Getting Things Done on iOS has evolved from a niche workflow to a mainstream approach to productivity. The iPhone and iPad have become legitimate productivity devices, not just communication tools. For many people, their iOS device is their primary productivity hub, handling everything from inbox capture to weekly reviews.
David Allen's GTD methodology thrives on iOS because the platform offers always-available capture (your phone is always with you), powerful apps that map to GTD's five steps, and integration with the Apple ecosystem that makes processing seamless.
We evaluated dozens of iOS apps specifically for GTD implementation. Our criteria: how well they handle capture and processing, support for contexts and projects, natural fit with the five GTD steps (capture, clarify, organize, reflect, engage), and whether they work well for solo practitioners (many GTD apps assume team use).
This guide covers the best GTD apps for iPhone and iPad in 2026, from tools designed specifically for Getting Things Done to flexible apps that adapt beautifully to the methodology.
What Makes a Good GTD App for iOS
Our Evaluation Framework
GTD apps need specific capabilities that general task managers don't prioritize. We looked for features that map directly to David Allen's methodology.
Quick capture: GTD starts with capturing everything that has your attention. The best iOS apps let you add items in seconds, whether through the app itself, Siri shortcuts, widgets, or share extensions. Apps requiring multiple taps to capture an item create friction that breaks the GTD workflow.
Contexts and tags: GTD organizes next actions by context (at computer, calls to make, errands, etc.). Apps with robust tagging or context systems scored higher than those forcing everything into projects.
Inbox processing: The clarify step involves deciding what captured items mean and what to do about them. Apps with dedicated inbox views or processing workflows make this easier than scrolling through unsorted lists.
Project support: GTD distinguishes projects (outcomes requiring multiple steps) from single actions. Apps that handle this hierarchy naturally, showing both project outcomes and next actions, better support the methodology.
Review features: Weekly review is critical in GTD. Apps with review modes, checklists for what to review, or views showing projects without next actions help maintain the system.
iOS integration: Since we're focusing on iPhone and iPad, integration with iOS features like Siri, Shortcuts, widgets, and Share extensions matters. Apps that feel native to iOS rather than ported from other platforms provide better experiences.
Solo-friendly design: Many productivity apps assume team collaboration. We prioritized apps that work excellently for individuals without requiring workarounds or paying for team features you won't use.
1. Drafts
Best for Universal Capture: Drafts
Drafts embodies the GTD principle of ubiquitous capture better than any other iOS app. The tagline is "where text starts," and for GTD practitioners, this makes perfect sense.
Drafts opens immediately to a blank page, ready for input. No navigating to an inbox, no choosing a project, no friction. Capture the thought, hit done, move on. This speed matters when an idea strikes mid-conversation or you need to quickly note something during a meeting.
The power comes in processing. After capture, Drafts offers hundreds of actions to send that text elsewhere. Send to Todoist as a task, append to a note in Apple Notes, create a calendar event, start an email. For GTD users running multi-app workflows, Drafts becomes the universal inbox that feeds into various systems.
The Siri integration works brilliantly. "Hey Siri, Drafts" opens a new draft instantly. Shortcuts support enables complex workflows like "capture to inbox" that creates a draft, tags it "inbox," and saves to a specific workspace.
Many GTD practitioners use Drafts as their capture tool even when managing tasks in other apps like OmniFocus or Todoist. The separation of capture (Drafts) from processing (task manager) actually reinforces GTD principles rather than requiring everything in one app.
The limitation is that Drafts excels at capture but doesn't handle the organize, reflect, and engage steps. You'll need a separate system for managing your actual GTD lists and projects.
Pricing: Free version available with limited features. Pro subscription ($19.99/year) adds unlimited drafts, themes, and advanced actions.
Best for: GTD users who value frictionless capture above all else and don't mind using multiple apps for different GTD steps. The universal inbox approach that feeds into various downstream systems.
2. OmniFocus
Best Full-Featured GTD System: OmniFocus
OmniFocus is purpose-built for GTD and it shows. The app maps directly to Getting Things Done principles with features designed specifically for the methodology.
The inbox provides a dedicated space for captured items waiting to be processed. Process mode walks through inbox items one by one, prompting you to assign projects, contexts, due dates, or delete. This workflow mirrors GTD's clarify step perfectly.
Projects in OmniFocus support both single-action lists and sequential project steps. You can nest projects within folders, mirror real-world hierarchies (Work → Client Projects → Project X), and maintain the distinction between project outcomes and next actions.
Contexts and tags let you organize by GTD contexts (calls, computer, errands) and filter your task list to show only what's relevant in your current situation. The forecast view combines calendar events with due tasks, giving you a clear picture of your day or week.
