Design by Jess Murphy

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly associated with children, but more than 10 million adults in the United States also live with the condition, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Adult attention deficit disorder can cause problems with executive function. People with the condition may have a hard time following through on tasks.

Many people have found that they can use their mobile devices to do important tasks. You can use apps to build structure into your life.

We have rounded up the best apps for ADHD to help you get the most out of your day.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children and may continue into adulthood. People with ADHD may have trouble focusing their attention and controlling impulsive behaviors. They may be hyperactive or inattentive, and their symptoms can change over time.

There are three types of ADHD, depending on symptoms:

  • Predominantly inattentive. Someone may be easily distracted or have difficulty organizing tasks, paying attention to details, or following instructions. They may forget or lose things.
  • Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive. The person fidgets, can’t stay still, feels restless, and may be impulsive. They may talk a lot, and have frequent accidents and injuries.
  • Combined. Someone may have both inattentive and hyperactive of symptoms.

Learn about the different types of symptoms of ADHD.

We considered the features, ease of use, and availability of each app when choosing the best ADHD apps.

We made sure users were getting the most bang for their buck by scanning dozens of customer reviews to make sure people really found them valuable.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $0.99
  • $$ = $0.99—$5
  • $$$ = over $5

A note on ADHD apps

“Although ADHD apps can be helpful for getting work done, chores and to-dos done, they can’t replace help from a mental health professional or taking medication”

Best overall

SimpleMind Pro – Mind Mapping

  • Who it’s best for: people who want to organize their thoughts and ideas
  • iOS rating: 4.7 stars
  • Android rating: 4.7 stars
  • Price: $$$

Have you ever wanted a map of your mind so you could remember when, where, and why you came up with an idea?

SimpleMind Pro is a tool that allows you to create a map of your thoughts, ideas, and to-do lists.

The app allows you to create logical branches of related ideas and topics, and it also allows you to retrace your train of thought, which is important for people with attention deficit disorder.

Pros

  • One-time fee.
  • helps organize thoughts
  • There are slideshows and free form layouts.

Cons

  • No organic mind mapping option.
Download SimpleMind Pro – Mind Mapping for iOS Download SimpleMind Pro – Mind Mapping for Android

Best for setting reminders

Due – Reminders & Timers

  • Who it’s best for: those who are easily distracted and need help remembering important tasks
  • iOS rating: 4.7 stars
  • Android: not available
  • Price: $$$

Due can help you get back on track with reminders to do the important things.

“You can increase your productivity by scheduling. The app design is clean and sleek, and it’s easy to add a reminder. When a reminder goes off, it keeps pinging you in intervals until you mark the task as done.”

Pros

  • The auto-snooze option will send reminders until you mark the task complete.
  • The interface is easy to use.
  • “Can you add a new feature to your phone’s home screen?”

Cons

  • Extra features need additional purchases.
  • Not available on the phone.
Download Due – Reminders & Timers

Best for taking and organizing notes

Evernote

  • Who it’s best for: the avid notetaker
  • iOS rating: 4.2 stars
  • Android rating: 4.1 stars
  • Price: free with in-app purchases

Think of a modern-day Trapper Keeper. To-dos, add reminders, take pictures to remind you of a task, and save websites and videos are some of the things that can be done.

“A search function makes finding everything easy. Even if you don’t know how to organize your folders, you can use the help of Evernote.”

You can keep on task now if you keep an eye on the notes on emi.

Pros

  • Search function to find notes.
  • Pictures andScreenshots can be added to notes.
  • There are templates and options to record a voice.

Cons

  • In-app purchases are required for advanced features.
Download Evernote for iOS Download Evernote for Android

Best for reducing overwhelm

Remember the Milk

  • Who it’s best for: anyone who feels overwhelmed by everything they have do
  • iOS rating: 4.7 stars
  • Android rating: 4.5 stars
  • Price: free with in-app purchases

The simplest tasks can have multiple steps. You can increase your chances of getting them done by creating task lists with their own sub tasks.

Attach due dates to each and add notes that will help you complete the tasks.

You can use the app to remind you of upcoming due dates.

The map feature in the app is a game-changing one for running errand, as it plots your tasks so you can plan the most efficient route for checking items off your list.

Pros

  • can create sublists
  • Due dates can be added to tasks.
  • The map feature provides the most efficient route for multiple tasks.

Cons

  • Sound reminders cost more.
  • Reviewers say the app crashes.
Download Remember the Milk for iOS Download Remember the Milk for Android

Best for collaboration

Asana

  • Who it’s best for: teams and anyone who needs to collaborate on tasks with others
  • iOS rating: 4.7 stars
  • Android rating: 4.3 stars
  • Price: free

Asana is a free tool. You can use it to create to-do lists.

