Top 5 Reminder Apps for ADHD (+FREE)

I’ve always struggled with forgetting things, no matter how important they are.

I’d tell myself I’ll remember, but then hours later, it’s gone.

That’s why I started looking for the best reminder apps for ADHD—something that doesn’t just remind me once and disappear but actually makes sure I get things done.

After trying tons of apps, I realized not all reminders work the same way.

Some are too basic, some are too complicated, and some just don’t work well for how my brain functions.

The best ones are simple, quick to set up, and keep reminding me until I take action.

If you also struggle with remembering tasks, appointments, or even daily routines, these apps will help.

Here are the best reminder apps for ADHD, ranked by what they do best.

1. Due – I Like it the Most

Pros:

• Super easy to set reminders
• Keeps reminding you until you actually do the task
• Works offline, so no internet is needed
• Syncs across iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Cons:

• No free version
• No advanced task management features

Price: $7.99

Get it from: App Store

I have tried so many reminder apps, but most of them don’t actually help me remember things.

They send a notification once, and if I ignore it, that’s it—I forget.

Due is different.

It keeps reminding me again and again until I actually mark the task as done.

That’s why I think it’s one of the best reminder apps for ADHD.

Setting a reminder in Due takes just a few seconds.

I don’t have to tap through a bunch of menus or set up a bunch of options.

I just open the app, type what I need, set a time, and I’m done.

It’s fast and doesn’t waste my time.

Another thing I love about Due is that it works offline.

Even if I don’t have internet, my reminders still pop up.

It also syncs perfectly across my iPhone, iPad, and Mac using iCloud or Dropbox, so I never miss anything.

There’s no free version, which might be a downside for some people.

But honestly, I prefer a one-time payment over dealing with subscriptions.

The only thing Due doesn’t have is advanced task management.

If you want an app for full project planning, this isn’t it.

But if you just need a simple, effective reminder app that won’t let you forget, Due is the best choice.

Also read: iPhone Planner apps for ADHD

2. Apple Reminders – Best Free Option

Pros:

• Completely free
• Syncs perfectly across Apple devices
• Supports time, location, and priority-based reminders
• Works with Siri for hands-free reminders

Cons:

• Basic features compared to third-party apps

Price: Free

Get it from: App Store

I have used a lot of free reminder apps, but honestly, no one beats the Apple Reminders.

It is the easiest and most convenient option for iPhone users.

It’s already built into iOS, so I don’t have to download anything.

It’s also completely free, which is a huge plus.

The thing I love the most about Apple Reminders is how well it works with everything else on my iPhone.

I can ask Siri to set a reminder, and it’s done in seconds.

I can also create reminders based on location, like “Remind me to buy milk when I reach the grocery store.”

It even lets me add subtasks, notes, and priority levels to keep things organized.

Another big win is syncing.

Whether I add a reminder on my iPhone, iPad, or Mac, it instantly updates everywhere through iCloud.

This makes sure I don’t miss anything, no matter which device I’m using.

Of course, it’s not as advanced as some paid apps like Due or Todoist.

You won’t get things like smart automation or custom snooze options.

But if you’re looking for the best free reminder app for ADHD, Apple Reminders is a solid choice.

It’s simple, effective, and already on your iPhone.

Also read: iPhone calendar apps for ADHD

3. Todoist – Best for Task Management & Recurring Reminders

Pros:

• Great for both reminders and task management
• Supports recurring tasks and due dates
• Lets you organize tasks with labels and priorities
• Syncs with Google Calendar, Slack, and more

Cons:

• Free version has limited features
• Can be overwhelming for simple reminders

Price: Free, $4.99 per month or $47.99 per year.

Get it from: App Store

I don’t just need reminders—I need a way to manage all my tasks without feeling overwhelmed.

That’s why I love Todoist.

It’s not just a reminder app; it’s a full task manager that helps me stay on top of everything.

One of the biggest reasons I use Todoist is for recurring reminders.

If I have to take my meds every day at 9 AM, I can just set it once, and Todoist will remind me every day without me having to reset it.

It’s super helpful when I need to remember things regularly.

Another thing I like is how it organizes tasks.

I can add labels, priority levels, and even break big tasks into smaller steps.

This makes it easier to handle long-term projects without feeling overwhelmed.

It also syncs with Google Calendar, so I can see all my tasks and events in one place.

The only downside is that the free version is limited.

If you want features like reminders for sub-tasks, advanced filters, or collaboration tools, you’ll need to pay for the premium version.

But even with the free version, Todoist is one of the best reminder apps for ADHD if you need both task management and daily reminders in one app.

