Getting Things Done revolutionized how people think about productivity back in the early 2000s. David Allen's methodology isn't just another productivity hack - it's a complete system for capturing, organizing, and executing tasks without the mental overhead that crushes most people.
The thing is, GTD demands specific features from your tools. You need robust context tagging (so you can filter tasks by location or tool required), seamless capture (because a GTD system that makes you jump through hoops to add tasks is worthless), project hierarchies (to separate next actions from someday/maybe), and solid review workflows. A generic to-do list app might technically work, but you'll spend half your time fighting the tool instead of actually getting things done.
We evaluated over 20 task management apps specifically for their GTD capabilities. Some apps claim to support GTD but make it clunky. Others never mention GTD but accidentally nail the workflow. This guide covers the apps that genuinely work for Getting Things Done in 2026, whether they were designed for it or not.
Each app here has been tested with actual GTD workflows: weekly reviews, context filtering, next action lists, and the full five-step process. Some are purpose-built for GTD purists. Others are flexible enough to mold into your system.
How We Evaluated GTD Task Management Apps
What Makes a Task Manager GTD-Ready?
GTD apps need specific capabilities that standard task managers often skip. We tested each app against the core GTD workflow to see which ones actually support the methodology versus just claiming they do.
Context tagging matters more in GTD than most productivity systems. You need to filter tasks by where you are (@home, @office, @errands) or what tools you need (@computer, @phone, @agenda). Apps that limit you to one tag per task or bury tags three menus deep failed our test. The best GTD apps make context switching instant.
Capture speed determines whether you'll actually use your system. GTD demands ubiquitous capture - if adding a task takes more than 5 seconds, you'll start skipping items. We tested quick-add on desktop, mobile widgets, email forwarding, and voice capture. Apps that require you to choose a project, set a date, and pick a priority before saving a simple task got marked down hard.
Project hierarchies separate casual task apps from GTD-ready tools. You need the ability to nest projects, distinguish between active projects and someday/maybe lists, and see next actions separately from future steps. Flat task lists don't cut it for GTD practitioners managing 30+ active projects.
Review workflows determine whether your system stays current or becomes a digital junk drawer. The best GTD apps include built-in review modes that surface projects without next actions, overdue items, and stale tasks. Some apps even automate weekly review checklists. We prioritized apps that make the GTD review process smooth rather than forcing you to manually audit everything.
Pricing for individuals matters because GTD is inherently a personal productivity system. We flagged apps that force you onto team plans or charge enterprise pricing for solo users. Most serious GTD practitioners are willing to pay for quality tools, but paying $20/month for features designed for 50-person teams is ridiculous.
OmniFocus 4
Best Premium GTD App: OmniFocus 4
OmniFocus 4 is the Rolls-Royce of GTD apps. Built specifically for Getting Things Done on Apple platforms, it maps so perfectly to the methodology that David Allen's company officially recommends it. If you're serious about GTD and live in the Apple ecosystem, this is the gold standard.
The app implements every GTD concept as a first-class feature. Contexts become tags with the ability to filter instantly. Projects can nest infinitely deep. The Forecast perspective shows what's coming up while keeping your next actions list clean. Review mode cycles through projects systematically, marking when you last reviewed each one and surfacing projects that need attention.
Perspectives are where OmniFocus earns its reputation. You can build custom filtered views for any context or criteria, then save them for one-tap access. Want to see all next actions tagged @errands that take under 15 minutes? Build it once, access it forever. The flexibility lets you shape OmniFocus to match your exact GTD implementation rather than forcing you into someone else's interpretation.
The new tags system (replacing the old contexts) gives you multiple tags per task, which is honestly game-changing for GTD. You can now tag a task with both @home and @high-energy, then filter your list by available contexts and current energy level. Previous versions limited you to one context, which always felt limiting.
Key features that make it GTD-ready: forecast view combining calendar events with tasks, built-in review mode that tracks when you last reviewed each project, flexible defer dates that hide tasks until they're actionable, tags for contexts with the ability to stack multiple tags per item, and perspectives that let you build exactly the filtered views GTD requires.
The learning curve is real. OmniFocus gives you power, but you pay for it with complexity. Budget at least a week to get comfortable with perspectives, another week to nail your review workflow, and ongoing tweaks as you refine your system. People who want plug-and-play simplicity will bounce hard off OmniFocus.
