The scenario got changed with the iOS 13 and iOS 14 update. Apple doubled down on the reminders app and gave it a huge makeover in the looks and functions department. The app can now compete toe-to-toe with the established options like TickTick from the App Store. Another feature-packed task management app is TickTick. It is a complete package with cross-platform availability, Pomodoro, habit tracker, and more. We will compare Apple Reminders to TickTick in this post, and conclude which task management app is better for your usage. Let’s get started.
Cross-Platform Availability
As expected, Apple Reminders is exclusive to Apple’s software platform. Meaning, it’s only available on Apple hardware, including iPhone, iPad, and Mac. TickTick is a cross-platform solution. It is accessible on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac. Visit TickTick
User Interface
Apple’s Reminders app finally received the much-needed overhaul in terms of design. The home page now shows the default four tabs (which can’t be customized, though) and lists under it. Swipe up to search through tasks and use the edit button to rearrange or delete lists. You can’t access settings from the app itself, just like every other iOS app. You need to go to Settings > Reminders to make changes. TickTick feels like a truly native iOS app with a bottom menu bar. You can also use the hamburger menu to go through menus and sections. The theme support is the best I have ever seen, beyond the usual light/dark theme. You can implement colorful ones based on seasons and well-known cities around the world.
Adding Tasks and Details
Task adding experience received major attention in the Apple Reminders app. You can now tap Add Reminder, and the little menu will let you add due date/time, images, and flag a reminder. You can also use location-based reminders that notify about the task when you reach home, office, or getting in a car. With a single tap on the info icon, you can add notes, URL, set reminder frequency, and give it a priority. Apple Reminders all support subtasks. It’s hidden in the info menu. I use it to manage small projects. The user gets Siri functionality with Apple Reminders. You can ask Siri to set a reminder with the due date and time. I use it frequently, and it works flawlessly. TickTick lets you create multiple tasks as well as lists to organize your to-dos. My only problem with TickTick is that most of the useful functions are buried in the settings menu. You need to go into Settings > Tab Bar to enable Pomo Timer, Search function, or Habit Chain functionality.
Sharing
With Apple Reminders, you can invite and share an entire list with others. Tap on the three-dot menu above and select add people and share a link via the default iOS share menu. TickTick lets you share the list in simple words. You can also use the copy link option from the Share menu, but the recipient must be on TickTick to make changes.
Extra Functions
Apple Reminders lets you create custom lists. You can add a logo and accent color to give it a personal touch. The app also supports iOS 14 widgets and the ability to add new tasks via a long-tap menu. My favorite functions in TickTick are Pomodoro and Habit tracker. You can add habits and complete them to see a cool chain of habit building in the calendar widget. Pomodoro helps you keep track of the productive hours throughout the app. The other functions include Siri Shortcuts, notes function with markdown support, customizable tabs, and more.
Backup and Price
By default, all the entries in Apple Reminders get saved in iCloud. The app is completely free on iOS and macOS. TickTick uses its own servers to store user data. You can log in using account credentials and have your data synced across all supported devices. TickTick is free to use. But the premium subscription at $2 per month lets you unlock functions like theme support, habit tracking, app icon customization, and more.
Manage Tasks Like a Pro
Both the apps have nailed the basics with various functions upfront. Apple Reminders is free, has location-based tasks, and works with Siri without any hassle. TickTick is more than a basic task management app. You can easily replace 3-4 productivity apps with a single piece of software. As for me, I’m using a Windows laptop with iPhone XR, so TickTick becomes a natural choice for me. What about you? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Next up: Looking for more alternatives for Apple Reminders on iPhone? Read the post below to learn the five best options.
