Top 5 Best ADHD-Friendly Todo Apps in 2025
ADHD makes it challenging to stay focused. In this article, we take a look at the best todo apps that can help to concentrate.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can make it challenging to stay organized and manage tasks effectively. Fortunately, there are to-do apps that can help individuals with ADHD stay on top of their tasks and enhance productivity.
In this article, we will explore some of the top ADHD-friendly to-do apps, including NotePlan, a solution that excels in meeting the unique needs of individuals with ADHD.
Top Todo Apps for Individuals with ADHD
- NotePlan - Master your calendar and tasks in one place
Ideal for ADHD users who like to align their daily tasks directly with their calendar for a clear daily overview. - Todoist - Simplify your life with powerful task management
Features straightforward task management with reminders and categorization, perfect for ADHD users who appreciate clarity and simplicity. - Things - Elegantly manage your tasks
With its clean interface, Things is excellent for ADHD individuals who need a distraction-free environment to manage tasks. - TickTick - Stay on track with integrated calendars and reminders
Great for ADHD users who benefit from having all reminders and tasks in one place, with extra support for building consistent habits. - Sunsama - Organize your day like never before
Sunsama blends meetings and tasks in one place, simplifying daily planning for ADHD users who manage multiple platforms.
1. NotePlan
NotePlan is a versatile app that combines the simplicity of plain text notes with the organization of a calendar and powerful task management features. While it is primarily a note-taking app, NotePlan heavily supports todos, making it an excellent choice for individuals with ADHD who need a comprehensive solution for managing their tasks and notes in one place.
The app’s seamless integration of tasks, events, and notes reduces context switching and distractions, allowing users to stay focused and organized.
Pros:
- Three apps in one, less switching cost, less distraction
- Markdown for faster capturing of tasks
- Works out of the box, no setup or plugin installations needed
- One app that can manage your calendar, tasks and notes means it's cheaper than purchasing all three apps individually
Cons:
- There's a learning curve because you need to learn or know Markdown for example (not hard to learn though).
- Subscription based.
2. Todoist
- Pricing: Free with pro plan starting at $4/month
- Rating on G2: 4.4/5
Todoist is a popular todo app that offers a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for individuals with ADHD to manage their tasks. With features like natural language input, recurring tasks, and priority levels, Todoist helps users stay organized and prioritize their tasks effectively.
The app’s cross-platform compatibility and collaboration features make it a great choice for individuals who need to access their tasks on multiple devices and collaborate with others.
Pros:
- Simple Interface: Easy to use, reducing cognitive overload.
- Customization: Adjustable priorities and labels cater to various needs.
- Integration: Syncs well with other apps and tools.
Cons:
- No note-taking integrated.
- No Calendar or Reminders integration.
- You need to get separate apps for note-taking and calendar, which means you need to switch between apps and get distracted.
- Limited free version, essential features need to be purchased like reminders.
3. Things
- Pricing: $9.99 for iPhone, $19.99 for iPad, $49.99 for macOS (one-time purchase)
- Rating on the App Store: 4.8/5
Things is a beautifully designed todo app that focuses on simplicity and ease of use. Its clean interface and intuitive organization features, such as projects and areas, make it a great choice for individuals with ADHD who prefer a minimalist and visually appealing task management experience.
The app’s “Today” view helps users focus on the most important tasks for the day, while its “Upcoming” view provides a clear overview of future tasks and deadlines.
Pros:
- Clean Design: Offers a clutter-free interface, enhancing focus.
- Easy Organization: Features intuitive project and task categorization.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Extensive shortcuts streamline task management.
Cons:
- Price: Higher upfront cost compared to many other todo apps.
- Apple Only: Available exclusively for iOS and macOS, limiting access.
- No Collaboration Tools: Lacks features for team collaboration or sharing tasks.
4. TickTick
- Pricing: Free with the Premium plan starting at $3/month
- Rating on Capterra: 4.8/5
TickTick is a feature-rich todo app that offers a wide range of customization options and powerful features, such as natural language input, recurring tasks, and priority levels. Its Pomodoro timer and habit tracking features can be particularly helpful for individuals with ADHD who struggle with time management and forming positive habits.
Pros:
- Versatility: Includes features like calendars, priority settings, and reminder alarms.
- Built-in Timers: Comes with Pomodoro timers and habit tracking, aiding in focus and routine.
- Cross-Platform: Available on multiple platforms including iOS, Android, and desktop.
Cons:
- Complex Interface: May be overwhelming due to its many features and settings.
- Notification Issues: Some users report inconsistencies with task reminders and notifications.
5. Sunsama
- Pricing: $20/month
- Rating on Capterra: 4.7/5
Sunsama is a task management app that focuses on daily planning and time blocking. Its intuitive interface and integration with popular tools like Google Calendar, Trello, and Asana make it a great choice for individuals with ADHD who need to manage tasks across multiple platforms.
The app’s daily planning feature helps users prioritize their tasks and allocate specific time slots for each activity, promoting focus and productivity.
Pros:
- Daily Planning: Encourages daily task planning which helps in maintaining focus.
- Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other tools like Slack, Asana, Trello, and Google Calendar.
- Focus Sessions: Features built-in focus sessions to improve productivity.
Cons:
- Cost: Requires a costly subscription after a free trial, which may be a barrier for some users.
- Complex Setup: The initial setup and integration process can be time-consuming.
- Overwhelming Features: The array of features can be overwhelming for users looking for simplicity.
Why NotePlan Stands Out
While NotePlan is primarily a note-taking app, it offers powerful task management features that make it an excellent choice for individuals with ADHD:
1. Seamless Integration of Notes and Tasks
NotePlan’s unique approach to combining notes and tasks in one app reduces context switching and distractions, allowing users to stay focused and organized. By keeping related information and tasks together, individuals with ADHD can maintain a clear overview of their commitments and avoid getting overwhelmed.
2. Calendar Integration and Timeblocking
NotePlan seamlessly syncs with your calendar, enabling you to view your tasks alongside your daily schedule. This integration helps individuals with ADHD maintain a balanced and structured day, ensuring that they dedicate adequate time to each task without overworking or getting sidetracked.
3. Markdown Support
NotePlan’s use of Markdown promotes simplicity and efficiency, allowing users to focus on content rather than appearance. This emphasis on minimalism can be particularly beneficial for individuals with ADHD, as it reduces the potential for distractions and helps maintain concentration on the task at hand.
4. Comprehensive Planning Features
NotePlan’s daily, weekly, and monthly planning features help individuals with ADHD break down tasks into manageable chunks, set and track short-term and long-term goals, and maintain a clear sense of direction. By regularly reviewing and updating these notes, users can ensure that they are consistently working towards their objectives and staying aligned with their priorities.
Conclusion
When it comes to todo apps that cater to the specific needs of individuals with ADHD, NotePlan stands out as a comprehensive solution that combines the power of note-taking with effective task management.
However, dedicated todo apps like Todoist, Things, TickTick, and Sunsama also offer valuable features that can enhance productivity and organization for individuals with ADHD. Explore these options to find the todo app that best suits your needs and helps you thrive in managing your daily tasks.
Can one app really replace your entire productivity stack?
NotePlan did. Try NotePlan free for 7 days to learn how