People often ask me what productivity apps I use. My current setup is on an iPhone and iPad.
Today, I wanted tell you about my favorite todo application.
This is a quick review of my current favorite for iPhone and iPad called, “2Do.”
Quick Review: 2Do for iPhone & iPad
2Do is a feature rich todo app that runs on both iPhone and iPad. I like it for its graphical interface. As well, it allows me to setup my tasks in a simple yet powerful layout.
Here is a quick list of the top reasons that I like 2Do:
- Visual Interface – 2Do stands out from the crowd with its fancy graphical user interface. It does a great job presenting a pleasing and useful UI experience. Other apps have presented “dayplanner” interfaces, but I think that 2Do’s is the most functional. This is especially true on the iPad in landscape mode. (See picture at top).
- Simple or Complex – 2Do is packed full of features. It can be as simple as you want, or it can handle the most complex GTD implementation you want to throw at it. I like that you do not have use all the functionality, but it is there for power users.
- Tabs – The “tabs” feature of 2Do is very powerful. You can easily set up multiple lists or categories if you choose. The “Today” and “Starred” tabs let you quickly see a unified list of what is most important.
- Quick Entry – The quick entry mode allows multiple todos to be added in repetition without going into all the todo options.
- Starred Category – In addition to priorities, you can also “star” tasks. This allows you to quickly see all “starred todos.” I use this feature to construct my “Today List.”
- Syncs to Multiple Devices – 2Do allows you to sync over via Toodledo. This lets me sync between my computer, iPad, and iPhone. Many of the apps out there have limited sync capabilities.
- Single App on iPhone and iPad – Unlike many of the competition, the developer has chosen to have a single app that runs on both iPad and iPhone. This means you don’t have to purchase it twice.
I could go on and on… because 2Do has so many features. This quick look is only scratching the surface.
Here are my only reservations about 2Do:
- Too Many Options? – As you know, I am a big believer in simple solutions. 2Do is far from simple. It can seem at times that there are too many options. However, for the most part, the added features stay out of your way if you are not using them. This allows both simple and complex time management setups in 2Do.
- Learning Curve – The UI is very straightforward, however new users can find themselves learning the various ways to interact with their tasks such as tap-and-holding or the ability to drag-and-drop.
- Interface Size – I will admit, the interface on iPhone can be a bit cluttered. There is only so much real estate for such a robust layout. The iPad interface really shines with the larger format and screen space.
Give 2Do a Try
There are many, many todo apps for iPhone and other phones. Some are good. Some are not so great.
2Do stands out with its graphical interface and powerful feature set.
I recommend you check out 2Do for yourself. It is available in the App store where it is currently priced at $6.99.
What is your favorite iPhone (or Android) todo app? Please share below.
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Awesome Craig! Now…you might want to check out the latest “ultra-mega” to do app called Smart Pad….I talked about it yesterday. It’s a little pricey at $18.99 but it’s powerful with built-in logic and combines 3 functions into one 🙂
@tc_geeks Will have to check Smart Pad out.
Wow… $18.99??? That is a lot for an iPad app. 🙂
I will definitely check this out Craig! Thanks for really digging in on what you liked and didn’t like so much- it’s really helpful to hear all the angles. I may have to check out the one Shane mentioned too, but $6.99 feels a lot better than $18.99- especially if we are, as you mentioned, trying to keep it simple. 🙂
@ChristySmith Thanks, Christy! Do you plan on using it on your iPhone? or also an iPad?
@TMNinja I really like the way it looks with the iPad, so that’s where I’d probably start with it. I try not to use the iPhone for things that are overly complex because like you said, the real estate just isn’t there for some things.
Does this integrate with Evernote at all? I currently use EN for most or all of my productivity / organizational needs.
If it could get to do checkboxes out of EN, like EgretList does, that would be schweet.
@MarcDeBower 2Do doesn’t do the Evernote thing.
Will have to check out Egretlist too. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for such a clear, concise write-up Craig – those are rare these days.
My to-do list involves data for so many other areas of my life – I want to be able to access all that rather than have to re-enter it in multiple places. I’ve finally found an app that lets me do that called LifeTopix. It combines a bunch of different areas into one universal app, and all the areas inter-relate. A huge time-saver and one of the few apps I’ve added to my dock.
Craig, thanks for the great article. I’m a new reader and want to get 2Do and use it on my iPad and iPhone. I was in the App Store and saw it listed for both. Does it matter which one you buy in order to get the app for both devices?
