5 Best Productivity Apps for ADHD​ (+FREE)

I’ve always been obsessed with testing productivity apps.

But when my ADHD friend asked me for recommendations, I realized—what works for me might not work for them.

ADHD brains operate differently, and traditional to-do lists or generic planners can feel more overwhelming than helpful.

So, I went on a deep dive.

I scoured forums, read ADHD-specific productivity advice, and tested countless apps to see which ones actually help you stay on top of tasks without feeling burnt out.

And trust me, not all of them made the cut.

After all that research, I found five ADHD-friendly productivity apps that genuinely make a difference.

And yes, some of them are completely free.

Let’s dive in.

1. Todoist – I Like it the Most

What worked for me:

• Clean and intuitive interface
• Smart task automation with natural language input
• Gamification through the Karma system
• Cross-platform syncing with integrations

What didn’t work for me:

• Limited features in the free version
• No built-in time-tracking
• Can feel overwhelming if you don’t customize filters

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

Get it from: App Store

Todoist is my personal favorite because it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and power.

When I first tried it, I was surprised by how effortlessly I could type something like “Doctor’s appointment every second Monday at 4 PM” and have it set up as a recurring task.

This natural language processing is a game-changer, especially for ADHD users who need a frictionless way to dump tasks quickly before they forget them.

But what really sets Todoist apart is the Karma system, which turns productivity into a challenge.

You earn points for completing tasks and maintaining streaks, which makes mundane to-dos feel rewarding.

It’s a subtle but effective motivator, especially when you struggle with staying consistent.

On top of that, the ability to organize tasks using labels, filters, and project templates makes it adaptable to any workflow, whether you need a simple to-do list or a structured project manager.

One of my favorite hidden gems is its email-to-task feature, where you can forward an email to a Todoist address, and it instantly becomes a task.

This is a lifesaver when you’re flooded with emails but don’t want to lose track of important follow-ups.

The only downside? The free version is somewhat limited.

You won’t get reminders, and some advanced filters require a premium upgrade.

Still, for anyone looking for a flexible, ADHD-friendly productivity tool, Todoist is a top contender.

Also read: Best planner apps for ADHD

2. Focus To-Do – Best for Staying on Task

What worked for me:

• Built-in Pomodoro timer for structured focus sessions
• Task lists and subtasks keep everything organized
• Progress tracking and detailed analytics
• White noise feature for minimizing distractions

What didn’t work for me:

• Interface feels a bit outdated
• Pomodoro technique might not suit everyone

Price: Free, $3.99 for 3 months, or $11.99 for a lifetime.

Get it from: App Store

Focus To-Do is a productivity lifesaver if you struggle to stay on task.

I started using it when I noticed how easily I got distracted while working.

Instead of relying on sheer willpower, this app combines the Pomodoro technique with task management, making it easier to break work into short, manageable sessions.

The process is simple: Set a task, start a 25-minute focus session, take a short break, then repeat.

This method prevents burnout while keeping you engaged.

What I love is the progress tracking feature, where you can see exactly how much time you’ve spent on each task.

Seeing that I spent two hours productively instead of endlessly scrolling social media was a real eye-opener.

Another underrated feature is its built-in white noise.

I often use the rain sound to block out distractions, and it genuinely helps me focus longer.

The only downside is that the interface isn’t the sleekest, and while the free version is decent, you’ll need the premium plan for more customization options like unlimited tasks and advanced stats.

But if procrastination is your biggest challenge, Focus To-Do is worth a shot.

Also read: Best calendar apps for ADHD

3. Remember The Milk – Best for Reminders & Task Automation

What worked for me:

• Smart Add lets you create tasks with shortcuts
• Location-based reminders are super useful
• Subtasks make large projects more manageable
• Works offline with automatic syncing
• Integrates with Google Calendar, Evernote, and more

What didn’t work for me:

• UI feels a bit outdated
• Free version lacks advanced features

Price: Free or $49.99

Get it from: App Store

Remember The Milk is the app I didn’t know I needed until I tried it.

Unlike other to-do list apps, it excels in reminders and automation, making it perfect for those who tend to forget tasks the moment they step away from their phone.

The Smart Add feature is one of my favorites—you can type something like “Buy groceries #errands !1 @Saturday” and it automatically categorizes, prioritizes, and schedules it.

What truly makes it stand out is location-based reminders.

If I need to pick up dry cleaning, the app will alert me when I’m near the store.

Another handy feature is its offline functionality, so even if I lose internet access, my tasks remain accessible.

That said, the UI feels a bit outdated compared to modern task managers, and some integrations require a premium subscription.

But if you’re looking for a reliable app that ensures nothing slips through the cracks, Remember The Milk is a solid pick.

4. OmniFocus – Best for GTD Method & Power Users

What worked for me:

• GTD-friendly structure with contexts and perspectives
• Forecast view integrates tasks with calendar events
• Customizable review mode to track progress
• End-to-end encryption for data security

What didn’t work for me:

• Steep learning curve
• Overkill for simple task lists
• Pricey compared to other apps

Price: Free or $9.99 per month

Get it from: App Store

OmniFocus is hands down the most powerful task manager on this list, but it’s not for the faint of heart.

It’s specifically designed for the Getting Things Done (GTD) method, which means you can organize tasks into projects, assign contexts, and structure your workflow exactly how you want.

If you love fine-tuning every detail of your productivity system, this app is heaven.

The Forecast view is a killer feature—it combines your to-dos with calendar events, helping you plan your days realistically.

I also appreciate the Review mode, which lets you regularly check in on your projects so nothing gets forgotten.

That said, OmniFocus has a steep learning curve.

It’s not an app you pick up and master in five minutes, and if you just need a simple to-do list, it’s probably overkill.

Plus, it’s one of the more expensive apps on this list.

But for power users who want complete control over their task management, OmniFocus is the ultimate tool.

5. Trello – Best for Visual Organization

What worked for me:

• Highly visual, drag-and-drop interface
• Butler automation simplifies workflows
• Power-Ups add extra functionality (calendar, integrations, etc.)
• Great for team collaboration
• Customizable board templates

What didn’t work for me:

• Can get cluttered with too many cards
• Free plan limits Power-Ups
• Not ideal for complex time-based task management

Price: Free or $5 per month

Get it from: App Store

Trello is my go-to when I need a visual approach to organization.

Unlike traditional list-based apps, Trello uses boards, lists, and cards, making it easy to see everything at a glance.

If you’re someone who thrives on visual cues, this app can be a game-changer.

One feature I love is Butler automation, which lets you create rules that automatically move cards, set due dates, or send reminders.

Another hidden gem is Card Aging, which fades out inactive tasks over time—perfect for spotting things you’ve neglected.

That said, Trello isn’t ideal for time-sensitive tasks, and if you go overboard with cards, things can get messy.

But for visual thinkers who need a flexible system, Trello is one of the best productivity tools for ADHD out there.

My Final Take

I know the struggle.

You want to be productive, but your brain has other plans—jumping between thoughts, forgetting tasks the second you think of them, and getting overwhelmed before you even start.

I’ve been there.

And that’s why I spent time digging through these apps—not just to list them, but to find the ones that actually help.

For me:

• Todoist just made sense.
• Focus To-Do is brilliant with its Pomodoro technique.
• Remember The Milk is a lifesaver with its smart reminders.
• OmniFocus has all the structure you could ask for.
• Trello makes planning feel effortless.

At the end of the day, there’s no perfect app, only the one that works for you.

ADHD brains need tools that work with them, not against them.

So try a few, see which one fits your rhythm, and don’t stress about making the “right” choice—the best app is the one that actually helps you move forward.

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