ADHD Planners: We Tested the Best 10 Apps (Free & Paid)

The 10 Best ADHD Planners in 2026

Planning is hard for many people.
For adults with ADHD, it can feel uniquely exhausting.

Not because of a lack of discipline or motivation, but because most planners are designed for brains that naturally estimate time, prioritize clearly, and remember future tasks without friction.

ADHD planners exist to solve that mismatch.

This guide explains:

• What ADHD planners really are
• The different types of ADHD planners (paper, digital, AI)
• 10 ADHD planners worth trying (with honest positioning)
• How to choose one without pressure or perfectionism

1. What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain-based condition that affects how people focus, organize information, manage time, and regulate impulses. It usually shows up in a few core ways:

• Inattention often means struggling to stay focused, finish tasks, or keep things organized. It’s not a lack of effort or understanding - your attention just gets pulled away more easily.
• Hyperactivity in adults often shows up as internal restlessness, racing thoughts, or the urge to multitask nonstop.
• Impulsivity means interrupting, overspending, chasing quick wins, or feeling frustrated by long-term goals that don’t offer immediate feedback.

ADHD looks different for everyone, but these traits can make planning, prioritizing, and follow-through feel disproportionately hard.

That’s why ADHD-friendly systems can make such a meaningful difference.

2. What are ADHD planners?

ADHD planners are planning tools designed to support executive dysfunction rather than rely on discipline or consistency. These tools help externalize thinking, lower cognitive load, and make it easier to start and adjust tasks without guilt.

3. Types of ADHD Planners

There are 3 main types of ADHD Planners: Digital, Paper, and AI-powered

4. How I Tested the Best ADHD Planners

To figure out which ADHD planners actually work in real life, I used each planner for day-to-day tasks, work deadlines, personal to-dos, ideas that popped up mid-day, and moments when motivation was low.

I paid close attention to how easy it was to get started, how forgiving the system felt when I fell behind, and whether it helped me do the thing instead of just planning it.

I also looked at how well each planner supported common ADHD needs: flexibility, quick capture, visual clarity, and minimal setup.

Tools that required too much upfront organization or rigid routines were quickly ruled out. The planners that made this list were the ones I actually kept coming back to, even on messy, distracted days.

🧠✨ Best ADHD Planners in 2026 – Comparison Table

1) Saner.AI

Saner.AI is an ADHD planner that helps you turn chaotic thoughts into clear tasks. It’s like having a personal planner that understands how your brain works, especially if you struggle with attention, overwhelm, or remembering what you were just doing.

Key features

• Brain-Dump to Tasks: Just type or speak your thoughts - Saner turns them into tasks, reminders, or scheduled plans

• Smart Task Assistant: You can chat with AI to schedule, break down, or reschedule tasks in natural language.

• Proactive check-in: Every morning, AI scans through your inbox and calendar and gives you the optimal action plan for the day

• Gmail Integration: Automatically pulls follow-ups and to-dos straight from your inbox

• Voice Capture: Record a voice or a note, and it’ll summarize or extract the to-dos for you

• Focus mode: Pins one task at a time, so you’re not distracted by a huge list
• ADHD-Friendly Design: Built specifically with input from 200+ ADHD users

What I liked

• I love how I can just brain-dump whatever’s in my head and it figures out the action items for me - no structure needed.

• The task assistant feels like texting a helpful friend. I can say “remind me to prep for my meeting,” and it just handles it.

• Everything - notes, tasks, calendar - lives in one space. No more jumping between five apps.

Cons

• Ideally, for personal task management, rather than for large team project management.

Pricing

• Free 
• Starter: Monthly at $8/month, Annually at $6/month (with early user discount)
• Standard: Monthly at $16/month, Annually at $12/month

Suitable for

• Anyone with ADHD (or ADHD-like tendencies) who needs help turning messy thoughts into doable steps.

Saner.AI reviews

"The biggest benefit for me in using Saner is the Proactive AI. Staying on top of the constant flow of email and multiple calendars is challenging, and so far, Saner is the only AI-based tool that truly feels like a personal assistant" - Jerry

How to start

• Just go to saner.ai, make a free account, connect your tools, and start chatting with Skai. The AI will suggest tasks and help you organize without the usual friction.

