.-min.png)
It’s time you’ve been waiting for. Our regularly scheduled list article! 🎉
That’s right! Today we will be looking at the best ADHD planner apps out on the market to guide you to the one that will be your bestie.
What does science say? What do we say? And how do you make the most out of the app instead of turning it into another project you will drop after a hot minute?
All that - and more - in today’s read.
Here’s what you can expect to read today:
- What are ADHD planner apps?
- What does science say about them?
- How do these apps help us reach digital enlightenment?
- What are the criteria for choosing the app you will stick with?
- How to make the most out of your time with the app?
- The shortlist of the top apps we’ve found.
Ready? Let’s dig in!
[The Best Planners 2023]The Best ADHD Planner Apps in 2024: The Shortlist
Heads up, gamers. 😎 This list is going to be quite a long haul, so if you want just a quick round-up of what we consider THE BEST UNBIASED AND LEGIT OPINION* on the apps to rock, then check out this:
- Top overall: Numo
- Most epic memes: Numo
- Best free option: Anydo
- For busy bees 🐝: Sunsama
- Excellent community support: Numo
- A great Apple-exclusive option: Fantastical
- For people who can’t let go of Windows 95: Remember the Milk
* - we are legally required to write that. Not really. Maybe?
Numo
Well, we couldn’t miss an opportunity to pat ourselves on the back, could we? 😉
Numo is what happens when you think, “What if we want to go beyond just being ADHD pers”? As such, the app has plenty of extra useful features that any ADHDer will find valuable and exciting.
We claim to be the first cringe-free app, not because our memes aren’t cringe (trust me - they are 😎) but because we wanted to cut out all the fluff and get you just the things you do.
In addition to the ADHD planner app you seek, it has helpful learning materials to inspire and teach you science-backed coping skills.
On top of that, we are also fostering a community of fellow-minded ADHDers, so there’s always someone to chat with, either just because or if you’re looking for advice for people who are walking the same path.
Features
- ADHD planner with a gaming twist: earn points for each comp task on your Todo list to keep you motivated and on track
- Built-in noise generator to help you with focus and relaxation
- Community features: tribes and squads help you connect with fellow ADHDers for advice, inspiration, and encouragement
- Accountability support group (body dubbling) with other ADHDers to accomplish more together
- Materials for learning about time management strategies, emotional regulation, building relationships, and more!
- Available o iOS and Android
Sunsama
Who is it best for: Sunsama is for professionals seeking a unified platform to organize and track their day, import tasks from other apps, and convert emails and Slack messages into tasks.
Features:
- Daily planner
- Timeboxing and tracking
- Focus mode
- Weekly progress review
- Calendar syncing
- Integration with third-party productivity platforms
- Compatibility with desktop and mobile
Pros:
- Comprehensive daily planner with an intuitive interface
- Enables importing tasks from other apps and converting emails/Slack messages into tasks
- Supports timeboxing and tracking
- Compatible with desktop and mobile
Cons:
- It may be overwhelming for those who prefer simpler planning tools
- No specific ADHD-focused features
Any.do
Who is it best for: Any.do is for those looking for a digital planning solution for personal and professional tasks with a clean and simple daily dashboard.
Features:
- Todo list and tasks
- Daily planner
- Calendar integration
- Reminders
- Team collaboration
- Multidevice support
Pros:
- Delivers collaborative workspace for teams
- The "My Day" feature provides a clean and daily-refreshing dashboard
- Multi-device support
Cons:
- The free version might be limited in features
- Requires subscription for full functionality
Fantastical
Who is it best for: Fantastical is a great choice for Apple fans that want a smart calendar for all their devices.
Features:
- Visual calendar
- Team invitation
- Tasks, reminders, and events
- Notes and attachments
- Conference call integration
- Appearance customization
Pros:
- Allows creation of recurring tasks and schedules location-based activities
- Offers focus filter for task prioritization
- High level of customization
Cons:
- Limited to Apple devices
- Advanced features may require a subscription
Notion
Who is it best for: Notion - the ol’ reliable - is your pick if you are looking for an all-in-one workspace with robust tools and templates for efficient daily planning.