@Courtny 2Do is a dual-app meaning it is the same app with different interfaces for iPhone and iPad.
You will see it listed with a “+” in the app store for this reason.
This is cool because you only have to buy it once and install it on both your iPhone and iPad. (Unlike some other apps that have different apps for each device and you have to purchase twice.)
Try it out… I hope you like it.
– Craig
Hi craig…new reader .I noticed you also recommended the app Good Todo which looks very “simple” vs. 2Do. I am wondering if you use both or have a preference. Thanks…enjoying your articles:)
@CindyD Cindy, sorry missed your comment here.
I used Goodtodo a while back. Unfortunately, I have not been impressed with their application progress, so I moved on to 2Do.
Goodtodo is a very powerful system. It is good for those that have trouble getting email out of their inbox.
I use 2Do across my iPad and iPhone and it syncs nicely. 🙂
@CindyD Cindy, sorry missed your comment here.
I used Goodtodo a while back. Unfortunately, I have not been impressed with their application progress, so I moved on to 2Do.
Goodtodo is a very powerful system. It is good for those that have trouble getting email out of their inbox.
I use 2Do across my iPad and iPhone and it syncs nicely. 🙂
Craig – love the site! It’s in my “A-List” on Google Reader – which of course syncs to my iPad via Reeder thanks to your recommendation. I consider my iPad to be digital assistant; in short, it’s my To Do List, notepad, eReader, and on-the-go Internet browser – sadly no pics or music are even on the device… maybe one day.
Back on the topic of To Do Lists: I would like to know whether you have investigated OmniFocus for the iPad. I find that it’s a fantastic To Do list app, and I’m curious whether you have weighed it vs. 2Do. The MAJOR drawback is that the app is particularly expensive, but I find it’s functionality to be second-to-none. That said, having already spent “too much” to buy OmniFocus, I’m hesitant to spend more on other To Do apps unless I’m confident they really make the grade. Would love your input and highly recommend you check out OmniFocus if you haven’t already…
Craig – love the site! It’s in my “A-List” on Google Reader – which of course syncs to my iPad via Reeder thanks to your recommendation. I consider my iPad to be digital assistant; in short, it’s my To Do List, notepad, eReader, and on-the-go Internet browser – sadly no pics or music are even on the device… maybe one day.
Back on the topic of To Do Lists: I would like to know whether you have investigated OmniFocus for the iPad. I find that it’s a fantastic To Do list app, and I’m curious whether you have weighed it vs. 2Do. The MAJOR drawback is that the app is particularly expensive, but I find it’s functionality to be second-to-none. That said, having already spent “too much” to buy OmniFocus, I’m hesitant to spend more on other To Do apps unless I’m confident they really make the grade. Would love your input and highly recommend you check out OmniFocus if you haven’t already…
I’ve got 2Do on my iPad but I can’t figure out how to get it to my iPhone. When I go to his sync (right thing to do?) I get a warning that all my apps will change to be as they are on iTunes.
that is “when I go to HIT sync”
Well, I went ahead and clicked on sync and 2Do still doesn’t appear on my iPhone even though it’s on my iPad and on iTunes on my iMac.
I’ve got 2Do on my iPad but I can’t figure out how to get it to my iPhone. When I go to his sync (right thing to do?) I get a warning that all my apps will change to be as they are on iTunes.
that is “when I go to HIT sync”
Well, I went ahead and clicked on sync and 2Do still doesn’t appear on my iPhone even though it’s on my iPad and on iTunes on my iMac.
this app is good, but my favorite is ,,Plan”. I’m using it to create agenda, schedule,plan meetings and everything else. Most important thing is that it’s so easy and quick to use. Also it sync with google web calendar, ,,Plan” is brilliant app 🙂
@EvelinaSirgedaite Which app is that? 🙂
@TMNinja @EvelinaSirgedaite what do you mean which? 🙂 I’m talking about ,,Plan” app 🙂
this app is good, but my favorite is ,,Plan”. I’m using it to create agenda, schedule,plan meetings and everything else. Most important thing is that it’s so easy and quick to use. Also it sync with google web calendar, ,,Plan” is brilliant app 🙂
@EvelinaSirgedaite Which app is that? 🙂
@TMNinja @EvelinaSirgedaite what do you mean which? 🙂 I’m talking about ,,Plan” app 🙂