Also read: Best productivity apps for ADHD

4. Remember The Milk – Best for Smart Task Automation

Pros:

• Automates task management with smart lists and tags
• Sends reminders via email, text, and mobile notifications
• Syncs with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Evernote
• Lets you share tasks with others

Cons:

• The best features are locked behind the Pro version
• Can feel outdated compared to newer apps

Price: Free or $49.99

Get it from: App Store

I’ve always struggled with keeping track of multiple reminders and figuring out what’s most important.

That’s why I really like Remember The Milk—it does a lot of the thinking for me.

The best thing about this app is its smart lists and tags.

I can set rules so tasks automatically organize themselves.

For example, if a task is due today, it shows up in my “Urgent” list.

If I mark it as “Work,” it goes into my “Work Tasks” list.

I don’t have to sort things manually, which saves me a ton of time.

Another cool feature is reminders through different channels.

Most apps just send a push notification, but Remember The Milk can also send reminders via email, text, and even Twitter.

This makes sure I see my reminders no matter what.

The downside? The free version is pretty basic.

If you want features like subtasks, colored tags, and unlimited sharing, you’ll need to pay for Pro.

Also, the design feels a little outdated compared to apps like Todoist.

But if you want a smart reminder app that automates your tasks, this is a great choice.

5. Things 3 – Best for Organizing Complex Tasks

Pros:

• Beautiful, clean design with zero clutter
• Great for organizing big projects and daily tasks
• Supports recurring reminders and deadlines
• Works offline, no internet needed

Cons:

• No free version

Price: $9.99

Get it from: App Store

I’ve used a lot of apps that claim to help with organization, but Things 3 is the only one that actually makes it enjoyable.

If you have a lot going on—work, personal tasks, long-term projects—this app helps you break it all down in a way that feels manageable.

What I love the most about Things 3 is how it handles big projects.

I can create a main task and break it into smaller steps.

Each task can have a due date, notes, and even a checklist inside it.

It’s perfect if you have something like “Plan a Trip”, where you need to book flights, pack, and create an itinerary—all under one task.

The app is also super clean.

There’s no unnecessary clutter or complicated menus.

Everything is laid out in a way that makes sense, so I don’t waste time figuring out how to use it.

And because it works offline, I can still see all my tasks even when I don’t have an internet connection.

The biggest downside?

It’s not free.

You have to pay once for the iPhone version, and separately for the iPad and Mac versions.

But if you need a powerful reminder app for ADHD that helps organize complex tasks, this is the best one out there.

My Final Take

At the end of the day, the best reminder app for ADHD is the one that actually gets you to take action.

If an app just sits on your phone and doesn’t help you get things done, it’s not the right one for you.

So, here’s how to decide:

• If you need a no-nonsense reminder that won’t let you forget, go with Due.
• If you want a free, built-in option that just works, Apple Reminders is your best bet.
• If you’re looking for a balance between reminders and task management, Todoist is the way to go.
• If you need smart automation to keep things organized for you, try Remember The Milk.
• If you deal with big projects and complex tasks, Things 3 is worth the investment.

No reminder app will magically fix forgetfulness, but the right one will make life easier.

Pick the one that feels natural to use, stick with it, and let it take some of the mental load off your shoulders.

The best app is the one that actually helps you remember.

FAQs

What is the best reminder app for ADHD?

The best reminder app depends on what you need. If you want a simple reminder that keeps bugging you until you act, Due is the best choice. If you prefer a free, Apple Reminders works well. For task management with reminders, Todoist is great. Remember The Milk is best for automation, while Things 3 helps with organizing complex tasks.

How do reminder apps help with ADHD?

People with ADHD often struggle with forgetfulness and time management. A good reminder app helps by sending persistent reminders, organizing tasks, and breaking big tasks into smaller steps. The best ones don’t just remind you once—they keep nudging you until you take action.

Are there free reminder apps for ADHD?

Yes. Apple Reminders is completely free and works well for basic reminders. Todoist and Remember The Milk also have free plans with limited features. If you need something with no restrictions, Apple Reminders is the best free option.

Can a reminder app replace a planner for ADHD?

It depends on your needs. If you only need help remembering tasks, a reminder app is enough. But if you also need to manage projects, track deadlines, and organize long-term goals, you might need both a planner and a reminder app. Apps like Todoist and Things 3 work well as planners too.

Which reminder app is best for someone who ignores notifications?

If you tend to ignore reminders, Due is the best option. It keeps reminding you until you actually mark the task as done. Unlike other apps that send one notification and disappear, Due won’t let you forget.