What makes a great iPad to-do app?
The iPad's screen real estate changes how you interact with task apps. What works on a cramped iPhone screen often feels wasted on a 10 or 12-inch display. The best iPad to-do apps take advantage of that space, giving you side-by-side views, visual layouts, and interfaces designed for the bigger canvas.
You're not just looking for a task manager that runs on iPad. You want one that was designed with iPad in mind, something that feels natural whether you're using it horizontally on a desk or vertically while watching TV. These apps understand multitasking, Split View, and the fact that iPad users often keep their task list open alongside other apps.
We tested dozens of to-do apps specifically on iPad, focusing on how well they use the available space, whether they support Apple Pencil input, how reliably they sync across devices, and if the interface feels cramped or properly adapted. We also looked at pricing models that make sense for individual users rather than forcing team plans.
This guide covers the best to-do list apps for iPad in 2026, from the beautifully designed indie options to the collaborative powerhouses that work great for solo users too.
How We Evaluated iPad To-Do Apps
Our Testing Criteria
Choosing a to-do app for iPad requires different thinking than picking one for your phone. The bigger screen demands better use of space, and iPad-specific features like Split View and Apple Pencil support separate great apps from phone apps that happen to run on tablets.
We evaluated each app against these criteria:
Screen optimization matters most on iPad. Apps that just blow up their phone interface look ridiculous on a 12-inch screen. We looked for apps that use columns, sidebars, and multi-pane layouts to show more information without requiring constant navigation.
Gesture support and Apple Pencil integration distinguish iPad-native apps. The ability to swipe, drag, and even handwrite tasks feels natural on a touchscreen. Apps that only work with tap-tap-tap interactions miss the point of the iPad interface.
Horizontal and vertical orientations both need to work well. Some apps look great in landscape but feel cramped in portrait, or vice versa. iPad users switch orientations constantly, so the layout needs to adapt gracefully.
Split View and multitasking support became essential as iPadOS improved. If you can't keep your task list visible while working in other apps, you lose one of iPad's biggest advantages.
Widget quality on iPad home screens shows commitment to the platform. Good widgets give you quick task entry and overview without opening the app.
Sync reliability across Apple devices is table stakes. Your tasks from iPad need to appear instantly on iPhone and Mac without manual refreshing or conflicts.
Pricing for individuals matters because many task apps push expensive team plans. We favored apps with reasonable pricing for solo iPad users.
1. Things 3
Most Beautiful iPad Experience: Things 3
For iPad users specifically, Things 3 nails the interface in a way few apps do. The app costs $19.99 as a one-time purchase for iPad, which feels expensive until you realize you're never paying again.
The iPad version takes full advantage of the screen. In landscape mode, you get your project list on the left, tasks in the middle, and task details on the right. Everything visible at once without switching views. In portrait, it elegantly collapses to a two-column layout that still shows more than most apps.
What sets Things 3 apart is how fast it feels. The animations are smooth without being slow, gestures respond instantly, and there's zero lag between tapping and seeing results. After years of updates, Cultured Code has polished every interaction to the point where using it feels effortless.
Key features that make it work on iPad:
Stunning multi-column interface shows projects, tasks, and details simultaneously on the big screen. No constant back-and-forth navigation like on iPhone.
Gesture-based interactions let you swipe to complete tasks, drag to reorganize, and use iPad-specific touches throughout. It feels designed for touch, not adapted from desktop.
Apple Pencil support for quick task entry works if you prefer handwriting. Scribble to add tasks without switching to the keyboard.
Beautiful widgets that actually look designed for iPad rather than blown-up iPhone widgets. The large widget shows your full Today list with room to breathe.
Calendar integration displays your schedule alongside tasks, helping you plan realistically around existing commitments.
The main limitation is the separate purchase for each platform. iPad costs $19.99, iPhone costs $9.99, Mac costs $49.99. If you want it everywhere, that's $78.99 total. No subscription option exists, which some users prefer and others find frustrating.
Also, there's no collaboration features. Things 3 is built for individuals. You can't share projects or assign tasks to others, which is fine for personal use but rules it out for shared household tasks or team work.