Stay on top of life with the top ADHD Planner

Try Saner.AI for free

2) Todoist

Todoist is a flexible task manager that can work as an ADHD planner. I’ve tried a bunch of tools and Todoist stands out for how fast it is to capture thoughts, structure routines, and stay on top of daily priorities.

Key features

• Helps you focus on what’s next without getting overwhelmed
• Great for building daily routines and ADHD-friendly habits
• Sort tasks by priority, energy level, or context
• Works on desktop, mobile, and browser

What I liked

• It is easy to dump thoughts into Todoist without overthinking where they go.
• The “Today” view is good - it gives me a clean list of what I need to do now
• Setting up recurring routines (like journaling or meds) was smooth.

What I disliked

• The free version is limited - no reminders unless you go Pro, which is kind of essential for ADHD.
• Custom filters are powerful, but setting them up can be intimidating
• It’s not visual or gamified, which some ADHD planners are. If you need dopamine boosts or habit tracking visuals, this might feel plain.

Pricing

• Free plan with basic task management
• Pro plan around $4/month with reminders, filters, and calendar sync
• Business plan for teams at $6/month

Suitable for

• Anyone with ADHD looking for a clean, focused way to manage tasks and routines - especially if you already like checklists.

Todoist reviews (source)

"With a superb interface, apps for every mainstream platform, and effective collaboration tools, Todoist is the to-do list app to beat." - PCmag

How to start

• Just download Todoist on any device, dump a few tasks into your Inbox, and try the “Today” view.

3) Sunsama

Sunsama is a daily planning tool designed to help you build intentional, realistic schedules. It guides you through planning your day, estimating time for tasks, and actually sticking to what you plan.

It’s best suited for people who want more mindful focus, fewer distractions, and a better sense of control over their time.

Key features

• Helps you plan each day intentionally without feeling overwhelmed
• Easily assign realistic durations to tasks so you don’t overcommit
• Built-in Pomodoro timer for staying on track
• Integrations: Syncs with Google Calendar, Outlook, Asana, Todoist, Trello, Gmail, and Slack

What I liked

• The daily planning ritual can keep you from trying to do too much in one day
• I like that it forces me to estimate how long each task will take
• Focus Mode is perfect for staying locked in, especially when I’d usually drift

What I disliked

• It takes a bit of effort to get into the habit - at first, it felt like one more thing to manage
• The mobile app is not as smooth as the desktop
• $20/month is a little steep if you’re on a tight budget
• Not made for managing big projects with timelines or dependencies
• Not made for storing documents or managing emails

Pricing

• 14-day free trial available
• $20/month or $16/month if billed annually
• No free forever plan

Suitable for:

• People with ADHD (or ADHD-like tendencies) who want a daily planner that guides them toward focus, realistic expectations, and fewer distractions.

Sunsama reviews (source)

How to start:

• Just go to Sunsama, start the trial, and follow the daily planning ritual.

4) Any.do

Any.do is a simple ADHD planner that helps you manage tasks, set reminders, and stay focused throughout the day. It combines to-dos, calendars, and a “Focus Mode” to keep your attention on what matters.

Key features

• Break big tasks into subtasks, color-code lists, and drag-and-drop to organize your day
• Connects with Google, Outlook, and Apple Calendar to reduce time blindness
• A Pomodoro-style timer with a visual tree that dies if you get distracted (yes, really)
• Works across desktop, mobile, and even wearables

What I liked

• I like how easy it is to break things down. Subtasks and color labels make big projects feel manageable.
• Focus Mode is great when I need a gentle push to sit down and just start.
• The mobile app is clean and fast.

What I disliked

• Most ADHD-friendly features, like Focus Mode and location reminders, are locked behind the Premium plan.
• You can't chat with AI to schedule tasks, search notes or plan the day like with Saner.AI
• The interface can feel a bit cluttered when you start adding boards and templates.

