Megan Ellis, a productivity enthusiast, shares her journey with to-do list apps, reflecting on her long-standing struggle to find one that truly enhances her productivity. After years of skepticism, she discovered TickTick in 2018, and it has since become an indispensable tool in her daily routine, even amidst the emergence of newer applications.
TickTick continues to be the best to-do list app for me
Ellis highlights a common challenge faced by users of productivity apps: the overwhelming complexity that often accompanies them. For individuals with ADHD, like herself, the need for simplicity is paramount. TickTick stands out for its user-friendly interface, allowing users to dive right in without the burden of extensive setup. With no account creation required, users can immediately begin adding tasks, whether they are straightforward reminders or more intricate projects with tags and subtasks.
Ellis appreciates the flexibility of TickTick, which accommodates her organizational style. She maintains separate lists for Shopping, Work, and Personal tasks, ensuring that her reminders are easily accessible. The app’s notification system further enhances her experience, as reminders persist in her notification bar, keeping her tasks visible without demanding constant attention.
The feature that keeps me coming back
Among the various features that TickTick offers, the ability to snooze notifications is a standout for Ellis. This functionality allows her to manage her time effectively, providing the option to delay tasks until she is ready to tackle them. Whether it’s a quick reminder to send an email or a more significant task that requires preparation, the snooze feature accommodates her schedule and reduces the pressure of immediate completion.
Ellis notes that while some may view this as a form of procrastination, it often serves as a strategic tool, allowing her to prioritize her workload without feeling overwhelmed. The app’s design ensures that lower-priority tasks do not clutter her notification space, allowing her to focus on what truly matters.
Is TickTick’s premium plan worth it?
Despite her fondness for TickTick, Ellis has opted not to subscribe to the premium plan. Her decision stems from a desire to minimize software subscriptions and a belief that the free version sufficiently meets her needs. However, she acknowledges that the premium plan offers valuable features, including enhanced calendar views and integrations with other software, making it a worthwhile consideration for users seeking additional functionality.
At an annual cost of .99, TickTick’s premium version is competitively priced compared to other productivity apps. It provides access to advanced features such as filters, more active tasks, and additional attachments, catering to those who wish to extend their use of the app.
Are there any TickTick alternatives out there?
While TickTick serves Ellis well, she recognizes that others may seek different features or integrations in a to-do list app. For those exploring alternatives, several options are available:
- Todoist: Known for its robust free version, Todoist offers templates for task creation and a comprehensive calendar view, making it suitable for users who prefer a more structured approach.
- Google Tasks: Ideal for users already integrated into the Google ecosystem, this app provides essential features like checklists and reminders at no cost.
- Microsoft To Do: A fitting choice for heavy Microsoft users, this app allows for seamless integration with Outlook and Planner, streamlining task management.
- Any.do: This free app boasts a user-friendly interface and a categorized grocery list template, along with an intuitive calendar view.
- ClickUp: Offering a free version packed with productivity features, ClickUp includes to-do lists, reminders, and collaboration tools for team projects.
Each app presents its unique strengths and weaknesses, but for Ellis, TickTick remains the most comprehensive solution, effectively addressing her specific needs while simplifying her task management experience.