Best for: iPad users who want the most polished interface, appreciate one-time pricing, and primarily manage solo tasks rather than shared projects.
2. Structured
Best for Routines & Time Blocking: Structured
Structured recently launched on iPad after building a following on iPhone, and the tablet version makes even more sense than the phone one. The visual timeline of your day looks fantastic on a bigger screen.
The app combines tasks with time blocking in a way that feels natural rather than forced. You see your day laid out vertically with time slots and tasks arranged in order. Drag tasks to different times, adjust durations, and watch your schedule take shape visually.
What makes Structured special on iPad is how well it works for routines. Morning routines, evening routines, workout sequences - anything that happens in a specific order benefits from the visual timeline. You're not just checking off tasks; you're moving through a choreographed day.
Key features include:
Visual day timeline that shows tasks in chronological order with time blocks. On iPad's bigger screen, you can see your entire day without scrolling.
Routine templates let you save recurring sequences. Create a morning routine once, then drop it into any day with all tasks pre-scheduled.
Optional AI voice input helps you add tasks by speaking. Say 'add morning workout at 7am for 30 minutes' and it creates the task with timing.
Clean, minimal design that doesn't overwhelm you with options. The interface stays focused on today's timeline.
Affordable pricing at $1.99/month or $14.99/year makes it one of the cheaper premium task apps. Free tier works but limits how many future days you can plan.
The limitation is that it's really built for time-blocking enthusiasts. If you prefer a simple task list without specific scheduling, Structured's timeline approach feels like overkill. Also, project management features are minimal compared to apps focused on that use case.
Best for: iPad users who love time blocking, people with consistent daily routines, and anyone who thinks visually rather than in linear lists.
3. Todoist
Best for Sharing Tasks: Todoist
Todoist might not be the prettiest iPad app, but it handles the basics extremely well and adds collaboration features that solo-focused apps skip entirely.
The iPad interface uses a three-column layout in landscape: projects sidebar, task list, and task details. It's functional rather than beautiful, but everything you need stays visible. In portrait mode, it collapses gracefully to show the current view with swipeable navigation.
What sets Todoist apart is the combination of powerful features and reasonable free tier. You get natural language input, recurring tasks, basic projects, and solid sync across devices without paying. Upgrade to Pro for $5/month and you gain comments, reminders, and integration with calendar apps.
Key features worth noting:
Task sharing and project collaboration let you share lists with family or roommates. Great for household chores, shopping lists, or shared responsibilities.
Natural language input parses dates and times as you type. 'Buy groceries tomorrow at 5pm' creates the task with correct due date automatically.
Multiple view options include list view, board view (Kanban), and calendar view. On iPad, you can actually use board view effectively thanks to the screen size.
Offline mode works reliably, which matters on iPad if you use it in places without WiFi. Tasks sync when you reconnect.
100+ integrations connect Todoist to other apps. Link it to calendar apps, email, Slack, and practically everything else.
The downside is the interface feels workmanlike. It's not ugly, but compared to Things 3 or Structured, it lacks visual polish. If you spend hours daily staring at your task list, the aesthetics matter.
Also, some features require the Pro subscription that would be free in other apps. Reminders shouldn't be a premium feature in 2026, but here we are.
Best for: iPad users who need to share tasks with others, people already using Todoist on other platforms, and anyone who values integration ecosystem over interface beauty.
4. Actions by Moleskine
Most Beautiful Design: Actions by Moleskine
Actions by Moleskine brings the aesthetic of Moleskine's physical notebooks to iPad, and honestly, it works better than you'd expect. The app looks gorgeous and uses iPad's screen brilliantly.
The side-by-side view shows your schedule on one side and task lists on the other. This layout makes it easy to see what's happening when and what needs doing, all at a glance. On iPad's big screen, both panels have room to breathe instead of feeling cramped.
Moleskine designed Actions for people who care about how their tools look. The customizable themes let you pick colors that match your style, from muted professional tones to bright, energetic palettes. It's shallow, maybe, but using a beautiful app feels better than staring at utilitarian interfaces.
Key features include:
Dual-pane layout on iPad shows calendar and tasks simultaneously. No switching between views or scrolling to see your full day.