The review feature is OmniFocus's standout GTD capability. Set review frequencies for projects, and the app tracks which need attention during your weekly review. The review perspective shows overdue reviews, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
For iOS specifically, OmniFocus offers excellent integration with Siri, Share extensions (send web pages or emails to your inbox), and widgets showing your forecast or next actions.
The main limitation is complexity. OmniFocus's power creates a learning curve. New GTD practitioners might find it overwhelming compared to simpler apps. Also, the pricing is premium tier (one-time purchase or subscription), which may deter casual users.
Pricing: One-time purchase around $49.99 for iOS, or subscription at $9.99/month. Separate purchase for Mac version or subscription covers all platforms.
Best for: Serious GTD practitioners who want comprehensive features designed specifically for the methodology. iPhone and iPad users who need deep customization and are willing to invest time learning the system.
OmniFocus 4 is a place for busy professionals to manage tasks and sort projects.
3. Todoist
Best GTD Balance: Simplicity and Power
Todoist wasn't designed exclusively for GTD, but it adapts to the methodology remarkably well while maintaining simplicity that OmniFocus lacks.
The quick capture experience on iOS is excellent. Natural language input lets you type tasks conversationally ("Call dentist tomorrow at 2pm") and Todoist parses due dates, times, and recurring patterns automatically. Siri integration and widgets provide multiple capture points.
For GTD organization, Todoist's labels serve as contexts. Create labels for @calls, @computer, @errands, and @waiting, then filter your task list to see context-specific actions. Projects organize larger outcomes, and you can nest projects two levels deep (enough for most GTD hierarchies).
The inbox provides a landing place for captured items before processing. While Todoist doesn't have a dedicated process mode like OmniFocus, reviewing and organizing inbox items is straightforward.
What Todoist does particularly well for GTD is the review step. Create a recurring task "Weekly Review" with a checklist covering your review steps (review inbox, review projects, review waiting-for items). The productivity view shows completion trends and patterns, helping you understand your work habits.
Todoist integrates with many other productivity tools, which matters for GTD practitioners who use calendar apps, note-taking systems, and reference managers alongside their task system.
The limitation compared to dedicated GTD apps is less sophisticated project handling. You can't easily see all projects lacking next actions (a common review check). The two-level nesting sometimes feels constraining for complex project hierarchies.
Pricing: Free tier includes most features. Pro ($4/month) adds reminders, labels, comments, and file uploads. Business tier not needed for individual GTD.
Best for: GTD practitioners who want powerful features without OmniFocus's complexity. People new to Getting Things Done who need an accessible entry point. Anyone who values cross-platform availability (Todoist works everywhere).
4. Things 3
Best GTD Interface Design: Things 3
Things 3 approaches GTD through beautiful design rather than overwhelming features. The app maps to Getting Things Done principles while maintaining an interface that feels effortless rather than complex.
The Inbox on iOS provides clean capture with quick entry that feels faster than most competitors. Natural language parsing handles dates and recurring tasks. The Today view shows what you've scheduled for today, while Upcoming reveals your roadmap for the next days and weeks.
Projects in Things support headings that divide projects into phases or sections, useful for complex multi-step projects. You can nest projects within areas (Work, Personal, etc.), creating reasonable hierarchy without OmniFocus's unlimited nesting.
Things uses tags for GTD contexts, though the implementation feels simpler than Todoist's labels or OmniFocus's context system. You can filter by tag to see context-specific actions, but advanced filtering capabilities are more limited.
What makes Things special for GTD is how it handles the engage step. The interface prioritizes clarity and focus over feature density. The Today view isn't cluttered with every possible task. Instead, you schedule tasks into Today deliberately, creating a manageable daily plan.
The Logbook (completed tasks archive) provides satisfaction and review material, showing what you've accomplished over time. For weekly reviews, you manually work through areas and projects, which some GTD users prefer over automated review systems.
iOS integration is exceptional with Siri support, Share extensions, widgets, and the Magic Plus button that captures from anywhere. Things feels native to iOS in ways that cross-platform apps don't.
The limitation is that Things is Apple-only. If you use Android or Windows, it's not an option. Also, the lack of collaboration features means you can't share projects or delegate tasks (though for solo GTD, this doesn't matter).
Pricing: One-time purchase around $9.99 for iPhone, $19.99 for iPad (separate purchases). No subscription, but also no cross-purchase discount.
Best for: GTD practitioners who prioritize interface design and user experience. Apple ecosystem users who want something more approachable than OmniFocus but more refined than Todoist.
5. Nirvana
Best GTD Purist App: Nirvana
Nirvana was built explicitly for Getting Things Done practitioners who want an app that follows David Allen's methodology precisely.
The app structures itself around GTD's core lists: Inbox (captured items), Next (next actions), Waiting (delegated items), Scheduled (time-specific actions), Someday (maybe/someday list), and Logbook (completed items). This direct mapping makes Nirvana immediately familiar to anyone who's read the GTD book.