Features:
- Daily planning and project management
- Kanban board
- Media upload
- Team collaboration
- Calendar
- ADHD-friendly templates
- Integration with Slack
Pros:
- Provides a centralized workplace for notes, tasks, and project management
- Offers ADHD-friendly templates
- Supports team collaboration
Cons:
- It can be complex for new users
- Some features may require a subscription
Trello
Who is it best for: Trello has a Kanban board for easy daily and weekly planning inside and outside work.
Features:
- Kanban board
- Calendar and timeline view
- Tasks, checklists, and due dates
- Team collaboration
- Workflow automation
- Templates
- Customization
- Desktop and mobile versions
- Integration with over 200 third-party applications
Pros:
- Easy planning of team schedules within a single space
- Integrates with Slack for streamlined team communication
- Wide range of customization options
Cons:
- Some advanced features require a subscription
- It may be too feature-rich for personal use
TickTick
Who is it best for: Choose TickTick if you seek a simple, efficient tool to record and track daily tasks.
Features:
- Todo list
- Calendar
- Projects and checklists
- Tags to label projects
- Due dates and reminders
- Time blocking and Pomodoro timer
- Cross-platform app
Pros:
- Allows task tagging, due dates setting, and time tracking
- Provides recurring tasks and location-based reminders
- Supports team collaboration
Cons:
- Advanced features require a subscription
- Task categorization might be limited
Todoist
Who is it best for: Professionals with ADHD who need an easy-to-use planner and project manager should take a good look at Todoist.
Features:
- Cross-platform app
- Tasks, subtasks, due dates, and reminders
- Convert emails into projects
- File sharing
- Labels and filters
- Calendar
- Templates
- Analytics
- Team collaboration
- Integration with third-party apps
Pros:
- Quick task addition feature and multi-device support
- Supports task categorization and prioritization
- Extensive integration with third-party apps
Cons:
- Some features are behind a paywall
- Learning curve for non-tech savvy users
Llama Life
Who is it best for?
Llama Life is an app that helps you focus on ONE task at a time. It has a simple, fun, and colorful design, coupled with ADHD focused features, so you can get through that task list quickly and stress-free.
Features:
- Set a timer for each task
- See start and end time for each task
- See total list time and estimated finishing time of the day
- Uses AI to break down overwhelming tasks for you
- Pick a random task to help get started
- Soft chime sounds to remind you to stay on track
- Create “Preset Lists” for routines and tasks you do often
- “Nag” alarm that will remind you every minute when the timer is up! (+ other alarm options to pick from)
- Listen to soundscapes to help drown out unwanted noise
Pros:
- Available on iOS and desktop (Android app coming later 2024!)
- Easy and fun to use
- Free 7-day trial, no credit card required
- Features designed to increase dopamine
- Highly customizable
- Integrates with Todoist
Cons:
- No calendar view
- No Android app as yet (coming mid-2024)
- Subscription required after free trial
Structured
Who is it best for: Structured is for Apple users looking for a simple daily planner with high customization and aesthetic appeal.
Features:
- Visual planner
- Theme customizations
- Calendar and reminder integration
- Inbox to the record todo list
- Subtasks and notes
- Home screen widget and notifications
- Multidevice support
Pros:
- Allows creation and import of tasks into a calendar
- High level of planner theme customization
- Voice support
Cons:
- Limited to Apple devices
GoodTask
Who is it best for: Consider GoodTask if you seek a comprehensive platform for goal setting, task scheduling, and reminder syncing.
Features:
- Daily, weekly, and monthly planner
- Smart list
- Tasks, subtasks, tags, and filters
- Quick action
- Calendar and reminder syncing
- Custom themes
- Multidevice support
Pros:
- Allows prioritization and scheduling of tasks
- Offers multi-device support and home screen widget
- High level of theme customization
Cons:
- Limited to Apple devices
- May have features that require a subscription
GoalsWon
Who is it best for: For our ADHD-ers out there looking for a tailored, supportive approach from a human coach trained in science-backed techniques to help manage your day-to-day tasks and long-term goals. Science says having an accountability partner makes you more likely to succeed, so imagine a professional one!
