Getting things done on your iOS device is the go-to for many people.
Even some people have ditched their macOS devices in favour of their iPads, and maybe considering whether they can do most of their planning and note-taking on their phones.
GTD has now made its way onto the iPhone, allowing people to be productive on the go. Many tools can be adapted to the system or even designed for GTD on the go.
1. Drafts
Best for Capturing
Drafts is a popular tool for capturing everything.
Many people call Drafts, "the capture tool", as it allows you to connect to many apps like Todoist. This means you can capture with Drafts and process them into the app of your choice. GTD'ers love this as it aligns perfectly with the GTD philosophy that you can capture and process for later. Drafts has loads of ways to make this even easier. Siri shortcuts and a wide range of integrations allow for quick capture and export into the right tool. People tend to use this in GTD, which uses many other apps.
2. ChaosControl
Best for Task Management
ChaosControl is fantastic for organizing tasks into projects and contexts. Many people like to use this in their GTD methodology. It helps users sort tasks efficiently, making prioritizing and managing workloads easier. Many people find this app one of the more professional tools that follows the GTD system.
For iPhone users, ChaosControl's streamlined mobile interface and iCloud syncing make it an excellent tool for managing tasks on the move. The best feature is organizing tasks allowing users to categorize tasks effectively.
3. Todoist
Best for All Round
Todoist stands out for GTD with its simplicity and powerful task categorization features. Its ability to break tasks into actionable steps aligns perfectly with GTD principles.
Todoist scales beyond GTD too, for better and smartest task management even without the system. iPhone users will appreciate Todoist's clean, intuitive interface and excellent integration with other iOS apps, making task management smooth and hassle-free. In the 'review' step of GTD, Todoist really shines, offering users a clear overview of their tasks and projects, enabling regular reviews of their commitments, and ensuring they stay aligned with their goals. This is one of the reasons why it is one of our best to-do list apps.
4. Nirvana HQ
Good for Serious GTD
Nirvana HQ is ideally suited for GTD because it focuses on clarity and organization.
It enables users to sort tasks into GTD-specific categories like Next Actions, Waiting, and Someday, ensuring a clear mind and organized approach. For iPhone users, the Nirvana app stands out with its clean and user-friendly interface, making it easy to manage tasks on a smaller screen. Its synchronization across devices ensures your task list is always up-to-date. Specifically, Nirvana excels in the 'clarify' step of GTD, helping users process what they have captured into actionable items or tasks to store, ensuring they have a clear action plan.
5. OmniFocus 4
Best for iPhone & iPad Users
OmniFocus is a powerhouse for GTD, offering extensive customization and organization features that align perfectly with the GTD methodology's emphasis on control and perspective. Its depth and flexibility make it ideal for managing complex projects and tasks.
For iPhone users, OmniFocus's integration with iOS features like Siri and widgets enhances task management. The app particularly shines in the 'reflect' step of GTD, with its review feature that allows users to revisit their tasks and projects regularly, ensuring that their system remains effective and up-to-date with their changing priorities.
OmniFocus 4
OmniFocus 4 is a place for busy professionals to manage tasks and sort projects.
6. Evernote
Best for Note-Taking
While primarily a note-taking app, Evernote is highly effective for GTD due to its ability to store and organize all sorts of information—from to-do lists to reference materials. Its flexibility makes it a valuable tool for the GTD process.
For iPhone users, Evernote's seamless integration with iOS features, such as sharing extensions and Siri shortcuts, makes capturing and accessing information effortless. In the GTD process, Evernote is particularly useful in the 'collect' step. Its ability to capture various information formats ensures that all potential tasks and relevant data are securely stored and easily retrievable
