The 6 best to do list apps for Mac in 2025

Explore the best to-do list apps available for Mac in 2025, each offering unique features to boost your productivity and task management.

In today's fast-paced business world, 70% of professionals feel overwhelmed by their workload. For Mac users, the right to-do list app can be a game changer, helping you stay organized and focused.

In 2025, several standout applications have emerged, each designed to cater to unique business needs. Whether you're looking for intuitive interfaces, seamless integrations, or comprehensive project management features, there's something for everyone.

In this guide, we'll explore the 6 best to-do list apps for Mac, including Todoist, Things 3, OmniFocus, Any.do, Microsoft To Do, and TickTick. Each offering promises to enhance your productivity and ensure you never miss a beat.

Ready to take control of your tasks? Let's dive in and find the perfect companion for your Mac.

For more insights on productivity tools, check out Apple's App Store and MacRumors.

Why 2025 is a Game Changer for Mac Task Management

As we step into 2025, task management is evolving rapidly. According to the American Psychological Association, 79% of employees report workplace stress, with remote work making effective task management more critical than ever.

Modern to-do apps now incorporate AI-driven suggestions, cross-platform sync, and team collaboration features. The global task management software market is expected to reach $9 billion by 2026, highlighting growing demand for efficient solutions.

With 70% of workers juggling multiple projects simultaneously, having the right tools can significantly enhance productivity and reduce overwhelm. The hybrid work model has made staying organized and prioritizing tasks essential for success.

For deeper insights into productivity trends, explore Statista's task management reports and Harvard Business Review.

Todoist

Todoist stands out as one of the most robust to-do list applications for Mac in 2025. With its intuitive design and powerful features, it helps users stay organized and productive.

Key Features

  • Natural Language Processing: Simply type "Submit report by Friday" and Todoist automatically sets the due date
  • Project Organization: Create projects, sub-tasks, and assign priority levels with customizable labels and filters
  • Team Collaboration: Share projects, delegate tasks, and track progress with team members
  • Cross-Platform Syncing: Access tasks from Mac, iPhone, Apple Watch, and web browsers
  • Smart Integrations: Connects with Slack, Google Calendar, Dropbox, and other popular tools

Benefits

According to user data, 76% of Todoist users report improved productivity. The app's intuitive interface and powerful features make it ideal for both solo professionals and teams.

Pricing

  • Free: Basic features
  • Premium: $4/month - Advanced features, reminders, labels
  • Business: $6/user/month - Team management and collaboration tools

For more information, visit the official Todoist site or check their help documentation.

Things 3

Things 3 is Apple's award-winning task manager, designed specifically for Mac and iOS users. Its elegant interface and powerful organization system make it perfect for professionals who value simplicity and efficiency.

Key Features

  • Natural Planning: Organize tasks using Areas, Projects, and simple to-do items
  • Today View: Focus on what matters most with intelligent task scheduling
  • Quick Entry: Capture ideas instantly with system-wide quick entry
  • Apple Integration: Deep integration with Calendar, Reminders, and Siri
  • Elegant Design: Beautiful, distraction-free interface optimized for Mac

Benefits

Things 3 has won multiple Apple Design Awards and is praised for its intuitive approach to task management. It's particularly popular among creative professionals and Mac enthusiasts.

Pricing

  • Mac: $49.99 (one-time purchase)
  • iPhone: $9.99
  • iPad: $19.99

Learn more at Things 3 official website or explore their support resources.

OmniFocus 4

OmniFocus 4 is a powerful task management system based on David Allen's Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology. It's designed for professionals who need comprehensive project management capabilities.

Key Features

  • GTD Implementation: Complete Getting Things Done workflow support
  • Custom Perspectives: Create personalized views of your tasks and projects
  • Automation: AppleScript and Shortcuts integration for workflow automation
  • Forecast View: See your schedule and tasks in one unified timeline
  • Advanced Organization: Contexts, tags, and hierarchical project structures

Benefits

OmniFocus is ideal for power users who manage complex projects and need detailed task organization. It's particularly popular among consultants, managers, and entrepreneurs.

Pricing

  • Standard: $99.99 (Mac), $49.99 (iOS)
  • Pro: $199.99 (Mac), $99.99 (iOS) - Advanced features and automation

Visit OmniFocus official site for detailed feature comparisons and documentation.

Any.do

Any.do combines task management with calendar integration, making it perfect for professionals who want to see their tasks and schedule in one place.

Key Features

  • Calendar Integration: View tasks alongside calendar events
  • Voice Entry: Add tasks using voice commands
  • Location Reminders: Get notified when you arrive at specific locations
  • Team Collaboration: Share lists and assign tasks to team members
  • Cross-Platform Sync: Works on Mac, iOS, Android, and web

Benefits

Any.do is excellent for busy professionals who need to balance tasks with meetings and appointments. Its calendar integration helps prevent scheduling conflicts.

Pricing

  • Free: Basic features with limited functionality
  • Premium: $5.99/month - Unlimited features, themes, and collaboration

Explore Any.do and their help center for setup guides.