Features:
- Personalized human coaching
- Customized and science-backed planning
- Daily interaction
- Tailored goal setting and review
- Daily motivation
- Detailed progress tracking and milestone awarding
Pros:
- Direct, personalized coaching targeting ADHD-specific challenges, like procrastination and time management and personal preferences
- Structured goal-setting helps with focus and task completion
- Real human interaction fosters a sense of connection and motivation
- Free trial
Cons:
Subscription required for personal coaching access
My Daily Planner
Who is it best for: MyDailyPlanner is for Android users needing a straightforward personal organizer with essential planning tools.
Features:
- Daily planner
- Calendar
- Color-coded tasks
- Due dates and reminders
- Dark theme
- Voice notes
Pros:
- Allows creation of to-do lists, subtasks, and recurring jobs
- Supports scheduling and reminder setting
- Voice notes feature
Cons:
- Limited to Android devices
- Lacks collaboration features
Tiimo
Who is it best for: If you need a basic yet sleek visual planner with time tracking and blocking tools, Tiimo might be an excellent choice.
Features:
- Visual planners
- Custom themes
- Checklist and tasks
- Manual start and pause
- Reminders
Pros:
- Allows color coding for quick task identification
- Designed to help establish routines
- Compatible with Android and Apple
Cons:
- May lack advanced planning features
- Limited customization options
Remember The Milk
Who is it best for: Remember the Milk is for ADHDers who prefer to manage tasks swiftly and need high accessibility.
Features:
- Tasks and subtasks
- Labels and smart list
- Reminders
- Integrations
- Collaboration tools
- File and notes
- Multidevice support
- Custom themes
- Gmail addon
Pros:
- Allows one-line task creation with smart add feature
- Offers high accessibility via integrations
- Supports multi-device syncing
Cons:
- Advanced features may require subscription
- UI may be less modern compared to others
Brite
Who is it best for: Brite is for ADHDers who prefer to track progress, plan their day, and achieve goals within one app.
Features:
- Deep customization
- Progress tracking
- Daily planning
- Goal achievement
- Custom reminders
Pros:
- Offers deep customization
- Tracks progress and helps achieve goals
- Provides custom reminders
Cons:
- User experience may differ depending on the device
- Advanced features may require a subscription
TimeBloc
Who is it best for: Adults with ADHD seeking a task management app that helps break down larger projects into smaller steps can consider TimeBloc to satisfy their needs.
Features:
- Task management
- Project breakdown
- Daily scheduling
- Customized planning
Pros:
- Allows project breakdown and daily scheduling
- Provides customized planning
- Designed specifically for ADHD management
Cons:
- Can have a learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Some features may require a subscription
PiCal ADHD App for Adults
Who is it best for: Pical can be a great choice for ADHDers effectively manage their time and responsibilities with a comprehensive planner.
Features:
- Daily scheduling
- Task list
- Goal setting
- ADHD management resources
Pros:
- Offers comprehensive ADHD-focused features such as daily schedule and goal setting
- Provides ADHD management resources
- Designed specifically for adults with ADHD
Cons:
- Design might be less appealing compared to others
[How ADHD planner help? ]How can ADHD planner app make our lives better?
Now, we have to talk about an important caveat here. As we’re talking about “technology for managing ADHD,” we’re not talking about, you know, medical equipment and stuff that is hypothesized to have benefits in ADHD management.
Instead, we’re referring to the technology more casually, i.e., various apps, planners, and whatnot.
As we’re approaching the cyberpunk era, it’s obvious that there will be an app for literally anything. And aiding specific ailments and health conditions is high on the list here.
For example, did you know there’s a fantastic app called Be My Eyes where you can volunteer your eyes for people who need sighted support when shopping or anything else? Rather neat, huh?
Wait, where was I?
Ah, yes! ADHD. We’re talking about ADHD planner apps today.
Naturally, plenty of apps on the scene can help with ADHD symptoms. The question is: are they just money grabs, or do they help?
What does science say?
Science says: 🤷
A systemic review of top ADHD planner apps on the App Store and Play Market has found no scientific basis for claims made by the developers.1 In this context, we’re discussing ADHD apps for “assessment or treatment” purposes here.