Pricing

• Free plan available c
• Premium plan starts at $5.99/month.

Suitable for:

• People with ADHD are looking for a lightweight, structured planner that supports routines, reminders, and focus without too much setup.

Any.do Review

“My biggest frustration is that advanced project management features are limited or non-existent. If you need robust Kanban boards, complex sub-task dependencies, or time tracking within a single app, Any.do isn't built for that.“ - Benny

How to start:

• Go to any.do, create a free account, and start planning your day. Try the Focus Mode and My Day features if you’re on mobile.

5) TickTick

TickTick is an ADHD planner to stay on top of tasks, routines, and focus time. It combines to-do lists, calendar views, habit tracking, and a built-in Pomodoro timer, all in one clean interface.

Key features

• Quick-add tasks with voice, widgets, or natural language input
• Calendar views with time-blocking and drag-and-drop scheduling
• Syncs across all devices and integrates with Google Calendar, Zapier, and more

What I liked

• I like how fast it is to capture a thought.
• The Pomodoro timer and focus stats can help you stay on track.
• I like that it’s customizable

What I disliked

• It can feel like a lot if you try to use every feature at once. I had to start small and build up.
• You don't have an AI Assistant to help you manage tasks
• Some of the best features (like calendar sync and smart lists) are only in the paid plan.
• You have to remember to open it daily. It won’t magically keep you organized unless you build the habit.

Pricing

• Free plan available
• Premium plan at $3.99/month or $35.99/year

Suitable for

• People with ADHD who want an all-in-one planner that helps them capture ideas quickly, stay focused, and organize their time without chaos.

TickTick Reviews (Source)

Too basic, and yet too complicated for that simple task - Anti

This is for creating good habits - Robert

How to start

• Just download TickTick, set up a few habits or tasks, and try the Pomodoro timer.

6) Llama Life

Llama Life is a playful, ADHD-friendly planner that helps you focus on one task at a time. It’s built around timers, sounds, and visual rewards - all designed to tackle time blindness, task paralysis, and overwhelm.

Key features

• Time-boxed task lists with countdown or pie timers
• Soundscapes and chimes to start, pause, or end tasks
• Visual rewards like confetti and emojis when you finish something
• “Preset Lists” for routines like mornings or shutdowns

What I liked

• I like how it nudges me to focus without being bossy.
• “Preset Lists” are helpful - I don’t have to rebuild my morning routine every day.
• It gives you a little dopamine boost when you check something off. The visual rewards actually make a difference.

What I disliked

• No hard scheduling - you can set durations but not strict start times, which some folks might want.
• If you’re not looking at the app, it’s easy to miss the timer ending.
• You don't have an AI Assistant who you can ask to schedule tasks
• The paid version is affordable, but it is a subscription

Pricing

• Free trial available
• Around $6/month

Suitable for:

• People with ADHD or similar challenges who want an ADHD Planner that’s simple, visual, and fun.

Llama Life reviews (source)

How to start:

• Head to Llama Life, try the free trial, and see how it fits into your day.

7) Structured

Structured is a visual ADHD planner that helps you see your day at a glance. It combines your tasks, calendar events, and habits into a simple timeline so you don’t have to juggle multiple apps or constantly replan your day.

Key features

• Combines to-dos and calendar events into a single view
• Easily reschedule tasks by swiping them to another time
• Break big tasks into smaller steps so they feel doable
• Works across iOS, Android, Mac, and Apple Watch

What I liked

• The timeline format directly addresses time blindness and overplanning. You always know what “now” and “next” are.
• There are fewer features, which means fewer decisions. That makes it easier to stick with as a daily ADHD planner.
• You don’t need a setup phase or system-building mindset.

What I disliked

• It’s great for daily planning but not ideal for long-term project management. Power users may feel constrained.
• Best experience is on iOS/macOS, which limits accessibility for some users.
• There’s no proactive AI help or smart scheduling suggestions

Pricing

• Free plan
• Pro plan: ~USD $4.99/month or ~$29.99/year (Apple App Store)

Suitable for

• Anyone with ADHD who wants a visual, drag-and-drop planner to organize time, reduce overwhelm, and actually get stuff done

Structured review (source)

Solid app at a glance but haven't used it very long yet. Inbox tasks can't easily be reordered and the widgets are a little funky on android - Ferris

How to start

• Download the app, connect your calendar, and start adding tasks.