Asana is great for adding structure to your professional life, as it allows for team collaboration, and it also allows for keeping tabs on what you and others are assigned to.

“You won’t lose track of or duplicate tasks when you assign a task, it remains visible.”

Pros

  • allows for team collaboration
  • can assign tasks to others
  • Can add other people to your tasks.

Cons

  • The app version is not easy to use.
Download Asana for iOS Download Asana for Android

Best for managing your to-do lists

Todoist

  • Who it’s best for: anyone who has trouble getting through their to-do lists
  • iOS rating: 4.8 stars
  • Android rating: 4.5 stars
  • Price: free with in-app purchases

You can get things out of your head with Todoist, and you can use it to make yourself more productive.

The app takes care of all the organization with the quick-add feature.

You can set recurring reminders so you can spend less time in the app and more time getting stuff done.

The Todoist progress summary shows how many tasks you have completed and how many are waiting for your attention.

Pros

  • The app organizes lists.
  • “You can set reminders so you don’t have to check the app.”
  • Adding tasks is easy.

Cons

  • In-app purchases are required for advanced features.
Download Todoist for iOS Download Todoist for Android

Best for Pomodoro

Brain Focus

  • Who it’s best for: those who have trouble putting their phones down
  • iOS: not available
  • Android rating: 4.7 stars
  • Price: free with in-app purchases

The time management app keeps you from using your phone as a distraction. When you need to focus, Brain Focus blocks apps and quiets notifications so phone distraction is not an option.

The app uses the Pomodoro method of setting time on-task and time off-task.

You can use it when you need to focus, but the app will lock you out of the apps you have selected as distraction, and count down your selected time.

Brain Focus uses your countdowns to track how long you have spent working in self-selected categories, such as work, school, chores, reading, meditation, or whatever you have decided suits your needs best.

Pros

  • It prevents you from using apps that distract.
  • Tracks productivity in different areas.
  • A proven time management technique is used.

Cons

  • Not available on the phone.
  • In-app purchases are required for advanced features.
Download Brain Focus for Android

Best for project tracking

Trello

  • Who it’s best for: anyone who needs to track projects and tasks, solo or with a team
  • iOS rating: 4.5 stars
  • Android rating: 4.3 stars
  • Price: free with in-app purchases

Project managers, product managers, and software developers used to use Trello.

The app is an excellent planning and organization tool for almost anything, from grocery lists to planned to-do lists.

Share your app information with other users and use project folders.

Pros

  • It is versatile and flexible for many uses.
  • can be used to work with others
  • can create many boards

Cons

  • Subscription fees are required for advanced organizational features.
  • No ability to sort tasks by the due date.
Download Trello for iOS Download Trello for Android

Best for simplicity

Clear Todos

  • Who it’s best for: those who prefer a simple app with a minimalistic design
  • iOS rating: 4.5 stars
  • Android rating: 4.7 stars
  • Price: $$

“It can feel overwhelming when you have a lot to do and you don’t know what to do.”

Clear Todos helps you organize your life by breaking down the things you have to do into clear-cut, organized lists.

Pros

  • Color coding for a visual appeal.
  • Simple without confusing features.
  • You can create sub tasks.

Cons

  • No option for awidget.
  • In-app purchases are required for upgraded features.
  • Sharing lists with other users is not an option.
Download Clear Todos for iOS Download Clear Todos for Android

Best for security

Bear

  • Who it’s best for: those who want to put information behind a password
  • iOS rating: 4.7 stars
  • Android: not available
  • Price: free with in-app purchases

“Writing down what you have to do or what you are thinking about shouldn’t feel like a chore. Bear is a simple interface that will help you keep your to-do lists organized. It protects them from being exposed to the internet with simple password protection.”

You can tag your notes so that you can keep all your related thoughts in one place, even if you write them down in different forms.

Pros

  • The system makes it easy to organize.
  • can be used on Apple watch
  • The interface is visually appealing.

Cons

  • Not available on the phone.
  • Requires in-app purchases for advanced features.
  • No way to work with others.
Download Bear for iOS

Best for productivity

Productive – Habit Tracker

  • Who it’s best for: anyone who wants to start new, productive habits
  • iOS rating: 4.6 stars
  • Android rating: 4.0 stars
  • Price: free with in-app purchases

“The more you have to do, the less you can feel like you’re making progress.”

Habit tracker lets you develop a personalized routine that you want to follow and acknowledges when you follow it for many days in a row.

You can schedule tasks that are as big or as small as you want, so you can plan out your day to accomplish both what you have to do and what you want to do.

Pros

  • helps with building a routine.
  • Can break tasks up into smaller tasks.
  • Habit “streaks” are the awards you receive.