Processing in Nirvana mirrors the GTD clarify step. Items land in Inbox, then you decide: is it actionable? If yes, assign to a project and context, set a next action, or schedule it. If no, move to Someday or reference, or delete. The workflow guides you through proper GTD processing.
Projects and contexts follow GTD terminology and structure. Projects have outcomes and next actions. Contexts (@computer, @calls, @errands) organize actions by where/how you do them. Areas provide higher-level organization for roles or responsibilities.
The Focus view filters tasks by energy level, time available, and context, answering the question "what can I do right now?" This aligns with GTD's engage step, helping you choose actions based on your current situation.
For iOS specifically, Nirvana offers a clean mobile interface with quick capture. The iPhone app provides access to all GTD lists and syncs seamlessly with web and desktop versions. However, the iOS integration (Siri, widgets, Share extensions) lags behind apps like OmniFocus or Things.
The limitation is that Nirvana feels dated in design and iOS capabilities compared to modern competitors. It works well for pure GTD but doesn't offer the polish or advanced features of OmniFocus or the simplicity of Todoist.
Pricing: Free tier includes Inbox, Next, and Waiting lists. Pro ($5/month or $49/year) adds Projects, Areas, Someday, and Reference.
Best for: GTD purists who want an app designed exactly around David Allen's methodology. People who value GTD-specific terminology and structure over modern interface design.
6. ChaosControl
Best for Context-Heavy GTD: ChaosControl
ChaosControl focuses on organizing tasks into projects and contexts, which makes it particularly suited to GTD practitioners who rely heavily on context-based action lists.
The app provides dedicated views for contexts, letting you see all @calls actions, all @computer tasks, or all @errands in one place. This makes choosing your next action based on your current situation straightforward. The context filtering feels more sophisticated than simple tag-based systems.
Projects in ChaosControl support sequential and parallel tasks. Sequential projects show only the next action until completed, keeping your action lists clean. Parallel projects show all available actions. This distinction helps manage project complexity without overwhelming your next action lists.
The Inbox captures items for later processing. The Quick Entry feature on iOS lets you capture tasks rapidly, assigning projects and contexts during processing rather than during capture (proper GTD separation of these steps).
iCloud sync keeps data current across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. For iOS users invested in the Apple ecosystem, this native sync integration works reliably.
The review mode highlights projects that haven't been reviewed recently or lack next actions, supporting the GTD reflect step. Weekly review becomes a guided process rather than manually checking every project.
The limitation is that ChaosControl looks and feels like an older iOS app. While functional, it lacks the modern design polish of Things or OmniFocus 4. For users who prioritize function over form, this doesn't matter. For those who value aesthetics, it might feel dated.
Pricing: Free version available with limited projects. Pro upgrade (around $9.99 one-time) removes limits and adds review features.
Best for: GTD practitioners who organize heavily by contexts and need sophisticated context filtering. iPhone and Mac users who want a professional GTD system at a reasonable one-time price.
7. 2Do
Best GTD Flexibility: 2Do
2Do offers remarkable flexibility in how you implement GTD, letting you customize the app to match your specific interpretation of the methodology.
The app supports multiple GTD-relevant features: projects with sub-tasks, contexts via tags, custom lists for GTD categories (Next Actions, Waiting For, Someday), and smart lists that auto-populate based on rules you define.
Smart lists enable powerful GTD workflows. Create a "Next Actions" list showing all tasks tagged with contexts, excluding scheduled or waiting items. Build a "Weekly Review" list showing projects without next actions. Define a "Today" view combining scheduled items with high-priority next actions. This customization lets you build exactly the GTD system you want.
The Focus view prioritizes tasks by importance, urgency, and your current context. This supports the GTD engage step, helping you choose what to work on now based on multiple factors.
2Do's iOS app provides excellent capture with natural language input, Siri support, and URL schemes for automation via Shortcuts. The iPad version offers a desktop-class interface that makes processing and organizing efficient.
The challenge with 2Do is that flexibility creates complexity. You need to spend time configuring smart lists, defining your GTD structure, and setting up the system. Unlike Nirvana (which imposes GTD structure) or Things (which guides you toward simple patterns), 2Do requires you to build your own system.
For experienced GTD practitioners who know exactly how they want their system to work, this flexibility is valuable. For GTD beginners, it might feel overwhelming.
Pricing: One-time purchase around $9.99 for iPhone, $14.99 for iPad (separate purchases). No subscription.
Best for: Experienced GTD users who want complete flexibility to customize their system. Power users who enjoy building sophisticated automation and workflows. People who have tried other GTD apps and found them too constraining.
Which GTD App Should You Choose for iOS?