8) Tiimo

Tiimo is a visual daily planner built specifically for neurodivergent users, including people with ADHD. It focuses on turning plans into clear, visual routines instead of text-heavy to-do lists.

Key features

• Color-coded routines make time feel more tangible
• Breaks down big tasks into subtasks automatically
• Built-in Pomodoro-style timers help with starting and staying focused
• Works on iOS, web, Apple Watch, and (kind of) Android

What I liked:

• I like how visual and flexible it is
• Widgets are helpful; I can glance at my next task or timer without switching apps.
• Mood tracking is a nice bonus.

What I disliked:

• The Android version still feels buggy and is missing some features.
• Doesn’t integrate with other systems like Google Drive, Notion.
• It’s not built for managing big projects, no dependencies, no collaboration tools.
• Subscription pricing is a bit unclear

Pricing:

• Free: Limited features with trial access
• Paid: ~USD $9.99/month or ~$69.99/year

Suitable for:

• Individuals with ADHD who want a planner that’s visual, gentle, and designed around how their brain works, especially iOS users.

Tiimo Reviews (source)

It doesn't do what it says it will do. Fails to import whole to do list. Fail to save edits mde to appointments. Began speaking to me in another language so I couldn't tell which button to press then loses all the data and request made. - Jane

Some of my favorite parts about Tiimo: The ability to set “anytime” tasks - I struggle with set times with my work already and I don’t want them in my personal life. - rahwri

How to start:

• Download Tiimo, try the free plan

9) Finch

Finch is a gamified ADHD planner that helps you build healthy routines through small daily goals. Instead of checking off a to-do list, you’re caring for a cute virtual bird, and in the process, you’re taking care of yourself.

Key features

• Add daily tasks like meds, hygiene, water, whatever matters to you
• Quick scale ratings and guided prompts help spot patterns
• You earn rewards and customize your bird and its world
• Reflect on your day with gentle, guided questions
• No time-blocking or deadlines

What I liked

• It feels good to use. No pressure. Just small wins.
• I liked how flexible it was.
• Mood tracking is simple and insightful.
• Everything’s in one place - goals, journal, breathing tools

What I didn’t like

• It’s a bit overwhelming at first- lots of icons, tools, journeys. Takes a few days to get the hang of.
• Some goals feel rigid. For example, if you set “drink 5 glasses of water,” it won’t count as partial progress.
• The mobile UI is cute, but not for everyone. If you don’t like gamified designs, this might feel too much.
• There’s no time-blocking or calendar view, so it’s not a traditional planner. More like a self-care tracker.
• You don't have an AI Assistant who you can ask to schedule tasks, search notes, or plan the day

Pricing

• Free plan with core features
• Paid plan is around $9.99/month

Suitable for

• People with ADHD, especially great for those who enjoy gamified apps and want a planner that feels more like a companion than a tool.

Finch reviews (source)

this used to be a lot more self-care focused, but lately the updates have been a lot more focused on cosmetics and gamifying features. The self care activites are hidden behind more menus than before - Ariane

I like finch because it allows me a massive amount of autonomy when it comes to how I make goals and what I need to do to complete them - hallowiener8D

How to start:

• Download Tiimo, try the free plan, and test the AI features during the trial. Stick to a few routines at first so you don’t get overwhelmed.