Best for
Apple users committed to GTD who want the most powerful, flexible task manager available and don't mind investing time to learn it properly. Power users who enjoy building custom perspectives and workflows. Professionals managing complex projects with many contexts. People who tried other GTD apps and found them limiting.
Not ideal if
You use Windows or Android (OmniFocus is Apple-only). You want something simple that works immediately. Budget is tight since it's one of the priciest options. You prefer cloud-first apps (OmniFocus is local-first with optional sync).
Real-world example
A freelance consultant manages 12 active client projects in OmniFocus. Each client is a folder containing project-specific actions. Tags include @email, @calls, @computer, and @waiting. Custom perspectives show: all @waiting items across clients, available actions when @office, and quick tasks under 15 minutes for downtime. Weekly review mode surfaces stale projects automatically.
Team fit
Best for individuals. OmniFocus isn't designed for team collaboration. Popular with executives, consultants, academics, and knowledge workers who manage their own complex workflows independently.
Onboarding reality
Heavy. The interface is dense and the feature set is vast. Expect 2-3 weeks to get comfortable with basic use, months to master perspectives and automation. The official documentation is excellent. Community forums provide tons of example workflows.
Pricing friction
Subscription at $9.99/month or $99.99/year across all Apple platforms. One-time purchase option: $49.99 (iPhone/iPad) or $99.99 (Mac). The subscription includes all platforms and updates, making it the better long-term value despite the upfront commitment.
Integrations that matter
Siri (voice capture), Apple Calendar (forecast view), Mail (send to OmniFocus), automation via Shortcuts, Zapier for custom integrations. The focus is deep Apple ecosystem integration over third-party connections.
OmniFocus 4 is a place for busy professionals to manage tasks and sort projects.
Nirvana HQ
Best GTD-Native App: Nirvana HQ
Nirvana built their entire app around Getting Things Done from day one. Unlike apps that adapted existing task managers to support GTD, Nirvana uses GTD terminology natively. You don't tag tasks with contexts - you assign them to contexts that Nirvana treats as a core feature. You don't hack projects into folders - Nirvana's project structure mirrors the GTD methodology exactly.
The interface speaks GTD fluently. Next actions appear as a distinct list. Someday/Maybe is a built-in view, not something you fake with tags. Waiting For items get their own section. The app even includes a Reference section for non-actionable items you want to keep accessible. If you've read Getting Things Done and think in those exact terms, Nirvana feels instantly comfortable.
Energy levels and time estimates add practical filtering. Mark a task as requiring high energy, and you can filter to show only those tasks when you're actually energized. Tag tasks with time estimates (5min, 15min, 30min+) and pull up your quick tasks when you have a few minutes between meetings. These are GTD concepts that most apps ignore.
The mobile apps work well enough for capture and reviewing your lists, but honestly feel a generation behind in polish. The iOS app gets the job done but lacks the refinement of Things 3 or OmniFocus. For a methodology that demands ubiquitous capture, having a merely adequate mobile experience is a real limitation.
Key features include: inbox processing workflow that walks you through the GTD clarifying step, contexts as a first-class feature not just tags, built-in waiting for and someday/maybe lists, energy level and time estimate filtering, and focus view that hides everything except your current context.
Best for
GTD practitioners who want an app that speaks the methodology natively and work primarily from desktop. People who appreciate having GTD concepts built in rather than bolted on. Users new to GTD who want an app that teaches the methodology through its structure.
Not ideal if
Mobile-first workflows are your priority. You need cutting-edge UI/UX. Team collaboration matters (Nirvana is individual-focused). You want extensive integrations with other productivity tools.
Real-world example
A writer uses Nirvana to manage freelance assignments and personal projects. Inbox captures ideas throughout the day. Processing happens each morning: tasks get sorted into projects, assigned contexts (@writing, @research, @email), and tagged with energy levels. Focus view shows only @writing tasks during writing blocks. Weekly review cycles through all projects systematically.
Team fit
Individuals only. No team features, no collaboration, no shared projects. Best for solo professionals, freelancers, and anyone implementing personal GTD systems.
