Standard productivity tools often don't work for ADHD brains. You need external reminders, distraction blocking, and systems that work with how your brain works. We tested tools specifically for ADHD productivity needs.
| Tool | Starting Price | Primary Use | ADHD Specific | Mobile App | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focusmate | Free/$9 | Body doubling | Perfect | Web | 9.5/10 |
| Sunsama | $20/mo | Daily planning | Excellent | Yes | 9.2/10 |
| Forest | Free/$3.99 | Focus | Good | Yes | 9.0/10 |
| Todoist | Free/$4 | Tasks | Good | Yes | 8.9/10 |
| Brain.fm | $6.99/mo | Focus music | Great | Yes | 8.8/10 |
| Freedom | $3.33/mo | Blocking | Great | Yes | 8.7/10 |
| Tiimo | Free/$9.99 | Visual schedules | Designed for | Yes | 8.6/10 |
| Due | $7.99 once | Reminders | Great | iOS | 8.5/10 |
Focusmate provides virtual body doubling - work alongside a stranger on video. The accountability and social pressure help ADHD brains focus. Absolute game changer.
Sunsama guides you through daily planning without overwhelm. Time box tasks, set realistic days, and review what you accomplished. Gentle and sustainable.
Forest gamifies focus with tree planting. Your tree dies if you leave the app. Visual progress and stakes make focus more engaging for ADHD brains.
Todoist offers quick capture and simple task management. Natural language input means tasks are captured before you forget. Not overwhelming like complex systems.
Brain.fm provides science-backed focus music designed to help maintain attention. No lyrics to distract, just audio that helps your brain focus.
Freedom blocks distracting apps and websites across all your devices. Schedule focus time and remove the temptation to get distracted.
Tiimo is designed specifically for neurodivergent brains. Visual time blocks, routine support, and gentle reminders. Developed with ADHD and autism in mind.
Due is a reminders app that keeps nagging you until you complete the task. Perfect for ADHD - it won't let you forget. Persistent without being overwhelming.
We evaluated tools specifically for ADHD brain needs.
Focusmate (starting tasks) + Freedom (blocking distractions) + Due (reminders). Add Sunsama for daily planning if you can afford it. Brain.fm if music helps you.
ADHD brains need external accountability (Focusmate), forced constraints (Freedom), and persistent reminders (Due). Internal motivation and "just do it" don't work.
For many ADHD people, it's the single most impactful tool. Body doubling provides the external accountability that makes starting possible. The free tier gives you 3 sessions/week.
