical view of your daily tasks will provide a better flow to your productivity. Its ease of use with swipe gestures is super handy for quick management of tasks. Download here.Verdict.
Method 15: Sorted
- 1Not for the occasional list maker, this app helps dedicated users to schedule an entire day's worth of tasks in little more than 10 seconds.Overview.
- 2One time purchase of $2.79.Payment/Upgrades.
- 3Pros.
- Schedule tasks with a simple tap; no need to pick dates.
- Several tutorial videos available to help you get started.
- Built-in and custom options for repeating tasks.
- Create sub tasks within tasks.
- Edit multiple tasks at the same time.
- Tasks will automatically transfer to the next day if they go uncompleted.
- Use auto-snooze to have the app continue reminding you about specific tasks until you complete them.
- Works with Siri.
- 4Cons.
- With so many unique gestures to use, there's definitely a learning curve for getting started.
- 5If you have a bit of time to put into learning all the nuances of this app, you'll likely never look back. Its unique ability to edit and manages several tasks at once makes it worth the learning curve. Download here.Verdict.
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