That’s not to say that such apps can’t help, mind. We can’t know for sure, and recommending apps for ADHD on the “Peter said it helped him” basis…I’m sorry, Peter; I love you, but you aren’t a peer-reviewed source.
What are we doing here, then? The good news is that while these esoteric apps don’t have scientific backing, using planners for ADHD does. While exploring how people with ADHD cope and manage their symptoms, researchers have discovered that using planners is very high on the priority list for ADHDers that want to bolster their time-management-associated weaknesses2.
And that’s what we are covering today (for the most part). ADHD planners but 🤖D I G I T A L 🤖
But first! Let’s break down the benefits of using these planners in the first place.
[Benefits of ADHD planner]Benefits of Using a App for ADHD
Manage time like your name is Dr.Strange
Let’s be honest and real here, guys, gals, and nonbinary pals: time management is one of our most significant daily challenges.
That is where the ADHD app planner will surely come to the rescue. Regardless of the developer, planners have timers, alerts, and scheduling functions that help us prioritize tasks and appointments.
So, next time you have that ADHD paralysis creeping in as you don’t know what to do and how to start, don’t fret! You can just look at your pre-planned schedule in the planner and get crankin’.
Stay calm, organized, and in control
Scatterbrain, unfortunately, can put bumps in our road, even if we are trying to stay organized.
So you think: “Oh, I’ll set a reminder about writing that email on my Google calendar,” and that’s great! But then you set another reminder in the other app, then the third one in as your phone alarm, and you end up looking for a place where you had left the note more than actually doing things!
If you pick and commit to a planner app, you can organize all your notes and reminders in one place. Whatever you plan to do, you can check it in the app.
P for productivity
So now you
A - have better control over your time
B - are organized like your middle name is business
A + B = … ?
P - productivity.
Now that you don’t have to keep things in your head and can delegate these pesky thoughts to our digital overlords, you will have more time to be productive, efficient, and awesome (but you probably already were).
All right. Are you convinced yet? If you’re not, you’ve probably left already, and we will fire our copywriter for writing bad articles with bad jokes.
If you are, let’s review the criteria to pick the app that will stay with you forever.
[Criteria for choosing]Criteria for Choosing an ADHD Planner for Adults
User-friendly interface
That’s a no-brainer, especially for an app we hope will declutter our minds, not contribute further to our pains.
What makes good UI? For the most part, it’s an intuitive interface or, in other words, you know what to do and how without referring to guides and tutorials. It’s a planner app, for G-d’s sake!
So if you’re spending more than 10 seconds trying to figure out how exactly you add a note, then you should be doing this: 😎👉♻️
Rigidity is no giddity
That might sound a bit subjective, as sometimes the app just works out of the box. We may want some flexibility about arranging these things.
A good ADHD planner app will let your intuition be the queen and allow you to structure your workflow in a way that makes sense.
Does it have the coolest gang to have ever ganged?
As the great philosopher of our time said:
I don’t know about you, but I get sad whenever I pick up a new hobby or an app to tinker with, only to discover that its community is non-existent.
I mean, sure, some apps warrant it more than others, but it’s just great to have that community feel, where you can discuss the ways to utilize the app, share stories about how it helped you, and - who knows - maybe you can make a few friends along the way?
User reviews still (kind of) matter
Okay. Obviously, you should take some reviews with a grain of salt. Do you know these reviews where the app gets a poor rating because of user errors?
But, for the most part, good apps will have good ratings, so hit those reviews to check what’s up. It can be something as innocent as performance issues on specific devices to malicious or harmful things like hidden paywalls, an overabundance of ads, or constant crashes.
Is it FUN?
Fun? In my productivity apps?! It might seem counter-intuitive, but we know how it goes with our ADHD brains.
If an activity doesn’t hijack us with dopamine, we will drop it like it’s 2004, and our name is Snoop Dogg.
But what is F U N? I can’t tell you, I’m not you! But it should be something you enjoy and look forward to rather than feeling like a chore.
Certain apps oriented towards ADHDers do it through gamification, where you receive points and achievements for completing tasks. Still, I’m not the one to tell you how to have fun.