Onboarding reality
Easy if you know GTD, moderate if you don't. The app structure maps directly to the methodology, so reading Getting Things Done helps tremendously. The interface is straightforward with minimal learning curve for basic use.
Pricing friction
Free tier is too limited for real use. Pro at $5/month or $49/year is reasonable but required. No family plans or educational discounts. Annual billing saves about 20% versus monthly.
Integrations that matter
Email forwarding to inbox, import from Todoist, basic calendar integration. The integration ecosystem is modest compared to bigger players. Nirvana focuses on doing GTD well over connecting to everything.
Todoist
Best GTD App for Beginners: Todoist
Todoist never mentions Getting Things Done in their marketing, yet it's become one of the most popular tools for GTD practitioners. The app is flexible enough to mold into a solid GTD system without the learning curve of purpose-built GTD apps. If you're new to the methodology and want to start simple, Todoist hits the sweet spot.
The natural language input makes capture genuinely frictionless. Type "call dentist tomorrow @phone #health" and Todoist parses the due date, label, and project instantly. When David Allen talks about ubiquitous capture, this is what he means - zero friction between thought and inbox. The mobile keyboard integration on iOS and Android makes capture equally fast on the go.
Labels map perfectly to GTD contexts. Create labels for @home, @errands, @computer, @calls, and whatever other contexts you need. The free tier limits you to 5 active projects, which won't work for serious GTD, but the premium tier ($4/month) removes limits and adds filters. Filters are where Todoist becomes genuinely powerful for GTD - you can build saved searches like "@computer & #work & today" and access them with one tap.
Projects and sub-projects provide the hierarchy GTD requires. Your active projects sit at the top level. Inside each project, you can nest next actions, future tasks, and project support materials. Create a "Someday/Maybe" project for things you're not ready to commit to. Make a "Waiting For" project to track delegated items. Todoist's flexibility means you shape it to your system.
The lack of built-in GTD features is both strength and weakness. You won't find a dedicated review mode or energy level tags. Everything requires manual setup with projects, labels, and filters. For GTD purists who want the methodology baked into the interface, this feels like working around the tool. For people who like flexibility and minimal interfaces, it's perfect.
Best for
People new to GTD who want a clean, simple task manager they can shape into their system. Users who value integration with other tools. Cross-platform users (Windows + Android, Mac + Linux, etc.). Anyone who wants GTD capabilities without paying premium prices or learning complex apps.
Not ideal if
You want GTD concepts like waiting-for and someday-maybe built in natively. A guided weekly review process is important to you. You need deep project hierarchies beyond 3-4 levels. You prefer apps designed specifically for one methodology.
Real-world example
A product manager uses Todoist for GTD across work and personal life. Labels include @office, @home, @errands, @calls, @computer, @waiting. Projects organize by area: Work, Personal, Health. Filters provide custom views: "Next Actions" shows p1 tasks without due dates, "Today" shows all due today across contexts, "@waiting" surfaces delegated items. Natural language capture happens throughout the day.
Team fit
Works for individuals and teams. Team features exist but GTD is primarily personal. Best for solopreneurs, freelancers, and knowledge workers implementing individual productivity systems alongside team collaboration elsewhere.
Onboarding reality
Easy. The interface is intuitive and most people are productive within hours. Building a GTD-specific setup (projects, labels, filters) takes a few hours. Mastering advanced features like recurring tasks and filters takes longer but isn't required to start.
Pricing friction
Free tier has real limits (5 projects max). Pro at $4/month or $36/year is affordable and necessary for GTD. Business tier exists but isn't needed for personal GTD. Clear, simple pricing with no surprise costs.
Integrations that matter
Google Calendar (two-way sync), Slack (create tasks from messages), Email (forward to inbox), Zapier (connect 5000+ apps), IFTTT, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. The integration ecosystem is massive.
2Do
Best GTD App for Android: 2Do
2Do looks like it was designed in 2012 because, well, it basically was. The interface won't win design awards, but underneath the dated appearance sits one of the most flexible and powerful task managers for GTD on Android and iOS. If you can get past the aesthetics, 2Do offers depth that modern minimal apps deliberately avoid.
