I decided to do the TPA awards for a second year after the positive response from last year’s awards. A few disclaimers are helpful: I’ve tested each and every app in the list. Second, if I’m an affiliate for an app, I indicate that in the award.
One new feature in this year’s awards is the inclusion of a “Best Prayer App”. Since prayer can make you a more productive person, why not highlight two apps for you to try in 2018? Ok on to this year’s awards!
Best All Around Todo App: Tick Tick
TickTick is this year’s best all around todo application, mainly due to its versatility and customization. It offers Smartlists, Themes, Natural Language and so much more. It even has a Pomodoro timer for tasks if you want to track your work. Want to use Touch ID to protect your projects? You can do that too. TickTick will even give you a weekly achievement score and visual “map” of your most productive day. You won’t be disappointed with TickTick.
Runner up: Todoist
Todoist is a phenomenal app. Sure, it’s due for a UI refresh but if you are looking for productivity app that can be customized to suit your needs, Todoist can handle anything. The natural language input is the best in the business and its various color themes take your personalization to another level.
Best GTD-Specific App: Things3
Things3 from Cultured Code has its limitations and that’s by design. It still isn’t my favorite app for file attachments and you can’t use Things3 to collaborate with peers. But, the 3rd version of Things did not disappoint in 2017 for its stunning visual design and a “less is more” approach to productivity. It’s the one app that is actually fun to use when you are trying to get things done. If you don’t require deep natural language input or collaboration, Things3 will make you enjoy using a todo app like never before.
Runner up: OmniFocus
Not including OF in this year’s list would be like omitting a Mercedes from a list of luxury cars. While its UI is ready for a refresh, OF is so powerful as a GTD-related app that it can equip you with various customized perspectives. These allow you to work how you want to work, teasing out the projects or tasks that you need when you want them.
Best Project Management App: Nozbe
While Nozbe is also due for a UI refresh, it still gets our top slot for project management. Besides the fact that Nozbe is 100% cross-platform and the company can’t be beat in terms of its customer service, the collaboration features are what make Nozbe stand out from other apps. Whether you need to share files or delegate tasks, Nozbe is our favorite project management app. (Disclosure: I am a Nozbe Ambassador and an affiliate for Nozbe.)
Runner up: Asana
Asana continues to get a head of steam as a favorite project management app for both individuals and organizations. While the barrier of entry is somewhat high, Asana allows teams to share documents, chat and organize their projects into “tiles” which makes work more fun.
Best Productivity Podcast: The Productivity Show by Asian Efficiency
The Productivity Show got a reboot in 2017 and the results paid off. Featuring various guests, including some from their “Productivity Dojo”, TPS comes out each week in order to help you be more productive and apply tactical strategies to daily life. The shows gives you a “deep dive” into topics related to productivity.
Runner up: The Accidental Creative by Todd Henry
Todd’s podcast is an extension of his best-selling books on creativity and work. The Accidental Creative Podcast is bolstered by its brevity and Todd’s practical advice for working smarter with your colleagues.
Best Productivity YouTube Channel: Keep Productive with Francesco D’Alessio
You’ll get tired just trying to keep up with Francesco as he reviews multiple apps per week. How he finds time to manage a day job is mind-boggling but his output of high-quality videos is what puts him in this year’s top slot. Besides his affable tenor and creative app comparison videos (i.e. Todoist vs. TickTick), Francesco is like an online coach, walking you through different apps without showing a bias.
Runner up: The Working With Channel with Carl Pullein
Carl’s channel started as a way of sharing his love for Todoist. Since then, it’s exploded into a full-on productivity channel with multiple videos per week. Carl’s branding has expanded into multiple “Working With...” verticals (with apps, with work, etc.) and he’s a delight to watch. Coming across as a fellow practitioner rather than a lecturer, Carl really wants to help people get more out of their everyday lives.
Best Prayer App: Give Us This Day
New to the Productivity Awards this year is the top app for daily prayer. We give this year’s top spot to Give Us This Day. Give Us not only provides you with the daily Bible & Mass readings but its interface is playful and easy to use. You’ll find yourself wanting to use it more just as a result of the UI as tabs expand and “fold” down as you click on them.
Runner up: Magnificat
Magnificat is a wonderful app for following along with the daily Bible and Mass readings and offers a daily meditation and feature on the saints. If you enjoy the Liturgy of the Hours, you won’t be disappointed in Magnificat.
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