Decision Framework
Your ideal GTD app depends on your experience level, preferences, and how strictly you follow David Allen's methodology:
If you're serious about GTD and want an app designed specifically for the methodology, OmniFocus or Nirvana provide the most comprehensive features. OmniFocus offers more power and iOS integration but costs more. Nirvana follows GTD terminology precisely and costs less.
If you want GTD capabilities with a beautiful interface, Things balances methodology support with exceptional design. It won't force GTD terminology on you but adapts well to the workflow.
If you're new to GTD or want simplicity, Todoist provides enough features to implement the methodology without overwhelming complexity. The learning curve is gentler, and the free tier lets you try GTD without investment.
If capture is your biggest challenge, Drafts excels at ubiquitous collection. Use it alongside any of the task managers above, letting Drafts handle capture and your chosen app handle processing and organization.
If you organize heavily by contexts, ChaosControl's sophisticated context system provides better filtering and views than tag-based systems in other apps.
If you want maximum flexibility, 2Do lets you build exactly the GTD system you envision. This requires more setup but accommodates unusual workflows other apps don't support.
Many GTD practitioners combine tools: Drafts for capture, OmniFocus for organization and review, note-taking apps for reference material, and calendar apps for time-specific commitments.
GTD Apps for iOS FAQ
Common Questions
Can you do GTD with just Apple Reminders?
Technically yes, but it's constraining. Apple Reminders has improved significantly with lists, tags, and smart lists that could map to GTD. You could use lists for contexts, tags for projects, and smart lists for views. The limitation is that Reminders lacks dedicated inbox processing, review features, and sophisticated project support. For casual GTD implementation or testing the methodology, Reminders works. For serious GTD practice, dedicated apps provide better structure and workflows.
What's the best free GTD app for iPhone?
Todoist's free tier offers the most complete GTD implementation without payment. You get projects, labels (for contexts), filters, and decent capture. The limitation is no reminders or file attachments in the free version. Nirvana's free tier includes Inbox, Next, and Waiting lists but locks Projects and Someday behind the Pro upgrade. For zero budget, start with Todoist and upgrade to Pro ($4/month) if you need reminders and advanced features.
Do I need different apps for iPhone and iPad?
Most GTD apps offer universal purchases covering both iPhone and iPad. OmniFocus, Todoist, and Nirvana sync seamlessly across devices. Things requires separate purchases for iPhone and iPad, which is frustrating. For GTD specifically, having both iPhone (for ubiquitous capture) and iPad (for processing and review) proves valuable. The iPhone handles quick capture throughout the day, while the iPad's larger screen makes weekly reviews and project planning more comfortable.
How do I handle reference material in GTD on iOS?
GTD apps focus on actionable items, not reference storage. Most GTD practitioners use separate apps for reference: Apple Notes, Evernote, Notion, or specialized apps like DEVONthink. Link reference material to projects in your GTD app (most support file attachments or URLs). For example, keep project plans in Notes and link to them from OmniFocus projects. This separation maintains the GTD principle that your action manager shouldn't become a dumping ground for reference information.
What's the difference between OmniFocus and Things for GTD?
OmniFocus is designed explicitly for GTD with features like review mode, inbox processing, and unlimited nesting. It's more powerful but also more complex. Things adapts to GTD through elegant design while remaining accessible to non-GTD users. Things feels simpler and more beautiful but offers less customization. Choose OmniFocus if you want comprehensive GTD features and don't mind complexity. Choose Things if you value interface design and want something that works for GTD without overwhelming you with options.
Can I use Siri for GTD capture?
Yes, though capabilities vary by app. Most GTD apps support basic Siri capture ("Hey Siri, add task in OmniFocus"). Some apps like Drafts, Things, and OmniFocus offer deeper Siri integration. For advanced capture workflows, use Shortcuts to build custom commands that capture to your inbox with specific formatting or tags. Siri capture is valuable for true ubiquitous collection, letting you capture while driving, cooking, or otherwise occupied.
Getting Started with GTD on iOS
Implementation Tips
The right GTD app transforms David Allen's methodology from abstract concepts into daily practice. Choose an app that matches your current GTD experience level and iOS usage patterns.
If you're new to GTD, start with Todoist or Things. Both provide enough structure to learn the methodology without forcing you into rigid workflows before you understand the principles. Read Getting Things Done while setting up your chosen app.
If you're an experienced GTD practitioner, OmniFocus, Nirvana, or 2Do offer the depth you need. The investment in learning these apps pays off through better support for advanced GTD practices like comprehensive reviews and complex project hierarchies.
Remember that the app is just a tool. GTD success depends more on consistent weekly reviews and trusted capture than on choosing the perfect app. Start with one app, use it for a month, and adjust based on what works and what frustrates you.