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The to-do apps we would recommend this month.

Every app in the Top 10 has a full independent review. Each row includes the drawback most likely to change your mind.

No paid placementsNo made-up decimal scoresLast checked August 31, 2026

August 2026 · Issue 01

Our top 10 for August

Every app in the Top 10 has a full independent review. The order reflects our overall recommendation, but the best fit matters more than the number beside it.

Ten to-do apps ranked for August 2026. Every row opens a full review with current screenshots, objections and sources. US App Store ratings were sampled on August 31, 2026 and do not determine the order.
RankAppBest fitEntry priceApp Store signalMain objectionReview
01
TodoistBroadest fitDeep review
Fast capture, mixed devices and shared workFree; Pro $60/year or $7 monthly (US)4.80 / 5128K ratings · USThe best calendar and filtering tools require Pro.
02
Things 3Best Apple-onlyDeep review
Calm personal planning on Apple devicesOne-time purchase per Apple platform4.82 / 527.9K ratings · USNo collaboration, browser or Android app.
03
TickTickBest all-in-oneDeep review
Calendar planning, habits and focus sessionsFree; Premium $49.99/year on the US web plan4.86 / 545.4K ratings · USThe interface and settings can feel busy.
04
Apple RemindersBest free on AppleDeep review
Siri capture, households and zero setupIncluded with Apple devices4.83 / 5992K ratings · USLarge project reviews remain awkward.
05
StructuredBest visual dayDeep review
Seeing time, sequencing and daily planningFree download; optional Pro upgrade4.79 / 5165K ratings · USNot built for deep project hierarchies.
06
OmniFocusBest complex systemDeep review
GTD reviews, perspectives and automationFree trial; paid options available4.05 / 5332 ratings · USMore setup and administration than most people need.
07
Microsoft To DoBest cross-platform freeDeep review
Shared household lists and Microsoft accountsFree4.72 / 5266K ratings · USPower features and project views remain limited.
08
TiimoBest visual routinesDeep review
Transitions, routines and visual executive supportFree download; optional subscription4.59 / 519.2K ratings · USNavigation takes time to understand.
09
Sorted³Best auto-scheduled Apple dayDeep review
Combining tasks, calendar and automatic schedulingFree download; one-time Pro unlocks4.67 / 54.1K ratings · USAutomatic schedules still need manual correction on messy days.
10
ObsidianBest tasks inside notesDeep review
Research, meeting notes and local MarkdownFree; optional Sync from $4 monthly4.48 / 52.7K ratings · USIt needs plugins and setup to behave like a dedicated task manager.

Since last time

What moved, and why

A new app version is not enough reason to rearrange the list. We move an app when the change is noticeable in normal use or alters who we would recommend it to.

TickTick icon

TickTick

Version 8.2 reached the US App Store on August 31. We left it at number three until we had used the new release for longer. Its calendar and focus tools remained the main reason to choose it.

Todoist icon

Todoist

Todoist shipped another update in August. It stays at number one because adding tasks is still quick, projects stay readable and sharing works well, not because the release added more features.

Things 3 icon

Things 3

Version 3.23.1 arrived on August 27. Things stays at number two: it is still the nicest Apple-only planner here, and still impossible to recommend if you need collaboration or non-Apple devices.

A word about the order

Number one will not be right for everybody

Higher means a stronger overall recommendation, not universal fit. A specialist app may be much better for you even if it sits further down the table.

App Store ratings are shown separately. They are useful context, especially with a large sample, but they do not decide our order.

Read the drawback column. It tells you the reason a highly ranked app may still be the wrong one for you.

Read the full independence and testing policy Next issue: September 2026

Other useful views

Reviews and discussions worth reading too

These helped us question our own conclusions. Community posts describe one person's experience, so we do not treat them as proof or a vote.