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The Best Android GTD (Getting Things Done) App is: [Droid vs. Droid]
June 30, 2010 | by Chris Smith
Android Apps, Free apps, Productivity, Reviews
Yes, I am officially the token GTD guy at Androinica. One of the things that I have battled with while owning an Android device is how to use it in my day-to-day GTD system. So, this is my mega-GTD-on-Android post that may help my fellow GTDers on Android.
There are plenty of productivity apps, but there is one prerequisite for this list. I have a hard time considering an Android “GTD” app viable with absolutely no synchronization to a webapp or desktop PC available. The only apps I am looking at have some sort of sync option.
QR codes are available for download. (If browsing from a phone, click on the QR image to open in the market)
Astrid (Free)
Astrid has been a staple for most Android to-do and GTD people for a long time, and that isn’t a coincidence. Astrid is one of the easiest task options and is definitely filled with the right features:
- tags
- 4 priority levels
- time estimates
- notes section
- deadline and alerts control
- repeat interval
- syncs with RTM
- view by tag (which includes the list name in RTM)
- add tag to homescreen
Astrid is a strong competitor, but the weirdness of sync to RTM is what really kills this app for me. The difference between an RTM list and tag is a confusing one with Astrid. I have even erased all lists and tags and tried to start over with just lists and somehow the proper sync gets lost in translation. If this sounds confusing to you, it’s because it is and the ONE thing that has kept me from Astrid. Other than that, Astrid is one of the best.
Remember the Milk (requires $25 annually)
RTM is definitely a strong contender for THE Android GTD app. It is simple, has a nice web app, and the Android app seems polished. Here is what is included:
- proper sync with RTM (costs $25 a year for the Pro account)
- add new lists
- add new tasks and tag, set due dates, notes
- tons of list views
- search
- reminders
- widget
RTM has been good to me, but there are some definite quirks. When in edit mode on a task you can’t add or remove notes. You have to do that from the task view and there doesn’t seem to be any good reason for it. RTM also does not wrap the title of the task so if it is too long to fit in a list in portrait you can’t see the whole thing. Best part about RTM is the excellent sync with the tried-and-true webapp. The worst is the price. RTM requires an annual $25 for a Pro account, which will turn off many users.
Shuffle (UK)
Shuffle is a little known GTD app for Android and, I tell you what, it follows the GTD methodology very well. Mr. Allen may be proud. Anyways here is what Shuffle brings to the table:
- actions with dues date are added to calendar
- can tie tasks to projects
- control the action’s appearance
- backup to SD
- syncs with any installation of Tracks
- start, due dates
- details field
- contexts
What I love about Shuffle is that it is so simple and really doesn’t force anything on you. You can create actions and link them to projects or not. You can create tasks and set there categories and details. Plus, the webapp Tracks (open source) can be installed to any webserver with Ruby so you could technically have your own install of the cloud app on your own server. There are also some installs out there of Tracks that you can use to try the app out. Sometimes I feel that Shuffle just might be too simple for some users, myself included.
Got To Do (UK€2.00)
Go To Do is a robust GTD app for Android that syncs with the robust webapp Toodledo. This app is definitely up and coming with a very responsive developer. Here’s what you get:
- tasks and subtasks (Toodledo Pro only)
- in depth todo summary
- contexts, folders, tags, due dates, notes, status
- customizable templates for tasks
- sync with Toodledo
- widget and use with Pure Calendar widget
- great filtering options
The best part about Got To Do is that it can be set up almost any way you want. To many summary choices on the homescreen? No problem, just change the summary in settings. Don’t want to use all task fields. Great, because nothing is forced on you. Although Got To Do has a couple of bugs here and there (casual freezes but no loss of data), it seems like one of the most robust GTD apps in the Market right now. And full sync with a Toodledo Pro account makes it even sweeter as Toodledo is one of the best GTD webapps.
