6 Best To-Do List Apps for Mac: 2024’s 

ByJim Miller

6 Best To-Do List Apps for Mac

Keeping track of your tasks is very personal. There are many to-do list apps because none of them are perfect for everyone.

While other productivity apps are also important, most people need an app to keep track of all their tasks.

Mac users are often very particular about their software. This is one reason they are willing to pay more for a Mac.

Mac apps and programs usually have a consistent look and feel—a unique “Mac” experience. Windows and web apps, on the other hand, can be more unpredictable.

The issue is that apps not specifically designed for macOS can feel off. Keyboard shortcuts, notifications, and menus may not work as expected.

No matter how good an app is on Windows or the web, it must follow macOS conventions to maintain users' workflows, defeating the purpose of productivity software.

I've been a Mac user, to-do list maker, and tech writer for over a decade. I considered all these points while testing every Mac to-do list app I could find. Here are the best to-do list apps for macOS.

How to Choose the Best To-Do List App for Mac?

There are many Mac to-do list apps, each catering to different users. Some are simple text lists, while others are advanced project management tools.

Your preference might come down to personal taste. However, I believe the best Mac to-do list apps should do five key things:

  • Deliver an outstanding native macOS experience. This includes support for macOS features such as notifications, widgets, and a menu bar app, as well as the app's overall feel. This excludes many popular team productivity tools. For instance, Todoist is one of our favorite to-do apps but not for Mac.
  • Provide various ways to sort and organize tasks, like tags, lists, projects, and due dates. A good Mac to-do app can handle professional, personal, and other tasks.
  • Make it quick to add new tasks and see your to-dos, preferably with many keyboard shortcuts and similar features. The best apps feel like an extension of your brain.
  • Remind you of self-imposed deadlines. The best Mac to-do list apps tell you not only what to do but when to do it.
  • Sync with your smartphone. It's inconvenient if you can't check your to-do list on the go. A to-do list that you can only access at your desk is very limited.

6 Best To-Do List Apps for Mac

All my picks have free trials, so you can test anything that seems helpful. Some apps are good for managing many projects, while others are better for simple tasks.

Testing many to-do apps was easy for me because I've used most of them before. It was just a matter of trying them again.

Like many, I've tried many apps to find the best one. Here are the six best to-do apps for Mac.

Mac To-Do List Apps: The Best Options Reviewed

Best for Standout feature Pricing
Reminders A simple option for Apple-only users Free and included with all Apple devices Free
GoodTask Making Reminders more powerful Enhances Reminders with key features Mac: $39.99; iPhone and iPad: free (with a $9.99 in-app option)
2Do Multiple syncing options Advanced features without the complexity Mac: $49.99; iPhone and iPad: $9.99
Things A blend of powerful features with elegant design Easy-to-use keyboard shortcuts Mac: $49.99; iPad: $19.99; iPhone: $9.99
TickTick A cross-platform choice that feels natural on the Mac. Functions on multiple platforms Free; paid plans start at $3.99/month
OmniFocus Power users and GTD fans Easily customizable task management Starts at $49.99 for Mac, iPhone, or iPad; or $9.99 per month for all versions.