Apple’s iPads include built-in productivity tools like Notes, Calendar, and Reminders. For those looking to explore new ways to maximize productivity and organize their life, many other apps are available. While the iPad began as a device for streaming content and browsing the web, Apple has transformed it into a computer capable of handling a wide variety of personal, work, and school tasks. Consequently, numerous apps exist to help you create a central place for organization or stay focused on daily tasks by blocking distractions. Here is a list of some of the best options available on the App Store.
Goodnotes is one of the most popular iPad apps for a good reason. It is excellent for people who prefer writing notes with an Apple Pencil, allowing you to combine handwritten and typed text on the same page. You can also add images, stickers, and doodles. The app enables you to create digital notebooks with blank or ruled paper for notes, checklists, and planners. You can export entire notebooks or specific pages as PDFs and other files. Goodnotes is also suitable for drawing and sketching. While not as advanced as dedicated creativity apps, it is easy to use and perfect for quick diagrams. You can record audio notes synced to your writing and use AI to summarize your notes. You can create three digital notebooks for free, with unlimited notebooks available for $9.99 per year or a one-time fee of $29.99.
If you are not a fan of the built-in Reminders app or want a more advanced task manager, TickTick is a strong choice. You can use it for both professional and personal tasks. The app syncs tasks across all your devices and integrates with your calendar. You can create checklists, set recurring tasks, upload attachments, and share lists for collaboration. It also allows you to set and track habits, turn emails into tasks, and add tags and priorities. A pomo timer based on the Pomodoro Technique helps you focus. TickTick is free, with additional features like multiple reminders available for $3.99 per month or $35.99 per year.
Forest is an app that gamifies productivity while helping the environment. If you struggle with distractions, this app can help. You plant a virtual tree when you need to focus, and it grows as you work. If you leave the app, the tree withers. You can set allow lists for productive apps and track your progress. Over time, you build a digital forest representing your focus. You can share your forest and earn coins to plant real trees through Trees for the Future. The app costs $3.99 to download, with in-app purchases available.
Notion is a powerful app for notes, task management, workflow organization, and collaboration. It combines functions like calendar, tasks, and notes into one place. You can integrate other apps like Slack and Dropbox to consolidate workflows. Notion is highly flexible and customizable for personal, work, school, or project use. Templates are available for travel planners or product roadmaps. An AI feature helps with writing and brainstorming, turning data into action items. A free plan is available for personal use, with a Plus plan for small groups at $8 per month and a Business plan for companies at $15 per month. AI responses start with 20 free uses, then cost $10 per member per month.
Meal planning can be time-consuming, and Crouton is an app designed to make cooking and planning easier. It helps organize recipes and plan grocery lists. You can import recipes from websites or scan them from physical cookbooks, storing everything in one place. You can plan weekly meals, and the app can generate a plan for you. It creates a grocery list from your planned meals and includes an in-app timer for recipes. You can also share recipes with others. Basic features are free, with unlimited recipes and additional features available for a $14.99 yearly subscription.
Freedom is an app for blocking distractions to improve focus and productivity. You can start a session to block selected websites and apps across all your devices for a set time. If you try to open a blocked app, access is denied. You can start a session immediately, schedule one, or set recurring sessions. The app also offers focus sounds like coffee shop ambiance or bird chirping. Freedom costs $3.99 per month and includes articles with productivity and digital wellness tips.
Notability is a versatile note-taking app for jotting down thoughts, annotating textbooks, recording audio, and sketching. It is useful for students, professionals, and hobbyists. You can take notes with an Apple Pencil, text, or audio. The app allows you to search all your notes, including handwritten ones and uploaded documents. Features include AI-generated summaries, side-by-side note viewing, and personalized quizzes. A gallery of templates is available for planners and to-do lists. Notability is free, with a $4.99 monthly subscription for features like math conversion and unlimited notes.
Todoist is a simple app that lets you record and organize tasks using natural language. You can add recurring tasks to quickly plan your schedule. Tasks can be sorted into views like Today or Upcoming to focus on what matters. The app can be used for work, personal, education, and management goals. It links with your calendar, voice assistant, and tools like Outlook and Gmail. Todoist syncs across iPhone, Apple Watch, and desktop devices. Basic features are free, with a Pro plan for $4 per month offering an AI assistant and calendar layout.
If you like using sticky notes, Trello offers a simple visual way to track tasks. You can set up boards for different areas of your life, like work or personal goals, with lists such as To Do and Done. Cards represent tasks and can include descriptions, due dates, and checklists. Labels help organize cards by priority. A calendar view provides an overview of upcoming tasks. The free plan includes unlimited cards and up to ten boards. A standard plan for $5 per month offers unlimited boards and added functionality.