Smart lists are 2Do's killer feature for GTD. They work like Todoist's filters or OmniFocus's perspectives but with more flexibility. Build a smart list showing all tasks tagged @computer with high priority and due this week, then save it for instant access. Stack multiple criteria with AND/OR logic to create exactly the views GTD demands. The smart list system rivals OmniFocus in power while working on more platforms.
Tags support is genuinely robust. Unlike apps that limit you to one tag or make you choose between tags and contexts, 2Do lets you stack unlimited tags per task. Tag with @home, @15min, and @low-energy, then filter by any combination. The tag hierarchy even supports nested tags, so you can create @work and then @work/computer, @work/phone as sub-tags.
The GTD setup requires manual configuration. 2Do doesn't come pre-configured for Getting Things Done - you build your system with projects, tags, and smart lists. Honestly, this is a pain initially. Budget an afternoon to set up your contexts as tags, build your smart lists for different views, and configure your projects. Once it's done, though, it works smoothly.
Best for
Android users who need a serious GTD app and are tired of compromising. People who prefer one-time purchases over subscriptions. Users who want OmniFocus-level power without being locked to Apple platforms. Power users who enjoy building custom smart lists and tag hierarchies.
Not ideal if
Modern, minimal interfaces are important to you. You want an app that works great immediately without configuration. Budget is very tight (paying for multiple platforms adds up). You prioritize having the latest design trends over powerful features.
Real-world example
A software developer uses 2Do across Android phone and Windows PC. Tags include @code, @review, @meeting, @email, @15min, @high-energy. Smart lists show: "Available Now" (all next actions at current context), "Quick Wins" (@15min tasks), "Energy Required" (grouped by energy tags). Projects organize by client. Weekly review smart list surfaces projects without next actions.
Team fit
Individuals only. No team collaboration features. Best for developers, engineers, and technical users who appreciate power over polish and work across multiple platforms including Android.
Onboarding reality
Moderate to heavy. The interface is dated and finding features takes time. Building your GTD system (tags, smart lists, projects) requires several hours of setup. Once configured, it works smoothly, but expect a learning curve.
Pricing friction
One-time purchase per platform: iOS ($15), Mac ($50), Android ($10). No subscriptions. Total cost for all platforms is about $75, which is reasonable long-term but high upfront. No trial on mobile platforms.
Integrations that matter
CalDAV sync, Dropbox sync, iCloud sync (Apple only). The integration ecosystem is minimal compared to cloud-first apps. 2Do focuses on being a powerful standalone tool rather than connecting to everything.
Things 3
Best Minimal GTD App: Things 3
Things 3 takes a different approach to GTD: instead of implementing every concept from David Allen's book, it cherry-picks the ideas that matter most and builds them elegantly. You won't find energy levels or strict context systems. What you get is a gorgeous, intuitive app that supports core GTD workflows without the complexity of purpose-built GTD tools.
The quick entry system nails ubiquitous capture. Hit Cmd+Option+Space anywhere on macOS and a capture window appears. Type your task, hit Enter, and it's in your inbox. The iOS widget does the same from your home screen. For GTD practitioners who've struggled with clunky capture in other apps, Things 3 feels like magic. Capture is so effortless you'll actually use it, which is half the battle.
Projects and areas provide enough structure for most GTD implementations. Create an area for Work, another for Personal, and organize projects under each. Inside projects, you can add tasks with headings to separate next actions from future steps. It's not as deeply hierarchical as OmniFocus, but honestly, most people don't need that depth.
Tags replace the old contexts but feel less natural for GTD than dedicated context systems. You can tag tasks with @home, @errands, @calls, but Things 3 treats tags as supplementary rather than core to the workflow. The tag interface is clean, but if you rely heavily on context filtering as most GTD practitioners do, Things 3 feels like it's fighting you a bit.
This Evening and Upcoming are clever takes on GTD concepts. This Evening lets you defer tasks from Today into a sub-list for later, which addresses the common GTD problem of overloading your daily list. Upcoming shows what's coming without cluttering your today view. These aren't standard GTD features, but they solve real problems GTD practitioners face.
Best for
Apple users who want GTD workflows in a beautiful, minimal interface. People who find OmniFocus overwhelming and appreciate opinionated design. Users who value ease of use over GTD purist features. Anyone who hates subscriptions and prefers one-time purchases.