ActionComplete (Free)
ActionComplete (AC) is a GTD app that has a bunch of functionality and syncs with actioncomplete.appspost.com. It recently added location-based and social services that enhance the app. Here is what AC brings to the table:
- actions, waits, projects, and pending lists
- tags, notes, people, and due date fields
- custom made filters
- full app search
- sync with ActionComplete webapp
- ability to share tasks with others on Google map
What I love about AC is the fact that you can tie tasks to projects (just like Shuffle or Got To Do (pro account) and have the ability to view the actions and waiting for items in one list. This is something that is very convenient for the “on the go” GTD user. There is an optional layer of complexity that many apps lack. However, one of the biggest downfalls of this app is that context isn’t as important. There is no tab along the top or no way to set a context at all for actions, a true bummer.
Final Verdict
Here is the thing about GTD. It is a very personal experience and you have to be able to LOVE the tools that you use to become more productive. The very premise is to create system that best suits you. If you aren’t comfortable with the tools, then say goodbye to your complete, trusted system. Knowing that, the best GTD app for Android is…
Remember the Milk and Got To Do! It’s a tie! The reason for a tie is simply this: sync with RTM and Toodledo. I can’t say which one is the best because that is totally up to the individual. What I can say is that both RTM and Got To Do are the most robust and easy to use GTD apps in the Market today. Deciding which app is best depends on which online sync works best for you.
So, what are you still doing here reading this? Go pick up you GTD app and start getting some stuff done!
Best GTD Apps for Android Feature Graph
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![[UPDATE] Shuffle is a free productivity app with GTD geeks in mind](http://862525175.r.cdn77.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/shuffle-task-list.png)
Got To Do fan here. Helps me organize and manage many tasks related to many things.
got to do + toodledo + toodledo /outlook-synctool + onenote = perfect!
Got To Do with Toodledo is very good. The app has had a few bugs, but as noted is mostly stable; but most importantly, the developer is very active and readily accepts and uses feedback.
Why did you go through the trouble of assigning values to the many features, but you do not offer a total for each app?
your words are sounding terribly awkward, gunderstorm, lol.
Do any of these apps/services sync with Google calendar?
Can’t agree more with your GTD assessment:
…”you have to be able to LOVE the tools that you use to become more productive. The very premise is to create system that best suits you. If you aren’t comfortable with the tools, then say goodbye to your complete, trusted system.”
yes, GTasks!
NEED an app that can sync somehow with Outlook tasks. I don't get why Google has a Calendar Sync for Outlook (albeit very outdated) but no Task Sync.
One thing that was missed was the Astrid is a plugin for Locale. Can any of the other apps inform you of tasks based on your location…I don't think so. Just wish it had projects.
you may want to try https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gscreatives.gtd .You can import your existing Astrid tasks in it and try the fun interface
Or you could use gTasks which syncs your google tasks. Then get Android Agenda Widget, and all your calendar and task stuff is google based!
Thanks nathan, that’s exactly what I was looking for!!!
You should take a look at TodoistDroid. Brand new.
You should also take a look at OpenLoopz which is specifically designed for GTD.
http://sites.iode.co.uk/openloopz/
Sorry, comment got cut short. Meant to add that OpenLoopz will have sync for version 2.0…
Pure Calendar Widget (about $2 US) + Astrid + google/outlook sync means all my personal tasks and appointments are shown on my home page with my work appts. Great!
Is it possible to enter/edit (work on) tasks on the desktop with no internet connetion?
According to your chart, the Actioncomplete get higher score. but you still recommend the RTM over the Actioncomplete, why?
You may want to check your math.
ActionComplete = 31
Remember the MIlk = 37
Does 'Got to do' sync with google calendar? Maybe a better question is what calendar(s) does it sync with?