Cons

  • The app is free to download but limited to subscribers.
  • Some users think it is too basic.
Download Productive – Habit Tracker for iOS Download Productive – Habit Tracker for Android

App Price Available devices Best for
SimpleMind Pro – Mapping $$$ iOS and Android people who want to organize their thoughts and ideas
Due – Reminders & Timers $$$ iOS those are are easily distracted and need help remembering important tasks
Evernote free with in-app purchases iOS and Android the avid notetaker
Remember the Milk free with in-app purchases iOS and Android anyone who feels overwhelmed by everything they have do; people with a lot of tasks/errands
Asana free iOS and Android teams and anyone who needs to collaborate on tasks with others
Todoist free with in-app purchases iOS and Android anyone who has trouble getting through their to-do lists
Brain Focus free with in-app purchases Android those who have trouble putting their phones down; people who could use help with time management skills
Trello free with in-app purchases iOS and Android anyone who needs to track projects and tasks, solo or with a team
Clear Todos $$ iOS and Android those who prefer a simple app with a minimalistic design
Bear free with in-app purchases iOS those who want to put information behind a password
Productive – Habit Tracker free with in-app purchases iOS and Android anyone who wants to start new, productive habits

Everyone is unique and there are different ways that symptoms can manifest. There are no apps that will work best for everyone.

There are several things to consider when choosing the best app for your needs.

  • Pricing. Make sure the app fits within your budget. Some apps have one upfront cost, while others operate on a subscription basis. Others are free to download and offer limited features but require in-app purchases to access advanced features. Decide what you’re willing to spend and narrow things down from there.
  • Ease of use. ADHD apps are meant to make your life easier, so you want to make sure they’re easy to use and don’t actually add more work to your day. Check the interface of the app (there’s usually a preview before you download it) and read through the list of the features. It’s also a good idea to peruse user reviews to see what others thought of the app’s functionality.
  • Specific concerns. Some ADHD apps allow you to create to-do lists, while others help you streamline thoughts into notes or a brain map. There are single-user apps and apps that allow you to directly collaborate with others. Figure out your main concerns — what you need help with or hope to improve — and then choose an app based on that specific use case.
  • Available devices. While many apps are available on both Android and Apple devices, others are only downloadable on one or the other. Make sure the app is compatible with your device before committing to it.

“It’s a great way to stay on task, and put all your thoughts in one place. They are not a substitute for seeing a mental health professional or taking medication.”

If you have symptoms that are interfering with your quality of life or you are on medication, you should see a doctor. They can help you with treatment and tools.

Some of the symptoms of ADHD are listed.

  • Being unable to sit still.
  • Constantly restless.
  • “It’s hard to focus on tasks.”
  • excessive movement
  • acting without thinking
  • interrupted conversations

How can organization apps help with ADHD?

The apps for the brain disorder are a great way to keep track of activities. They can help people with the disorder.

“They can help structure your thoughts. You don’t need to worry about missing dates or essential things to do if you set reminders and prioritize tasks.”

Organization apps can help you track your progress toward goals and remind you of what you need to do next.

You can use an app as motivation when you want to stay on top of things and need a little pep talk to keep you productive.

What are the treatment options for ADHD?

The first line of treatment for young children with ADHD is usually parent training in behavior management before doctors try medication. This involves teaching parents skills and strategies to manage and reduce their child’s disruptive behaviors.

Doctors may try a combination of medication and behavior therapy with older children.

Adults and children can use medication to manage their symptoms of attention deficit disorder. They help balance brain chemicals so people can control their impulses. There are two types of drugs.

  • Fast-acting stimulants. There are many options, including amphetamines like Adderall or methylphenidate (Ritalin).
  • Nonstimulants. These are slower to act but with a longer-acting effect.

What are some coping skills for ADHD?

There are other ways to deal with symptoms of attention deficit disorder. Here are some things to do.

  • Exercise daily. Exercise helps with focus and attention, and you can burn off any excess energy. Plus, it helps ease anxiety and depression.
  • Find time to de-stress. Take time, especially to de-stress and unwind. It’s OK to take downtime and allow yourself some headspace to gather your thoughts.
  • Create systems. Learn how to prioritize and plan. That way, even if you get distracted, you’ve got the essential things out of the way early on.
  • Break down tasks into steps. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with large projects and procrastinate. So, break everything into steps. Do things in smaller blocks and tick them off as you go.
  • Learn about ADHD and find support. Even reading about other people’s experiences living with ADHD can help you feel more prepared to deal with your own symptoms. Finding a support group, either online or face to face, can also help.

You may feel less overwhelmed if you have ADHD apps. These apps can help you structure your thoughts, start tasks, and stay focused.

Making an app part of your daily routine could help you with your medication and treatment schedules.

A Boston-based healthcare editor, a former dance fitness instructor and a neuroscience researcher are some of the things that have been done by the person named Amanda. She is passionate about destigmatizing the human experience.