10 Best Productivity Apps To Manage ADHD in 2025
Hi, I’m the founder of a personal knowledge management tool for ADHD users. For years, I have been exploring the productivity market, personal knowledge management frameworks, and, most importantly, ADHD-specific productivity mechanics. I frequently analyze various productivity tools to determine what truly works for neurodiverse people.
Recently, I wrote an article on why tools like Notion or Obsidian often fail to meet the needs of neurodivergent users. For many, these platforms can feel like a rabbit hole of overwhelming complexity. If you’re interested, you can check out that article on Notion alternatives for ADHD minds here.
But today, I’m going beyond just note-taking apps. This article is a curated list of tools and apps specifically built to help people with ADHD or heightened anxiety stay productive while reducing feeling overwhelmed and distracted.
What do we expect from ADHD-friendly tools?
- Simplicity over complexity – Many ADHD-friendly tools focus on minimalism to reduce overwhelm. Instead of offering endless features, they deliver straightforward functionality that works.
- Customizable alerts and reminders – ADHD-users often lose track of time or forget tasks completely. Tools like Todoist and Trello help solve this problem with adaptive and intelligent reminders.
- Focus through gamification – Platforms like Forest or Habitica transform time management into rewarding games, offering dopamine hits that fuel continued focus.
5 Recommended Tools for Managing ADHD
These apps address various ADHD challenges, from time management to medication adherence, making them essential tools for daily life.
Yaranga - a free note-taking tool for ADHD
Yarnaga is a free ADHD-friendly note-taking and task management tool that combines personal knowledge management with a to-do list and meeting notes application. Yarnaga helps users focus on essential tasks, prioritize effectively, and keep all notes and tasks organized in one place. Additionally, it removes the need for complex hierarchies, allowing users to concentrate on their tasks instead of spending time organizing their notes.
- Xmind
A mind mapping app that visually organizes thoughts and tasks. It includes an AI Copilot for generating to-do lists, brainstorming tools, and customizable templates to enhance focus and productivity. - Medisafe
A medication management platform that sets reminders for medications and doctor appointments. It includes features like health tracking and customizable alerts to maintain a consistent routine. - RoutineFlow
RoutineFLow helps create custom routines with timed tasks and reminders. I don’t believe in productivity apps for smartphones since all ADHD coaches stress minimizing smartphone notifications and app distractions. RF offers a free basic plan for creating customized routines with timed tasks and reminders. It features analytics to track habits and gamifies routines to make them more engaging.
And the bonus!
5 Free ADHD-Friendly Productivity Apps
1. Flora Green Focus
A gamified focus timer app that encourages productivity by growing virtual plants during focused work sessions. If users get distracted, the plant dies, creating a visual incentive to stay on task. Eco-friendly and interactive, it’s ideal for ADHD users who benefit from gamification and visual rewards.
2. Remember The Milk
The UI feels a bit overloaded for me, but it allows users to create to-do lists, set reminders, and access tasks offline. While the design is somewhat crude, it remains effective for organizing daily tasks without clutter.
3. Forest (Free Version)
The free version of Forest lets users grow virtual trees while they are focused on tasks, turning productivity into a game. It’s compatible with iOS, Android, and Chrome extensions.
4. Brili
Brili features visual timers, customizable routines, and gamification elements such as stars and achievements for completed tasks. The free version provides essential tools for habit tracking and task management.
5. Habitica
A gamified task manager that turns daily tasks into an RPG-style game where completing tasks earns rewards and levels up your character. The app is ideal for ADHD users who enjoy gaming elements to stay motivated.