Got to Do syncs with Toodledo, and Toodledo has the option to output tasks to Google Calendar (either as an actual calendar, or as a kind of widget that integrates with the Google Calendar site). Of course, it depends what you mean by "sync with Google Calendar", since I don't think any of them will do some kind of full sync with your entire set of Google Calendars, afaik. And if by "Google Calendar" you actually mean Google Tasks, then no, I don't think any of them do. If that's what you want then I know the calendar app "Jorte" will sync with Google Tasks, and I think there may be others.
After reading this and trying Astrid and Got to Do I still wasn't happy. I did some further research and found ActionComplete (free btw). It's the best sync app and uses google login system etc. Also modelled around a famous to do list author's methods. Try it.
It's a bit late but how does these app stack up against Nirvana?
These are the best GTD apps for Android. Nirvana does not have an Android app as far as I know.
A little late, but which of these sync up w/ Outlook on the desktop? (or what do you recommend if outlook is a requirement?)
thx,
J.
Any reason why doit.im doesn't get a mention?
What about Doogle??! Best todo manager for android IMHO!
Could you add a column for DOIT.IM too? It's a GTD-app with sync. http://doit.im
I tried Got To Do, Astrid, gTasks, etc. I have to say, I ran into a little app the other day that blew all of these apps away. It took me forever to find because it wasn't in any of these articles and isn't marketed as a GTD app. The app is called Memento. You needs to be checking that out. I'm only posting this because it really took me a while to find and I want to see if anyone else agrees with me.
I wonder what "yes, but scary" and "yes, but janky" at sync means.
I would like to see a task app that ties to Google Contacts. For example, my dad calls and I know i've got something to ask him about one of these tasks in my list… ideally, I'd like to add his contact to the appropriate task so that I can pull his contact up in Google Contacts and see all the things I need to ask him when we speak next.
Michael, did you ever find what you were looking for? I could really use that too, if anybody knows where to find it.
Per http://gottodoapp.wordpress.com/, Got To Do will not be supported past March 2011.
http://www.Gqueues.com has a webapp that works offline too , on any device supporting html 5 (most androids do as does the iphone etc). I tried 'm all (well pretty much). Gqueues wins hands down. Best features are very good integration in gcal (stable 2 way sync), a nice extension for mail (google apps only), the chrome extension and more
This review is over a year old. I would say the best GTD app is now BHive Google Tasks… best user interface, syncs fast with google tasks, quick task entry etc.
The comparison doesn't list the ability to add tasks via email. My favorite function for RTM is I can be at work, and pop something in my task list via email. Do any of the others do this? This is also one of my favorite features of evernote.
I have tried some of these and really like Shuffle, but I have found a better solution. While not specific to GTD, it can be used and blows the rest of these away as it syncs with Google (and other services via a paid app) it combines calendar, contacts, tasks, memos, and expenses. It is called DejaOffice and it is free. Check it out.
I use GTasks, can sync with google tasks.Absolutely the best to-do app for android.
The guys know best about todo. simple, easy, effective and powerful! https://market.android.com/details?id=org.dayup.g…
I used Astrid, GTasks, TaskOS, Any.DO.
GTasks and Any.Do are the best two of them.
Clean and Simple
Actually, there is a couple of errors in the feature graph… Shuffle has widgets, from which you can add tasks with ease, by tapping the + sign in the corner of the widget. The widget can also be set to represent any group of tasks, or the Inbox, which is sort of like a brainstorming-group.
Also, tasks can be marked complete just by swiping across the entry (in the program though, not on the widget). I use Shuffle, and I’m GTD.
well, i checked Google Tasks and it does not seem to have Recurring Tasks which is a big disadvantage.
While not a full fledged GTD-app, I find netMemo Voice Recorder extremely useful for capturing thoughts and ideas on the go (which is, let’s face it, when most ideas pop up anyway!). It let’s me record a voice note with only one click. The note is then delivered as an mp3-attachment to my mail inbox for later processing — GTD style.
for all Astrid users out there you may want to try https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gscreatives.gtd
You can import your Astrid tasks into it and see for yourself why it has the most effective user interface compared to all gtd apps out there.
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