10) Goblin.Tools

Goblin Tools is a simple AI ADHD planner that helps break down overwhelming tasks, estimate time, and communicate clearly. It’s made for neurodivergent brains and packs a set of micro-tools that make executive functioning easier

Key features

• Breaks down any task into bite-sized steps with adjustable detail
• Guesses how long things might take, helpful for time blindness
• Turns brain dumps into organized to-do lists
• No ads, no logins required on the web, with a low-cost mobile version

What I liked

• I like how quickly Magic ToDo helps me go from "ugh" to "okay, step one..."
• The Time Estimator is super handy when I have no idea how long a task will take

What I disliked

• It’s not a full planner - you still need to move tasks to your calendar manually.
• There’s no built-in habit tracker, reminders, or calendar sync, so you’ll need another app for that.
• It can feel a bit fragmented at first since it’s a collection of tools, not one unified interface.
• No AI Assistant to manage the planner for you

Pricing

• Free on the web
• One-time low-cost purchase for iOS or Android
• Optional donation or in-app upgrades

Suitable for

• People with ADHD or executive dysfunction who want help breaking down tasks, estimating time, or writing more clearly, without diving into complicated productivity systems.

Goblin.tools reviews

I have been using Goblin Tools on and off for several years. It does a very good job of breaking down tasks into smaller steps so I can get started on something - Sarah

How to start

• Go to goblin.tools and try Magic ToDo or Estimator first. No signup needed.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best ADHD Planner App for You

There’s no single “best” ADHD planner app - because ADHD doesn’t look the same for everyone. The tools in this guide solve different parts of the problem, and that’s a good thing.

• Some apps, like Saner.AI, focus on helping you think, plan, and prioritize when your brain feels scattered.
• Others, like Finch and Goblins.tools, lean into emotional support and breaking tasks down when things feel overwhelming.
• Visual planners such as Tiimo and Structured work well for time-blindness, while tools like Sunsama, Todoist, TickTick, Any.do, and Llama Life shine at task management, routines, or daily structure.

What matters most isn’t how powerful or popular a planner is - it’s whether you actually keep using it. ADHD-friendly tools should be flexible, forgiving, and easy to come back to after you fall off

If a planner helps you start more often, feel less overwhelmed, and follow through even a little better than before, it’s doing its job. The right ADHD planner isn’t the one that looks perfect on paper - it’s the one that quietly fits into your life and supports how your brain actually works.

Stay on top of your work and life

Try Saner.AI for free

Frequently Asked Questions about ADHD Planners

1. What is an ADHD Planner?

An ADHD planner is more than just a calendar or to-do list. It’s a system, digital or physical, designed to help people with ADHD organize their time, reduce overwhelm, and stay on track without burning out.

ADHD-friendly planners often include:

• Flexible scheduling (not rigid time blocks)
• Visual reminders and task breakdowns
• Built-in prompts to review, refocus, and reset
• Space for brain dumps and spontaneous ideas

Think of it as a planning tool that works with your brain, not against it.

2. Why do people with ADHD need a different kind of planner?

Traditional planners assume consistency and focus. ADHD brains don’t work like that.

People with ADHD often deal with:

• Time blindness (difficulty sensing how long tasks take)
• Context switching fatigue
• Forgetting priorities, even important ones
• Paralysis when faced with too many options

An ADHD planner addresses these pain points by:

• Showing the next step, not everything at once
• Using cues to prompt action at the right time
• Organizing tasks in a way that feels intuitive

3. What features should I look for in an ADHD planner?

Look for tools that support:

• Task breakdowns – helps you avoid overwhelm
• Reminders that repeat – so you don’t rely on memory
• Daily prioritization – suggests what to do next, not everything
• Low setup friction – easy to update, even on busy days
• Note linking – connect your thoughts without retyping

Bonus if the planner includes voice input, quick capture, or integrates with your calendar.

4. Are there digital ADHD planners?

Yes - and they’re growing in popularity. Digital ADHD planners often offer:

• Smart reminders and nudges
• Natural language input (“Remind me to call Sam Friday”)
• Integration with tasks, calendar, and notes

Popular digital ADHD planners include:

• Saner.AI – AI planner built by and for ADHDers
• Todoist – Simple to use
• Sunsama – time-blocking

Each has different strengths. Saner.AI, for instance, turns your messy thoughts into structured tasks without tags or checklists.

5. What’s the best ADHD planner for adults?

The best planner depends on your lifestyle, but ADHD adults often prefer:

• Minimal setups
• Mobile access
• Visual cues and reminders
• AI assistance or automation

Saner.AI is a strong option for adults who juggle work and life. It gently nudges you when it’s time to refocus and helps you turn ideas into action without feeling micromanaged.

