2025 Productivity Awards
A tradition returns for those who want to get things done and have some fun along the way
Apps are such an important part of our lives. We drive to work, listening to our favorite music or enjoying a podcast. We go to the gym and use a habit tracking app. We start our days with a journaling app. Apps are part of the fabric of everyday life.
For this year’s Productivity Awards, I’ve chosen a number of apps that I feel strongly about. I’ve also used each one for several weeks at a time so I feel like I know them well enough to write about them. This isn’t click-bait- it’s truly just for fun.
This list is obviously subjective. You may have had the same experience or an entirely different one. That’s fine by me. It’s just a tradition that I enjoy.
Let’s get on with this year’s list.
Prayer app that deserves more praise: Catholic Calendar. Whether you want the Liturgy of the Hours or the day’s Mass readings or everything in between, this app is worth a long look. Honorable mention: Hallow because its library of resources is ridiculously good.
Feature I’m most excited to try in 2026: Kanban within OmniFocus. OF has teased this board-like feature for several months. I predict it will be one of the bigger new components of the app in years. OF is awesome to start with but Kanban will take it to the next level. Honorable mention: Capture screen within Twos.
App I’m most excited to see get a design refresh: Nozbe. It’s been nearly five years since Nozbe got a facelift and it’s time for both Liquid Glass and then some. Nozbe has been one of my go-to apps for years. A new look will go a long way to satisfying its customer base and attracting even more users. Honorable mention: Remember the Milk.
App I’m most excited to get a Mac app: Stuff. This iOS and iPad app is really promising and the upcoming Mac app should give Things3 a run for its money.
Best Liquid Glass treatment: Todoist. It’s just so fun to use on iOS as you pull your finger over the navigation icons. The company really leaned into the watery aesthetic of iOS26. Honorable mention: Craft.
Most surprising UI improvements: OmniFocus 4. I had been critical of OF4 for months and then, out of nowhere as iOS 26 dropped, the OmniGroup surprised everyone with a totally refreshed look. It’s snappier than ever and looks fantastic on your iPhone, iPad and even the Mac.
App that’s just one feature away from being amazing: NirvanaHQ. I’d love to see project sections come to this fantastic app in 2026. Honorable mention: Things3 & task prioritization.
App that just plain works: Fastmail. There are so many email applications and Fastmail is speedy, simple and powerful. Hard to explain except that it cranks through email like nobody’s business. Honorable mention: Apple Reminders.
Most impressive use of AI: Ramble within Todoist. All I can say is this- try it once and you’ll be blown away. It’s just that good.