Microsoft To Do

Microsoft To Do integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, making it ideal for businesses already using Office applications.

Key Features

  • Office 365 Integration: Sync with Outlook tasks and emails
  • Shared Lists: Collaborate with colleagues on team projects
  • My Day: Focus on daily priorities with intelligent suggestions
  • Cross-Platform Access: Available on all devices with real-time sync
  • File Attachments: Add documents and images to tasks

Benefits

Perfect for organizations using Microsoft 365, offering seamless workflow integration and enterprise-grade security.

Pricing

  • Free: Full functionality for personal use
  • Microsoft 365: Included with business subscriptions

TickTick

TickTick offers a comprehensive productivity suite combining task management, calendar, and habit tracking in one powerful application.

Key Features

  • Pomodoro Timer: Built-in focus timer for productivity sessions
  • Calendar View: See tasks and events in multiple calendar formats
  • Habit Tracking: Monitor daily habits alongside tasks
  • Team Collaboration: Share projects and communicate with team members
  • Smart Parsing: Natural language input for quick task creation

Benefits

TickTick is perfect for professionals who want an all-in-one productivity solution combining tasks, time management, and habit formation.

Pricing

  • Free: Basic features with limited functionality
  • Premium: $27.99/year - Advanced features, unlimited projects, and calendar sync

Discover more at TickTick and explore their help resources.

Choosing the Right App for Your Needs

Selecting the perfect to-do list app depends on your specific workflow and requirements. Consider these key factors:

Decision Criteria

  • User Interface: Choose an app with an intuitive design that matches your preferences
  • Integration: Consider compatibility with your existing tools and workflows
  • Collaboration: Evaluate team features if you work with others
  • Platform: Ensure the app works across all your devices
  • Pricing: Balance features with your budget requirements

Recommendations by Use Case

  • Mac Enthusiasts: Things 3 for elegant Apple integration
  • Power Users: OmniFocus 4 for comprehensive GTD implementation
  • Teams: Todoist for excellent collaboration features
  • Microsoft Users: Microsoft To Do for seamless Office 365 integration
  • All-in-One: TickTick for comprehensive productivity features
  • Calendar Focus: Any.do for integrated task and schedule management

For additional insights, check out MacWorld's productivity guide and TechRadar's app reviews.

Implementation Tips for Success

Adopting a new to-do list app requires thoughtful implementation. Follow these strategies to maximize your productivity:

Getting Started

  1. Start Simple: Begin with basic features before exploring advanced options
  2. Import Existing Tasks: Transfer current tasks to avoid losing important items
  3. Set Up Projects: Organize tasks into logical categories or projects
  4. Configure Notifications: Set up reminders that help without overwhelming
  5. Establish Routines: Create daily and weekly review habits

Best Practices

  • Use the Two-Minute Rule: Complete tasks immediately if they take less than two minutes
  • Regular Reviews: Schedule weekly planning sessions to stay organized
  • Priority Focus: Use priority levels to focus on what matters most
  • Avoid Overcomplication: Keep your system simple and maintainable

Common Pitfalls

  • Don't create too many categories or projects initially
  • Avoid neglecting regular updates and reviews
  • Don't ignore collaboration features if you work in teams

For detailed setup guides, visit Todoist's blog and Getting Things Done resources.

Future of Task Management on Mac

As we look toward the future, to-do list apps for Mac will continue evolving with emerging technologies and changing work patterns.

Emerging Trends

  • AI Integration: Personalized task recommendations and intelligent scheduling
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Real-time team features for hybrid work environments
  • Wellness Focus: Built-in features promoting work-life balance and mental health
  • Cross-Platform Unity: Seamless experiences across all devices and platforms
  • Voice Integration: Advanced Siri and voice command capabilities

What to Expect

Future apps will likely offer more automation, better predictive capabilities, and deeper integration with other productivity tools. The focus will shift from simple task tracking to comprehensive workflow management.

Stay informed about productivity trends through Gartner's workplace research and McKinsey's future of work insights.

Take Control of Your Productivity

We've explored the 6 best to-do list apps for Mac in 2025, each offering unique advantages for different work styles and needs. From Todoist's collaboration features to Things 3's elegant simplicity, OmniFocus's power-user capabilities, Any.do's calendar integration, Microsoft To Do's enterprise features, and TickTick's all-in-one approach.

The key to success lies in choosing the app that best fits your workflow and consistently using it. Don't try to use multiple apps simultaneously – pick one and master it.

Next Steps

  1. Choose Your App: Select the tool that resonates with your work style
  2. Start Your Trial: Most apps offer free trials or basic versions
  3. Import Your Tasks: Transfer existing tasks to your new system
  4. Establish Habits: Create daily and weekly review routines
  5. Stay Consistent: Give your chosen app at least 30 days to become part of your routine

Remember, productivity isn't about getting more things done – it's about getting the right things done efficiently. Choose your tool, commit to the process, and watch your productivity soar.

For more productivity resources, explore Apple's productivity guides and Lifehacker's organization tips.