Several years ago, Apple launched the iPad as an alternative to laptops. Initially, Apple’s claims about iPads had no substance since they were just iPads. But that’s quickly changing thanks to recent iOS updates. An iPad running iOS 12 and equipped with a good processor is ideal for light productivity.
It’s technically possible to do heavy tasks like video editing on the iPad, but it isn’t going to replace Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro anytime soon. Some of the best productivity apps for iPads will allow you to do tasks that can be done on laptops.
Best Productivity Apps for iPad Free
| Best for | Standout feature | Pricing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Calendar | All-around team or individual calendar app | Cross-platform syncing | Free |
| Spark Mail | Multiple email accounts and calendars in one place | Built-in Google Calendar | Free; $7.99/month for AI features |
| Todoist | Cross-platform to-do list | Quick task entry and organization | Free; $4/month |
| Goodnotes 6 | Mixing handwriting and text notes | Aesthetic customization options | Free up to 3 notebooks; $12.99/month |
| Notes Writer Pro | Text notes | Built-in AI for content generation, translation, and more | $6.99 one-time payment; optional $2.99/month for AI |
| Apple Notes | Apple users | Automatic organization with hashtags and rules | Free |
| Apple Shortcuts | Simple automations to save time | Customizable widgets for home and lock screens | Free |
| Apple Files | Staying organized on the go | Manage multiple cloud storage providers together | Free |
Top 5 iPad Apps for Organization & Productivity
01. Evernote
Internet users love Evernote for its note-taking capabilities. Almost every platform supports it, including iOS, Windows, Firefox, Chrome, and Microsoft Edge. In addition to offering a wide range of features, the note-taker has an easy-to-use interface and cross-platform support.
There are almost no platforms where it cannot be found, which contributes to its popularity. All your notes will be synced across devices easily. Additionally, Evernote has some of the most innovative note-taking features on any given platform. Besides saving handwritten notes, it also allows you to edit them.
02. Microsoft Office
In terms of productivity, there are few app suites that are as popular as Microsoft Office Suite. Whether you’re on Android or iOS or using your computer or cloud, they’re available everywhere. These free apps make it easy to share, edit, and create documents. In addition to OneDrive storage, Skype calls from phones, and an Outlook.com email account, an Office 365 subscription offers some nice extras.
- Download Powerpoint
- Word Download
- Excel Download
03. Procreate
Procreate is a great iPad app that shows how useful it can be for productivity. The tool is robust, professional, and good if you just want to doodle with it. You can paint on 4K canvases, add up to 128 layers, undo and redo 250 times, and customize more than 100 brushes.
In addition to offering transformative tools, this app features workflow video capture, gesture commands, and GPU-accelerated filters. Due to Apple Pencil’s power, this tool is a necessity for artists and designers.
04. Editing images, use Adobe Photoshop
To increase your productivity when editing images on your iPad, use Adobe Photoshop. Those who want advanced photo manipulation tools on iPads appreciate Adobe Photoshop’s cool features. With extensive features for graphic design, retouching, and photo manipulation, this is a professional-grade image editing software.
05. PDF Expert
A user who works with PDF files on a regular basis can benefit greatly from what PDF Expert has to offer. This PDF tool is one of the best on iOS, and it can handle all types of PDF documents. PDF Expert can process a password-protected or form-fillable document.
Besides drawing tools and highlighting, it has text annotation tools as well. It is easier to find exactly what you need inside a document with advanced features like text search and PDF links. A PDF document can be processed on an iPad in almost the same way as one on a PC.
What Makes the Best Productivity App for iPad?
This list was compiled after testing all 1.8 million apps on the App Store. Unfortunately, no. However, I have been using iPads for work and non-work for almost a decade. In order to find the best value, price, and features combination, I have tested countless apps.
There are many different types of iPad users, including power users, artists, and those who like the convenience of an iPad but want to get more done.
- Easy to use: For an iPad app to be effective, it has to be simple, functional, and reliable.
- Value: Downloading free or low-cost apps is easy with the wide variety available. In terms of time savings and functionality, the paid apps mentioned here are worth investing in.
- Apps made for iPad: iPad productivity apps must use all iPad’s features, including Apple Pencil support, gestures, and more.
- AI and advanced features: The best productivity apps include AI technology or offer other human-friendly features to save you time.
- Syncing: There are some iPad apps and Apple apps exclusively available, but many support cross-platform syncing. Because you are likely to use more than one iPad, you need to sync to stay up-to-date on all of them.
Best ipad Productivity Apps for Calendar Management
Apps for managing calendars aren’t particularly exciting. Your calendar app doesn’t necessarily have to be the best, do you? As well as directions to your meeting, built-in video conferencing links, and the ability to hide and show separate calendars.
Cons of Google Calendar:
- This software is excellent for managing multiple calendars, including shared calendars
- The ability to sync across platforms
Cons of Google Calendar:
- Currently, only one video conferencing option is available, but you can add Zoom or other links in the description section)