6. Can AI be used as an ADHD planner?

Absolutely. AI planners like Saner.AI act like personal assistants. It:

• Understand your natural language
• Pull up old notes instantly
• Suggest tasks based on context
• Nudge you when you drift

This is especially helpful for ADHD users who struggle with planning consistency. AI doesn’t forget what you meant - even if you did.

7. How do I start using an ADHD planner?

Start simple. Don’t try to “do it all.” Use your ADHD planner to:

• Dump your thoughts at the start of the day
• Pick 1–3 important tasks (no more)
• Use reminders instead of relying on memory
• Review and reset weekly

If you’re using an AI ADHD planner like Saner.AI, just chat with it like you would with a friend:

“Help me plan tomorrow”
“What did I forget to do from last Friday?”

8. Are there free ADHD planner tools?

Yes! Some ADHD-friendly planners offer free versions:

• Saner.AI – Free plan includes task reminders, smart search, and calendar sync
• Goblin.tools – Basic task management
• Todoist – Free option available

Start with a free plan to explore what works for your brain.

9. What’s the best ADHD planner for students?

Students with ADHD need planners that help them:

• Keep track of assignments
• Break down big projects
• Avoid last-minute cramming

Look for ADHD planners that:

• Remind you about due dates before the panic
• Include checklists for multi-step tasks
• Let you search notes by topic or course

AI tools like Saner.AI work great here - it finds old class notes fast and reminds you of forgotten tasks before it’s too late.

10. Can ADHD planners help with motivation?

Yes. ADHD-friendly planners reduce friction, which helps you start. They also:

• Give structure without feeling rigid
• Remind you why something matters
• Turn big goals into small, doable steps

Many people with ADHD don’t lack motivation - they lack clarity and cues. A well-designed planner gives you both.

11. ADHD Planner vs traditional planner - what’s the difference?

ADHD planners are made for real brains, real distractions, and real chaos. They don’t expect perfection—they help you stay afloat.

12. What's the best ADHD planner for professionals?

Professionals with ADHD often need:

• Smart prioritization
• Fewer apps to juggle
• Automatic follow-up reminders

Saner.AI is especially strong here. It combines notes, calendar, and task lists in one brain-friendly space. You can talk to it like a teammate, and it reminds you when things slip.

13. Can an ADHD planner reduce burnout?

Yes - when used correctly. A good ADHD planner like Saner.AI:

• Helps you focus on fewer things
• Gives clarity during chaos
• Nudges you to rest before exhaustion

You’re not lazy. You’re overloaded. The right planner makes your effort count.

14. How do I stay consistent with using an ADHD planner?

Staying consistent is one of the hardest parts, especially with ADHD. Most people fall off not because the system is bad, but because it requires too much effort to maintain.

To improve consistency:

• Keep it frictionless: Use a planner you can update quickly (voice input helps).
• Build a habit loop: Pair planning with an existing habit (e.g., review your planner with your morning coffee).
• Allow resets: Missed a day (or a week)? Just pick it back up. No guilt.
• Use reminders that come to you, not ones you have to check.

Planners like Saner.AI are designed to stay with you, even when you drop the ball. It nudges you back gently, no judgment.

15. Can ADHD planners help with emotional overwhelm?

Yes - this is one of the most under-discussed benefits.

For people with ADHD, emotional dysregulation is common. Overwhelm often comes not from the amount of work, but the feeling of being scattered or behind.

A well-designed ADHD planner like Saner.AI helps by:

• Externalizing your thoughts – so they’re not swirling in your head
• Breaking things down – so tasks feel doable, not impossible
• Prioritizing clearly, so you don’t waste energy deciding
• Providing structure during chaos, which creates a sense of control

Even just writing or saying “here’s what I need help with” can start calming your nervous system. ADHD planning isn’t just about getting things done - it’s about feeling grounded while doing them.

Stay on top of your life with the Top ADHD Planner

Try Saner.AI for free