Actually free. Not "free for 7 days then $15/month" free.
I'm tired of "free" apps that lock basic features behind paywalls. Want reminders? $5/month. Want more than 3 projects? $8/month. Want to sync between devices? Premium only.
So I made a list of apps that are genuinely free. No tricks. No "upgrade to unlock" popups every 5 seconds.
Full disclosure: this is our app. But it's genuinely free. All features. No limits. No ads.
We have a Pro version for $2.99 (one-time, not monthly) but the free version has everything most people need: visual timeline, life balance wheel, gamification, unlimited tasks.
Why it's free: We believe productivity shouldn't cost $200/year. The Pro version supports development.
The combo everyone forgets about. Google Calendar is actually a solid planner if you use it right. Add Google Tasks and you have a basic but functional system.
Best for: People who live in Gmail anyway.
Downside: No life balance features. Just time blocks and tasks. Very utilitarian.
Underrated. Apple has quietly made Reminders pretty good. Lists, tags, priorities, location-based reminders. All free if you have an iPhone.
Best for: Apple users who want simplicity.
Downside: Apple ecosystem only. No web version. No Android.
Notion's free tier is generous. Unlimited pages, unlimited blocks for personal use. You can build a planner from scratch.
Best for: People who like building their own systems.
Downside: It's a blank canvas. You'll spend hours setting it up. Most people give up after day 2.
5 projects. No reminders. 5 collaborators max. It works but you'll hit walls fast.
Premium: $5/month for reminders and unlimited projects.
2 lists only. 1 reminder per task. No calendar sync. Usable but frustrating.
Premium: $2.79/month. Actually reasonable.
Basic tasks work. But no recurring tasks, no location reminders, limited calendar. Feels stripped down.
Premium: $3/month.
| App | Type | Tasks | Calendar Sync | Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funtasking | Free | Unlimited | Yes | None |
| Google Calendar | Free | Unlimited | Yes | Basic features |
| Apple Reminders | Free | Unlimited | Yes | Apple only |
| Todoist | Freemium | Limited | Premium | 5 projects max |
| TickTick | Freemium | Limited | Premium | 2 lists max |
If you want features without paying: Funtasking. Life balance, gamification, visual timeline. All free.
If you just need basics: Apple Reminders (iPhone) or Google Tasks (everyone else).
If you love building systems: Notion. But be warned, you might spend more time organizing your planner than actually doing tasks.