Apple Reminders vs Due: Comprehensive Comparison
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Overview
In today's fast-paced world, choosing the right productivity tool can make all the difference. This comprehensive comparison between Apple Reminders and Due will help you understand which tool best fits your workflow and productivity needs.
⚡ Quick Summary
Aspect | Apple Reminders | Due |
|---|---|---|
Best For | Apple Reminders is a free task management app integrated into the Apple ecosystem, offering features like location-based reminders, list sharing, and Siri integration for iOS and macOS users. It's known for its simplicity and ease of use. | Productivity app with persistent reminders and timers that nag until tasks are completed |
Pricing | Free | Paid app + $4.99/year |
Platforms | Web, iOS, macOS | iOS, Mac |
What is Apple Reminders?
Apple Reminders is a free to-do and reminder app from Apple that lets you create tasks, group them into lists, and get notified at specific times, locations, or contexts, synced via iCloud across your Apple devices. It offers features like subtasks, tags, attachments, and collaboration on shared lists. While excellent for basic task management and Apple ecosystem integration, it has limited third-party integrations and some usability quirks.
🌟 Key Features of Apple Reminders
✦Simple Interface: Apple Reminders offers a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to create and manage tasks.
✦Location-based Reminders: Users can set reminders that are triggered by their location, such as reminding to buy something when near a specific store.
✦Integration with Siri: The app integrates seamlessly with Siri, allowing users to create reminders through voice commands.
✦Shared Lists: It allows sharing of lists with other Apple users, facilitating collaborative task management.
✦Tags and Smart Lists: Users can organize tasks with tags and create smart lists for filtering and organization.
✦Attachments and Subtasks: The app supports adding attachments like photos and creating nested subtasks for better task structure.
What is Due?
Due is a productivity app focused on reminders and task management, emphasizing persistent notifications until tasks are completed. It helps users set reliable reminders for tasks and events, with a 'magic timer' for scheduling and persistent alerts that nag until marked done, ideal for time-sensitive productivity.
🌟 Key Features of Due
✦Persistent reminders that continue until acknowledged
✦Magic timer for starting, pausing, and resuming countdowns
✦Natural language input for quick task entry
✦Smart conflict detection to avoid double-booking
✦Visual dashboard showing tasks, events, and conflicts
✦Native WhatsApp reminders and event sharing
📊 Feature Comparison
Feature | Apple Reminders | Due |
|---|---|---|
📅 Calendar Integration | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
✅ Task Management | labels, priority settings, due dates, location-based reminders, subtasks, tags, recurring tasks | ✓ Yes |
⏰ Time Blocking | ◐ Limited | ✓ Yes |
🗣️ Natural Language Processing | ◐ Limited | ✓ Yes |
🔔 Notifications | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
🌍 Time Zones Support | yes, apple reminders supports different time zones. | — |
📆 Scheduler | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
📈 Analytics | ✗ No | ◐ Limited |
🔗 Integrations
Apple Reminders
iCloud, Siri, Apple Calendar, Safari, Notes, Maps, Contacts, Google (via Internet Accounts), Microsoft Exchange, Things
Due
iCloud, Dropbox sync, Siri Shortcuts
💰 Pricing Comparison
Apple Reminders
Free
Free (uses iCloud storage - 5GB free, additional storage from $0.99/mo for 50GB)
Due
Paid app + $4.99/year
Paid app with optional $4.99/year Annual Upgrade Pass subscription. No free tier available.
💡 Things to Consider
When Choosing Apple Reminders
→You Value Simplicity: Ideal for those who want a straightforward, easy-to-use task manager without complex features.
→Deep Integration with Apple Ecosystem: Perfect for users who are heavily invested in Apple products and enjoy seamless integration with iOS and macOS.
→Basic to Moderate Task Management Needs: If your requirements include lists, tags, subtasks, and sharing but don't need advanced project management features, Apple Reminders is sufficient.
When Choosing Due
→Ideal for quick, forgettable time-based alerts but should be paired with other apps for complex project management
→Only available on iOS/Mac platforms with no Android, Web, Windows, or Linux support
→Persistent nagging notifications may annoy some users rather than motivate them - test if this approach fits your workflow
⭐ User Reviews
Apple Reminders
"Apple Reminders is praised for its seamless cross-device syncing via iCloud, deep Apple ecosystem integration including Siri and Calendar, and flexible organization with Smart Lists and tags. However, users report usability frustrations like check-off delays and inability to complete from lock screen banners. It's ideal for Apple ecosystem users with basic to moderate task management needs, but may lack advanced features for power users."
Due
"Due is praised for its persistent nagging alerts, quick setup, and clean design, ideal for time-based tasks. Users love its reliability for critical reminders like medications or bills, with some using it daily for 8-10+ years. However, it has limited advanced repeat options and sync can be inconsistent (~80% reliability). Best for simple, forgettable time-based alerts rather than complex project management."
🎯 Conclusion
Both Apple Reminders and Due are excellent productivity tools with their own strengths.
Apple Reminders excels in Simple Interface: Apple Reminders offers a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to create and manage tasks., while Due shines with Persistent reminders that continue until acknowledged. The best choice depends on your specific needs, workflow preferences, and budget.
We recommend trying both tools to see which one fits better with your productivity style.