Nested checklists within tasks let you break down complex items. Open a task and see sub-tasks with their own checkboxes.
Customizable themes and color schemes make the app feel personal. Pick a palette that matches your mood or matches your other tools.
Apple Calendar integration syncs your events alongside tasks. See appointments and to-dos in one unified timeline.
Widget variety gives you multiple home screen options, from minimal task counters to full list displays.
The limitation is that Actions focuses heavily on aesthetics and daily planning. If you need complex project management with dependencies and Gantt charts, look elsewhere. This is for people who want their daily task list to look good and work smoothly.
Pricing is free with a Pro subscription at $2.99/month or $29.99/year for theme customization, unlimited lists, and calendar sync. The free tier works fine for basic use.
Best for: iPad users who value aesthetics, people who combine calendar and tasks in their planning, and anyone who wants a beautiful daily planner rather than a complex project manager.
5. OmniFocus
Best for Power Users: OmniFocus
OmniFocus deserves mention for iPad power users who need serious task management capabilities. It's complex, expensive, and absolutely overkill for most people, but if you're managing multiple projects with dependencies and contexts, nothing else comes close.
The iPad version offers perspective customization that lets you create filtered views of your tasks based on any criteria. Show only tasks tagged 'office' that are due this week and assigned to project X. The flexibility is absurd, and iPad's screen makes these custom views actually usable.
OmniFocus built its reputation on GTD (Getting Things Done) methodology implementation. If you follow David Allen's system, OmniFocus provides every feature you need: contexts, perspectives, sequential projects, parallel projects, and review cycles.
Key features for serious users:
Custom perspectives filter your tasks by any combination of criteria. Create views for different contexts (office, home, errands) or workflows.
Project hierarchies with sequential and parallel task dependencies. Set up complex projects where some tasks must complete before others can start.
Forecast view combines calendar events with due tasks, showing your upcoming commitments in one timeline.
Review mode prompts you to regularly review projects and update statuses. Built-in support for GTD weekly reviews.
Apple Pencil support for quick task capture and sketching notes within tasks.
The massive limitation is complexity. OmniFocus overwhelms new users with options, settings, and concepts. It takes genuine time investment to learn and set up effectively. Also, the pricing is steep: $49.99 for iPad, additional costs for iPhone and Mac, or $99.99/year for subscription across all platforms.
Best for: Serious productivity enthusiasts who follow GTD, people managing complex multi-project workflows, and users who already know they need OmniFocus-level power.
6. TickTick
Best Value for Features: TickTick
TickTick offers an impressive feature set for its price point. It's not quite as polished as Things 3 on iPad, but it includes built-in time tracking, habit tracking, and a Pomodoro timer that would cost extra in other apps.
The iPad interface uses a clean multi-column layout showing your lists, tasks, and details. It feels responsive and makes good use of the available space without looking cluttered. Calendar view works particularly well on the bigger screen.
What makes TickTick compelling is the all-in-one approach. Instead of using separate apps for tasks, habits, and focus timers, you get everything integrated. This matters on iPad where app switching is more involved than on desktop.
Key features include:
Built-in Pomodoro timer helps you focus on individual tasks. Start a 25-minute focus session directly from any task.
Habit tracking integrates with your task list. Daily habits appear as recurring tasks but track completion streaks separately.
Calendar view shows tasks and appointments together. Drag tasks onto your calendar to time-block your day.
Natural language input parses dates and times as you type, similar to Todoist but with better recognition of complex patterns.
Multiple list views including list, grid, and timeline. On iPad, grid view becomes actually useful for visual organization.
The limitation is that it tries to do everything, which means each individual feature isn't quite as refined as dedicated apps. The Pomodoro timer works fine but lacks the depth of dedicated focus apps. Habit tracking is basic compared to dedicated habit apps.
Pricing is competitive: free tier is generous, Premium at $27.99/year adds calendar sync, more themes, and increased limits. That's cheaper than most premium task apps.
Best for: iPad users who want multiple productivity features in one app, people who like Pomodoro technique, and budget-conscious users who want premium features without premium pricing.
