Why a productivity app?

There are hundreds of productivity apps in the apps stores, and sometimes it seems like I’ve tried them all. From paper to sophistication, a productivity app can help you keep focus and make your day more productive (aka that’s why they’re called productivity apps. 😀

Here is a review of the top three apps, with the pros and cons of each. These are tools to help you focus on goals.

Todoist

Features:

1. Cross-Platform Support: Available on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and web.

2. Task Management: Organize tasks with due dates, labels, and priorities.

3. Project Management: Create projects and sub-projects to group related tasks.

4. Collaborative Features: Share projects and tasks with others, assign tasks, and add comments.

5. Natural Language Input: Quickly add tasks using natural language processing (e.g., “Meeting tomorrow at 3 PM”).

6. Recurring Tasks: Set tasks to repeat daily, weekly, monthly, etc.

7. Karma System: Gamifies productivity by awarding points for completing tasks and streaks.

8. Integrations: Supports integrations with various apps like Google Calendar, Slack, and more.

9. Templates: Use pre-built templates for common projects and tasks.

10. Offline Mode: Access and manage tasks even without an internet connection.

Pros:

• Extensive platform support.

• Robust collaboration tools.

• Intuitive natural language input.

• Integration with many third-party services.

Cons:

• Some advanced features require a premium subscription.

• User interface can be overwhelming for new users.

Things 3

Features:

1. Platform Availability: Available exclusively on Apple devices (iOS, macOS, watchOS).

2. Design and Usability: Clean, intuitive interface with a focus on simplicity and usability.

3. Task Management: Organize tasks with tags, deadlines, and areas of focus.

4. Projects and Areas: Group tasks into projects and broader areas to keep work and life organized.

5. Today and Upcoming Views: Focus on daily tasks with the “Today” view and plan ahead with the “Upcoming” view.

6. Checklists: Add checklists within tasks for detailed subtasks.

7. Natural Language Input: Add tasks using natural language, e.g., “Buy groceries tomorrow.”

8. Quick Entry: Quickly add tasks from anywhere using keyboard shortcuts.

9. Recurring Tasks: Set tasks to repeat at custom intervals.

10. Calendar Integration: Integrate with Apple’s Calendar to view tasks alongside events.

11. Reminders Integration: Sync with Apple Reminders for seamless task management.

Pros:

• Beautiful, user-friendly design.

• Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.

• Powerful yet simple task and project management.

• Offline mode for task access and management without internet.

Cons:

• Only available on Apple devices.

• No native collaboration features.

• Higher one-time cost compared to subscription-based apps.

TickTick

Features:

1. Cross-Platform Support: Available on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and web.

2. Task Management: Organize tasks with due dates, priorities, and tags.

3. Project and List Management: Create lists and folders to group tasks.

4. Collaborative Features: Share lists and tasks, assign tasks, and add comments.

5. Natural Language Input: Quickly add tasks using natural language processing.

6. Recurring Tasks: Set tasks to repeat daily, weekly, monthly, etc.

7. Pomodoro Timer: Built-in Pomodoro timer to boost productivity.

8. Habit Tracker: Track and build habits with dedicated habit-tracking features.

9. Calendar Integration: Sync tasks with calendars like Google Calendar.

10. Kanban Board: Visualize tasks in a board layout for better project management.

11. Custom Themes and Widgets: Personalize the app with different themes and home screen widgets.

Pros:

• Extensive platform support.

• Rich feature set including Pomodoro timer and habit tracker.

• Robust collaboration tools.

• Flexible task and project organization options.

• Free version with many features.

Cons:

• Some features are limited to the premium version.

• The interface can feel cluttered with many options.

• Less polished design compared to Things 3.

Do you really need an app?

Not necessarily. Perhaps paper works for you vs. technology. You do need something to help keep your focus and make sure projects keep moving, your goals are being met, and your family and health get attention.

Each of these task management apps excels in different areas, catering to various needs and preferences:

• Todoist: Best for users who need robust collaboration features and extensive cross-platform support.

• Things 3: Ideal for Apple users who prioritize a beautiful, intuitive interface and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem.

• TickTick: Great for those who want a comprehensive feature set, including habit tracking and a Pomodoro timer, with strong collaborative capabilities.

Choosing the right app depends on your specific requirements, platform preferences, and desired features.

 About Russ Hissom - Article Author

Russ Hissom, CPA is a principal of Utility Accounting & Rates Specialists a firm that provides power and utilities rate, expert witness, and consulting services, and online/on-demand courses on accounting, rates, FERC/RUS construction accounting, financial analysis, and business process improvement services. Russ was a partner in a national accounting and consulting firm for 20 years. He works with electric investor-owned and public power utilities, electric cooperatives, broadband providers, and gas, water, and wastewater utilities. His goal is to share industry best practices to help your business perform effectively and efficiently and meet the challenges of the changing power and utilities industry.  

Find out more about Utility Accounting & Rates Specialists here, or you can reach Russ at russ.hissom@utilityeducation.com.

The material in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or accounting advice provided by Utility Accounting & Rates Specialists. You should seek formal advice on this topic from your accounting or legal advisor.