Not ideal if
You use Windows or Android (Things is Apple-only). Heavy context filtering is central to your GTD workflow. You need deep project hierarchies with many nested levels. You want every GTD concept implemented exactly as David Allen described.
Real-world example
A designer uses Things 3 across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Areas organize life: Freelance, Personal, Health. Projects under Freelance include active client work. Quick entry captures ideas throughout the day. Tags (@computer, @outside, @calls) provide light context filtering. Today view shows current focus, This Evening defers less urgent tasks. Upcoming view shows the next week at a glance.
Team fit
Individuals only. No team collaboration. Best for creative professionals, freelancers, and anyone in the Apple ecosystem who wants elegant task management without complexity.
Onboarding reality
Very easy. The interface is intuitive and most people are productive within hours. The guided tour explains core concepts quickly. No complex setup required - create some projects and start adding tasks.
Pricing friction
One-time purchases: Mac ($50), iPhone ($10), iPad ($20). Total for all platforms: $80. High upfront cost but no ongoing fees. Family Sharing supported, so purchases work across family members' devices.
Integrations that matter
Apple Calendar (calendar events in Upcoming), Shortcuts (automation), Share Sheet (capture from any app). Things focuses on deep Apple integration over third-party connections. No Zapier, no email forwarding, no external integrations.
FacileThings
Best for GTD Coaching: FacileThings
FacileThings takes a unique approach: instead of giving you a flexible tool you shape into GTD, it forces you to follow the methodology exactly as David Allen wrote it. The app literally walks you through the five GTD phases - capture, clarify, organize, reflect, engage - refusing to let you skip steps or take shortcuts.
The guided workflow appeals to people learning GTD or struggling to stay consistent. When you process your inbox, FacileThings prompts you with GTD questions: "Is it actionable? What's the next action? Does it require multiple steps?" The app won't let you move forward until you've made decisions, which sounds annoying but actually enforces the discipline GTD requires.
Habits mode automates recurring GTD maintenance. The app reminds you to do your daily review, weekly review, and monthly review, then walks you through checklists for each. For practitioners who know they should review consistently but don't, having the app nag you and provide structure helps tremendously.
The rigid structure is both strength and weakness. If you want to follow GTD by the book, FacileThings keeps you honest. If you've adapted GTD to your own workflow or prefer flexibility, the app feels restrictive. You can't really hack FacileThings into your own system - you adapt to its interpretation of GTD or go elsewhere.
Best for
People learning GTD who need structured guidance and can't afford a real GTD coach. Practitioners who struggle with consistency in reviews and processing. Users who prefer being forced to follow the methodology correctly rather than having flexibility to deviate. Anyone who's tried GTD before and failed due to lack of discipline.
Not ideal if
You've already adapted GTD to your own workflow and don't want to follow the book exactly. Modern, minimal interfaces are important to you. You want a fast, flexible tool over a structured coaching system. Budget is tight since it's more expensive than many alternatives.
Real-world example
A manager new to GTD uses FacileThings to learn the methodology properly. The app walks them through inbox processing each morning, asking GTD questions about each item. Weekly review happens every Friday with a guided checklist. Energy levels (@high, @medium, @low) help filter tasks based on current state. The rigid structure builds GTD habits over 3-4 months.
Team fit
Individuals only. No team collaboration. Best for managers, executives, and professionals who want to master GTD with built-in accountability.
Onboarding reality
Moderate. The app structure matches GTD, so reading Getting Things Done first helps tremendously. The guided workflows make learning easier than self-directed setups in flexible apps. Expect 1-2 weeks to get comfortable with the daily routine.
Pricing friction
Around $60/year (pricing varies by region). No free tier that's usable long-term. Monthly option available but annual is better value. The coaching aspect justifies the price if you use it.
Integrations that matter
Google Calendar (events in forecast), Evernote (reference material), limited compared to other apps. FacileThings focuses on being a complete GTD system rather than integrating with external tools.
Which GTD Task Management App Should You Choose?
Decision Framework for GTD Apps
Your ideal GTD app depends on your experience level, platform requirements, and whether you want flexibility or structure.
