A few months ago, I started hunting around the web for a good to-do task management app.
I wanted something more advanced than a simple, straightforward to-do list. If I wanted that, I could just as easily use Evernote. At the same time, I didn’t want an app that was a deep project management system like BaseCamp.
So, here’s what I’ve compiled (including suggestions from ChurchMag readers) thus far:
[Editor’s Note: Last amended, August 5th, 2011 ]
- Producteev
- Flow
- Toodledo
- Nirvana
- TaskAnt
- OmniFocus
- Nozbe
- TaskCoach
- Chandler Project
- Things
- A notebook
- Action Method
- Toodledo
- The Hit List
- OmniFocus
- iprocrastinate
- Nitro
I’ve received an amazing amount of feedback! I’m so excited!
This is what I’ve tried and reviewed up until now:
Wunderlist
I love it’s simplicity. I love how I can throw it around and it doesn’t break or get too complicated. It has really improved my day-to-day task management; however, there are times I find it too limited in its functionality. Cliche, perhaps, but Wunderlist’s greatest strength is also its greatest weakness: It’s simple. I’m still using Wunderlist and will continue to do so. It is the perfect solution for planning-out my daily blog posts. – Read the Full Review
Todoist
I really enjoyed using Todoist. Although plain and simple in design, it really delivered when it came to usability. If you want to use some of the premium features, it’s also very affordable at around $30 a year. One of my favorite aspects of Todoist was the browser extension. There was no need to switch tabs or programs! I could easily have full access to Todoist straight from the pop-out window. – Read the Full Review
Google Tasks
I didn’t have my hopes set too high with Google Tasks, but I was pleasantly surprised. Just as we have seen Google integrate many of their products into Google+ Plus, Google has done a great job of integrating Google Tasks. It does, however, lack some depth and it still feels like it’s more of a beta product than a finished piece of work. – Read the Full Review
GQueues
GQueues looks and feels like a Google application in both look and function. The whole online system is built around Google. You can sign-in and start using it via your Google Gmail login or Google Apps sign-in. There is a both lite version and fair priced full version, but I think you’ll find the lite version good enough for basic task management. – Read the Full Review
Remember The Milk
Remember The Milk has been around a while and its experience shows! With a seriously long list of apps that sync with your device, or the Gmail integration options, you should find Remember The Milk a sweet solution for task management. – Read the Full Review
Next Up …
I think it’s time to get some insight from someone, else!
This upcoming week, Chase Livingston will be reviewing Flow. We’ll hear from him next Friday!
In the meantime, if there are any to-do task list apps that you use or would like to see added to the list, drop it off in the comments and I’ll be sure to add it!
Until next week …
[Image via Rob Warde]
Nick Jones says
Have you looked into OmniFocus at all? I have it for both iphone and Mac, but haven’t really gotten into heavy use of it. But would be interested in your opinion.
Dave Shrein says
I’ve used OmniFocus for a long time. I really like it though I’m always looking at other alternatives… it has a lot more than just to-do, but isn’t as robust as something like contactizer.
Eric Dye says
Thanks, Nick!
I’ve now added it to the list 🙂
Eric Dye says
I’ve added OmniFocus to the list! Thanks for the suggesting!
Jeff Randleman says
Our staff has started using Nozbe. It’s pretty functional, and easy to use. You might consider adding it to your list…
Eric Dye says
Awesome!
Added.
Dustin says
Why not use this as an opportunity to pick up a full notebook app like evernote or even better, springpad? Both have tasks.
Eric Dye says
Evernote isn’t jiving for my tasks, reoccurring tasks, etc …
I use Evernote for other things, and it works great for that.
Each to his own, I suppose.
🙂
Aaron M says
We use GQueues at work since it integrates with Google Apps, and it works extremely well. I would suggest giving it a shot.
Eric Dye says
Added!
Adam Lehman says
Eric, I’m a Wunderlist lover. I used “things” for a while, but Wunderlist – in my opinion is much more consistent with it’s syncing (and it’s free).
