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.
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. Writers and knowledge workers who deal with lots of text-based capture.
Not ideal if
You want one app to handle all GTD steps. You need visual task management with calendar integration. Your GTD system is primarily checklist-based rather than text-based. You prefer not managing multiple productivity apps.
Real-world example
A consultant uses Drafts on iPhone to capture everything during client meetings. Quick thoughts, action items, and ideas all go into Drafts. During weekly review, she processes the inbox, sending tasks to OmniFocus, reference material to Notion, and meeting notes to Apple Notes.
Team fit
Best for individuals and solopreneurs. Works for anyone doing solo GTD who wants the fastest possible capture. Not designed for team collaboration or shared workflows.
Onboarding reality
Easy for basic capture. Advanced actions require time to configure but pre-made action libraries help. Most users are capturing productively within minutes, mastering processing workflows within a week.
Pricing friction
Free version works for testing. Pro at $19.99/year is necessary for serious GTD use (unlimited drafts and actions). The annual-only billing might annoy people who prefer monthly options.
Integrations that matter
Todoist (send tasks), OmniFocus (create actions), Notion (append to pages), Apple Notes, Calendar, Reminders, and hundreds more via actions.
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. People managing complex project hierarchies with many contexts.
Not ideal if
You're new to GTD and want something simple to start. Budget is tight (premium pricing). You prefer minimalist interfaces over feature-rich systems. You need strong collaboration features for shared projects.
Real-world example
A project manager runs her entire GTD system in OmniFocus on iPad. The inbox captures everything via Siri throughout the day. During weekly review on Sunday afternoon, she processes inbox items, reviews all active projects, and plans the week ahead using forecast view. Review perspective shows which projects need attention.
Team fit
Best for individuals and small teams (2-5 people). Popular with knowledge workers, consultants, and anyone managing multiple concurrent projects. Less suited for large teams needing extensive collaboration.
Onboarding reality
Moderate to heavy. The GTD-specific features are powerful but take time to master. Budget 2-4 weeks to feel comfortable with all capabilities. Omni Group's documentation and community resources help significantly.
Pricing friction
Premium pricing at $49.99 one-time or $9.99/month subscription. Separate iOS and Mac purchases add up (subscription covers all platforms). The cost reflects the deep GTD implementation but may deter casual users.
Integrations that matter
Siri (voice capture), iOS Share extension (capture from any app), Shortcuts (automation), Calendar sync, email to inbox. More integrations via Shortcuts and third-party tools.
OmniFocus 4 is a place for busy professionals to manage tasks and sort projects.
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). Teams doing lightweight GTD collaboration.
Not ideal if
You need dedicated review mode or advanced project features. You want unlimited nesting for complex hierarchies. You prefer local-first data storage. You need offline access on free tier (Pro required).
Real-world example
A freelance writer uses Todoist on iPhone for GTD. Labels organize contexts (@writing, @research, @admin, @waiting). Projects track client work and personal goals. Natural language input makes quick capture effortless. Weekly review is a recurring task with a checklist ensuring all GTD areas get reviewed.
Team fit
Works for individuals up to medium teams (1-50 people). Popular across all professional levels. Enterprise features exist but GTD is primarily individual-focused.
Onboarding reality
Easy. The interface is intuitive and most people are productive within days. Setting up a full GTD system takes a week or two to dial in your labels, projects, and filters.
Pricing friction
Free tier is genuinely usable for testing GTD. Pro at $4/month is affordable and necessary for reminders and labels. Annual billing ($48/year) saves money. The pricing is transparent and fair.
Integrations that matter
Google Calendar (two-way sync), Slack (create tasks from messages), email integration, Zapier (connect to 5000+ apps), Shortcuts (iOS automation).
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.
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. People who appreciate beautiful software and deliberate simplicity.
Not ideal if
You use non-Apple devices (Android, Windows). You need advanced automation or complex filtering. Collaboration features matter for your workflow. You want the absolute lowest price (separate iPhone/iPad purchases add up).
Real-world example
A designer uses Things 3 on iPhone and iPad for GTD. The beautiful interface matches her aesthetic sensibilities. Areas organize life domains (Studio, Personal, Side Projects). Tags handle contexts. Daily planning happens each morning, dragging next actions into Today. Weekly review is a Saturday ritual walking through all areas and projects.