If you're new to Getting Things Done and want to start simple, go with Todoist. It's cheap, works everywhere, and gives you flexibility to grow your system as you learn GTD better. The learning curve is gentle, and if you decide GTD isn't for you, Todoist works fine as a general task manager.
If you're an Apple user committed to GTD long-term, invest in OmniFocus 4. The learning curve is steep, but once you master perspectives and review workflows, nothing else comes close for power and flexibility. The app will grow with you as your GTD practice matures.
If you want an app that speaks GTD natively and guides you through the methodology, choose Nirvana for desktop-focused work or FacileThings if you need coaching. Both apps use GTD terminology and structure, so you're learning the app and the methodology simultaneously.
If you're on Android and frustrated by the lack of serious GTD apps, 2Do is your best option. The interface isn't pretty, but the smart lists and tag system rival OmniFocus in power while actually working well on Android.
If you value design and simplicity over GTD purist features, Things 3 delivers the most elegant experience. You'll work around its limitations for some GTD concepts, but the gorgeous interface and effortless capture make it a joy to use daily.
Many GTD practitioners switch apps multiple times before finding their fit. That's normal. Start with something approachable like Todoist, learn the methodology, then evaluate whether you need the power of OmniFocus or the structure of FacileThings.
GTD Task Management Apps FAQ
Common Questions About GTD Apps
Can I use GTD with a simple app like Apple Reminders or Google Tasks?
Technically yes, but you'll be fighting the tools constantly. GTD requires contexts, project hierarchies, and review workflows that basic apps don't support well. You can hack these apps into something GTD-shaped with creative use of lists and tags, but honestly, you're better off using an app designed for more complex workflows. The time you save with proper GTD features pays for itself quickly.
Which GTD app is best for teams?
GTD is inherently a personal productivity system, so most GTD apps focus on individual use. If your team wants to share certain projects while keeping personal tasks private, Todoist handles this best with shared projects alongside personal ones. OmniFocus recently added sharing but it's limited. Nirvana and Things 3 don't support collaboration at all.
Do I need the paid version of these apps for GTD?
For most apps, yes. The free tiers of Todoist and Nirvana limit projects to levels that don't work for serious GTD practice. Things 3 and OmniFocus require purchase upfront. 2Do uses one-time purchases. The only app where free might suffice is Todoist if you have very few active projects, but realistically you'll hit the limits fast and need to upgrade.
How long does it take to set up a GTD system in these apps?
It varies wildly. Nirvana and FacileThings come pre-configured for GTD, so you can start in 15 minutes. Todoist and 2Do require building your context tags, creating your project structure, and setting up filtered views - budget 2-3 hours. OmniFocus can take days to configure properly if you're learning perspectives and building complex workflows. Don't rush the setup - a solid foundation makes everything easier.
Can I switch GTD apps without losing my system?
Most apps support exporting to standard formats (CSV, plain text), but importing into a new app rarely preserves all your metadata. Tags, contexts, defer dates, and custom fields often get lost in translation. Plan on spending several hours migrating and rebuilding parts of your system. This is why it's worth taking time to choose carefully upfront rather than app-hopping constantly.
Is GTD still relevant in 2026, or should I use a different productivity system?
GTD's core concepts remain solid: capture everything, clarify what it means, organize by context, review regularly, and execute on next actions. The methodology works as well today as it did in 2001. That said, some people find GTD too rigid or complex for their needs. If you've tried GTD and bounced off it, explore alternatives like time blocking, bullet journaling, or simpler priority systems. The best productivity system is the one you'll actually use consistently.
Final Thoughts on GTD Task Management Apps
Start Simple, Grow Your System
The right GTD app removes friction from the methodology rather than adding complexity. Start with an approachable option like Todoist or Nirvana, learn the GTD workflow, and evaluate whether you need more power as your practice matures.
Don't over-engineer your system before you understand your needs. Many people jump straight to OmniFocus, get overwhelmed, and abandon GTD entirely. Build competence with the methodology first, then layer in advanced features as you identify specific pain points.
Remember that the app is just a tool - Getting Things Done succeeds or fails based on your commitment to processing, reviewing, and executing, not which software you choose. Pick an app that removes friction from your workflow, then focus on actually implementing the methodology consistently.
Explore the apps above using free trials where available, and build your system incrementally rather than trying to configure everything perfectly upfront.