Eric Dye says
I love my Wunderlist. I just need a little more depth. I can’t help but wonder if some of their future upgrades will get it to the sweet spot I’m looking for.
Three cheers for Wunderlist!
Josh Collesano says
Our team uses Things right now. Some of our guys have it on iOS as well as OS x. I’m just using it on OS x right now because I don’t want my “work” task list on my phone at all times (distraction). I LOVE things and what it does… we’re waiting for the cloud version so we can finally truly collaborate. Right now I’m using it for project management and task management.
What do you like better about Wunderlist?
Tre Lawrence says
Been using Producttev (syncs with Android app Astrid). I have some issues with how how Producteev web handles display of tasks, but I am fairly satisfied with the overall solution.
Will be watching for the reviews.
Eric Dye says
😉
Tre Lawrence says
Producteev… *sigh*
Does anyone use Google Tasks extensively?
Eric Dye says
I’ll be giving it a try. I’m doubtful, though.
Tim Smith says
I used to use Chandler http://chandlerproject.org/ it was great with now/later/done triage for all tasks and integrated calendar. It also did really well at syncing over the web with browser based access and syncing with other users and installations (home and work)
Sadly it hasn’t been updated for a long time and I had a problem where I couldn’t recover a load of tasks on my desktop at home.
I’m now using TaskCoach, which is ok but I don’t enjoy it the way I did Chandler. I haven’t sorted out sync yet either so I’m just keeping the task list in my Dropbox folder.
I miss chandler, would love to go back to it.
As an aside it was also the subject of the book Dreaming in Code, which is a fascinating read.
Tim
Eric Dye says
Looks like I’ll have to add them both.
Thanks!
Reba says
Things is always classic and syncs great with the iphone.
Eric Dye says
Thanks, Reba!
Added.
James Cooper says
I discovered wunderlist a couple of months ago and it’s the best todo I’ve used. It seems to work for me for project management, I just give project a folder. I also still like a pen and paper!
Eric Dye says
Hmmm …. sounds good.
Jared Erickson says
I use a physical notebook. sometimes technology gets in the way.
Eric Dye says
Dude. Totally adding this to the list! 😀
Michael Hyatt says
I use Nozbe. I switched from Things, because of the lack of cloud sync. Love it.
Eric Dye says
Added!
Thank you!
Josh Collesano says
THINGS is by far the greatest to-do list, project management etc. App I’ve used. Our entire student ministry team uses it. We can’t wait for the cloud portion to be released so we can collaborate and delegate within our team of staff and interns.
I highly recommend it.
Eric Dye says
That’s a serious shout-out!
Oh, yeah. Adding Things to the list. 😀
Mike Singletary says
What about Action Method? Great for personal task/project management, as well as team collaboration/delegation. Great looking web app that syncs with their free iPhone app. http://www.actionmethod.com.
Eric Dye says
Looks shiny!
Added. 😀
Bill Wolfe says
I love Evernote for notes and ideas, but I’m a big fan of Toodledo.com for task list management. Free and works well for me.
Eric Dye says
Added!
I use Evernote for ideas, too. I love it for that.
Bobby says
Have you seen The Hit List?
http://www.potionfactory.com/thehitlist/
I used the Beta for a long time and really liked it. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Eric Dye says
I’ll be sure to add it 🙂
Doug Cowburn says
I’ve been using iprocrastinate. Available in the Mac app store and as an iPhone app (I believe the iPad app is coming soon). It has color coordination, calendar view and it uses steps for bigger tasks. All of it syncs through dropbox.
Eric Dye says
I’ll add it to the list!
Jonathan Parsons says
Remember the Milk is my default to-do list. It is easy to forward emails to it and easy to print as well. You can keep it simple or get quite complex with list, tags, locations, and such. There is a good following and a lot of third party apps.
Eric Dye says
Awesome! On the list!
Roy Baum says
During a recent studio move project (last week!) I used Wedoist from the makers of todoist. It worked ok for me, collaboration tools were pretty good, but lacked mobile integration. It got me through the project, but not sure I would use it again.
Eric Dye says
Mobile is a must, these days.