Team fit
Best for individuals who own Apple devices. Popular with designers, creatives, and anyone who values interface quality. Not for teams or cross-platform users.
Onboarding reality
Very easy. The interface is so clean that most people understand it immediately. Building a full GTD system takes a few days to organize areas, projects, and tags the way you want.
Pricing friction
One-time purchases: $9.99 iPhone, $19.99 iPad (sold separately). The separate purchases feel like a money grab. Total $30 for both devices is higher than some competitors but you own it forever (no subscription).
Integrations that matter
Siri (voice capture), Share extensions (capture from any app), Shortcuts (iOS automation), Calendar sync (shows events alongside tasks). Integrations are iOS-native rather than third-party.
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. Anyone learning GTD who wants the methodology enforced by the app structure.
Not ideal if
You prioritize beautiful, modern interfaces. Deep iOS integration (Siri, widgets, Shortcuts) is critical. You want flexibility to adapt GTD to your personal preferences. You need offline access on mobile (requires Pro).
Real-world example
A manager new to GTD chose Nirvana because the structure matches the book exactly. The Inbox, Next, and Waiting lists feel familiar from GTD reading. Processing mode walks through the clarify step methodically. After 3 months, the rigid structure helped cement GTD habits before considering more flexible apps.
Team fit
Best for individuals learning or practicing strict GTD. Works for anyone who wants the methodology enforced by app design. Not designed for teams or collaboration.
Onboarding reality
Moderate. If you know GTD, Nirvana makes immediate sense. If you're new to GTD, the structure teaches you the methodology. Budget 1-2 weeks to get comfortable with the workflow.
Pricing friction
Free tier is usable but limited (no Projects or Someday). Pro at $5/month or $49/year is necessary for full GTD implementation. The pricing is fair for a dedicated GTD app.
Integrations that matter
Web, iOS, Android, desktop apps (all sync). Limited third-party integrations compared to Todoist or OmniFocus. The focus is GTD purity over integration breadth.
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. People who value function over cutting-edge design.
Not ideal if
Modern, beautiful interfaces are important to you. You need extensive iOS integration (Siri, widgets, Shortcuts). Cross-platform support beyond Apple ecosystem matters. You want active development and frequent updates.
Real-world example
An IT consultant uses ChaosControl's context views extensively. @office, @client-site, @computer, @calls, and @errands organize his varied work locations. Sequential projects ensure only the next action appears in context lists. Weekly review mode shows projects needing attention.
Team fit
Best for individuals in the Apple ecosystem. Works for professionals with varied work contexts. Not for teams or Windows/Android users.
Onboarding reality
Moderate. The GTD concepts are clear if you know the methodology. Setting up contexts, projects, and review cycles takes a week to dial in.
Pricing friction
Free version works for testing. Pro at $9.99 one-time is excellent value compared to subscription apps. The one-time purchase appeals to people avoiding subscription fatigue.
Integrations that matter
iCloud sync (iPhone, iPad, Mac). Limited third-party integrations. The focus is Apple ecosystem integration rather than broad third-party connectivity.
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.
Not ideal if
You're new to GTD and want guided structure. You prefer apps that work well out-of-the-box without extensive configuration. Beautiful, minimal interfaces are priorities. You want one purchase covering all devices.
Real-world example
A productivity coach uses 2Do's smart lists to create a custom GTD system matching her personal interpretation. Smart lists for @contexts, @energy-levels, and @time-available let her filter actions multiple ways. URL schemes integrate with Drafts for advanced capture workflows.
Team fit
Best for individuals who enjoy configuring systems. Popular with power users and GTD veterans. Not for teams or people wanting simple, guided experiences.
Onboarding reality
Heavy. The flexibility means you'll spend 1-2 weeks building your GTD structure. Smart lists require learning the filter syntax. Budget time for initial setup and ongoing refinement.
Pricing friction
Separate purchases for iPhone ($9.99) and iPad ($14.99) feel like double-charging. Total $25 is higher than competitors but you own it forever. Some users love one-time pricing, others prefer cheaper subscriptions.
Integrations that matter
Siri (voice capture), Shortcuts (extensive automation), URL schemes (custom workflows), Calendar sync. The flexibility enables creative integrations beyond standard features.
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.