Other Apps Worth Considering
Additional Options for iPad
Whatting focuses on quick task capture with minimal friction. It's designed for people who want to dump tasks into a list without elaborate organization. The iPad version works but doesn't take special advantage of the screen size.
Sunsama combines task management with calendar integration and daily planning rituals. It works beautifully on iPad's big screen but costs $20/month, which is steep for a task app. Worth considering if you're serious about daily planning and calendar-first workflows.
Sorted³ offers a unique hybrid between task list and calendar. Tasks automatically schedule themselves into your available time slots. The iPad version makes this visual scheduling approach more usable than on iPhone's small screen.
Which iPad To-Do App Should You Choose?
Making Your Decision
Your ideal iPad to-do app depends on how you work, what you're willing to pay, and whether you need collaboration features or just want something beautiful and fast.
If you want the absolute best iPad experience and don't mind paying once per platform, Things 3 delivers unmatched polish. The interface feels like it was designed by people who actually use iPads daily.
If you love time blocking and visual scheduling, Structured makes your day tangible. Seeing tasks arranged in a timeline helps you understand if you're being realistic about what fits in your day.
If you need to share tasks with family, roommates, or team members, Todoist handles collaboration better than solo-focused apps. The free tier is generous enough for many users.
If aesthetics matter and you want your daily planner to look beautiful, Actions by Moleskine combines good looks with solid functionality. The side-by-side calendar and task view works perfectly on iPad.
If you're a productivity power user who needs custom perspectives and complex project management, OmniFocus justifies its complexity and cost. Most people don't need it, but those who do know they do.
If you want multiple productivity features without paying for multiple apps, TickTick bundles tasks, habits, and Pomodoro timer for less than competitors charge for tasks alone.
iPad To-Do Apps FAQ
Common Questions Answered
What's the best free to-do app for iPad?
Todoist's free tier offers the most functionality without payment. You get natural language input, basic projects, recurring tasks, and reliable sync. TickTick's free version is also generous, including some habit tracking and Pomodoro features. Apple Reminders comes pre-installed and works fine for simple lists, though it lacks the advanced features of dedicated apps.
Do these apps work with Apple Pencil for handwriting tasks?
Things 3 and OmniFocus support Apple Pencil through iPadOS Scribble feature - you can handwrite anywhere text input is possible. None of these apps offer dedicated handwriting-to-task conversion like note-taking apps do. If handwriting is your primary input method, consider using a notes app with task management features instead.
Can I use these apps in Split View while working in other apps?
Yes, all the apps listed support Split View and Slide Over on iPad. Things 3, Todoist, and TickTick work particularly well as side panels while you work in other apps. This is one of iPad's best productivity features - keeping your task list visible while working.
Which app has the best iPad widgets?
Things 3 has the most polished widgets designed specifically for iPad's larger home screen. Actions by Moleskine also offers beautiful widgets. Todoist and TickTick provide functional widgets but they're less visually refined.
Do I need to buy these apps separately for iPad and iPhone?
Things 3 requires separate purchases for each platform (iPad $19.99, iPhone $9.99, Mac $49.99). OmniFocus similarly charges per platform unless you get the subscription. Todoist, TickTick, Structured, and Actions all sync across devices with one subscription or purchase. If you use multiple Apple devices, factor this into your decision.
Which app is best for students using iPad for school tasks?
Structured works well for class schedules and assignment tracking thanks to its timeline view. TickTick offers good value with its student-friendly pricing. Things 3 is popular among students who want a clean interface and are willing to pay the upfront cost. Todoist's collaboration features help with group projects.
Final Thoughts on iPad To-Do Apps
Making the Right Choice
The iPad's screen size makes a real difference in how you interact with task apps. Don't settle for an app that just runs on iPad - choose one that actually uses the space well.
Most of these apps offer free trials or free tiers. Download two or three that match your workflow and use them for a few days. Pay attention to which one you naturally reach for when adding tasks or checking what's next. That instinct matters more than feature comparison charts.
Remember that the best to-do app is the one you'll actually use consistently. A simple app you check daily beats a feature-packed powerhouse that sits unopened. Start with something that feels comfortable and upgrade to more complex tools only if you hit actual limitations.