If for you that means looking and arranging spreadsheets - you do you! ✨
[How to get started]How to Get Started with an ADHD-Friendly App
Finally, let's discuss how to make the most out of your ADHD planner app.
Once again, it’s important to stress that no app is a magic wand that will fix all your woes and pains. It is a tool that is only as good as the one who wields it.
So, let’s look at some bits and bobs you should pay attention to if you want to make your time with the planner app helpful.
Learning the ropes of ADHD day planner
Once you’ve chosen the app, take it slow.
Trying to gobble it all in one bite can only lead to frustration, as you think, “My usual way is easier than that,” and drop the app entirely.
Of course, there shouldn’t be too much to learn about a planner app, but you never know, especially since some of the suggestions in our list are more involved than others regarding functionality. Some recommendations we have, for example (SPOILER ALERT) Trello, are generally used for project management in teams. If you go with that one, take your time unraveling its mysteries.
Routine is key to mastering ADHD digital planner
It’s like brushing your teeth. 🪥 It’s only good and healthy when you do it regularly and not just before the dentist. They know. I know (don’t forget to floss 🤗).
It can be as simple as checking the app first thing in the morning or taking notes immediately after planning to do something. I won’t sugarcoat it: at first, it will feel like cringe as you must remind yourself to do these things consciously.
But if you stick to it, it will soon become second nature, and you can’t imagine not using it as your trusty guide.
It’s not just the app; do other things too! 😡
I won’t lie: if there was a magic cure-all app, you could just press a button and BOWZA! That would be great.
But at the end of the day, it’s just a daily planner for ADHD. So don’t expect hoops and somersaults.
You still need to employ all other strategies for coping with ADHD symptoms. Guess what? If you neglect proper sleep, exercise, mindfulness techniques, or medication (if you have a prescription), you can easily approach ADHD burnout.
And once you’re there, it’s unlikely that you’ll have a care in the world to check or use your planner app.
Again: the app is just a tool. So, be a good master of your tools and keep yourself in top shape. You deserve it ♥️
[Conclusion]Conclusion: have you found YOUR ADHD friendly planner?
To sum up, what we’ve learned today! 🧐
- What are planners for? ADHD planners are there to turn chaos into order and help you supercharge your productivity. 🚀
- What does the science say? Mr.Science still needs to give a definite answer on ADHD-specific apps. But, there is evidence to suggest that using planners - physical or digital - can be a huge boon for ADHD-related time management issues.📚
- How do they help, exactly? Planners help you get affairs in order. Having a predefined schedule can chip away at the burnout and indecisiveness we experience when there’s too much to do. 🕓
- How do I choose my new digital sidekick? It all comes to preference, but we’d suggest paying attention to the UI, people’s opinions on the app, and how easy it is to adjust it to your specific needs. ⭐
- Any best practice tips? To rock with your new app, start slow, make it a routine land don't forget - it's a tool, not a magic wand! 🪄 So, you’ll have to do all the other things to reign in your ADHD, like sleeping, exercising, learning new coping strategies, and meds (if you have a prescription).
- What app would YOU recommend? Well. 😅 We are not biased, but we’d say that Numo is a great option, as it plays well out of the box and comes with the community like no other app. 👑
- Hmm…but what if… another app? Well, we are going to be sad. 😿But hey, you can’t please everyone! If you want a free alternative, check out something like AnyDo.
- The bottom line? Whether you choose Numo or another ADHD planner app, we hope it becomes your trusty guide to navigating ADHD. And if it's Numo, we can't wait to welcome you! 🥳
As with medication and coping strategies, no solution will accommodate all.
While Numo is made for ADHDers by ADHDers, that doesn’t mean it will always work out. But - not to toot our horn too much - it’s a pretty good app that’s is easy to set up and start using. And the community always knows better. So it’s great having people bounce our ideas off to improve! 😌
Regardless of the app you end up with, we hope you find the planner that works for you and helps you manage your ADHD better. That’s what matters the most!
But if you go with Numo, we’d be excited to have you! 🙂 And if you do end up in our tribe because of this article, then let us know, perhaps?
Then we won’t have to fire our copywriter. ✨
See you later! 👋
