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Tracked since 2026

The Bottom Line

Price
Free plan available. Compare plans

Key facts

  • Minimalist to-do app with a clean, distraction-free interface.
  • Seamless sync across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
  • Focus mode and reminders to help users stay productive.

Pros

  • Extremely simple and intuitive interface
  • Fast performance with minimal lag
  • Great for users who want a no-frills task manager

Cons

  • Limited advanced features like subtasks or tags
  • Only available on Apple devices

What is Totem?

Totem is a simple, elegant to-do list app designed for individuals who want to focus on what matters without unnecessary complexity. It offers a clean interface for managing tasks across devices, with features like lists, reminders, and a focus mode to help users stay on track. The app syncs seamlessly across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, providing a consistent experience for Apple users. Totem emphasizes speed and simplicity, making it easy to capture and organize tasks quickly.

Key Features

  • Create and manage multiple lists
  • Set due dates and reminders
  • Focus mode to hide completed tasks
  • Natural language input for quick task entry
  • Cross-device sync via iCloud
  • Widget support for quick glance at tasks
  • Dark mode support

Pricing

Freemium

Totem offers a generous free tier with optional paid upgrades for advanced features.

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Full Totem pricing: every plan, hidden costs and alternatives

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Totem by the numbers

Totem compared with 53 Focus & Pomodoro tools on Toolradar, as of Nov 2026
Metric Totem Peer median Position (1 is best)
Free plan Yes 72% have one n/a
Listed as an alternative to 2 tools 2 #24 of 53 (joint)

Listed as an alternative to: #20 on 2026-10-16 to #24 on 2026-11-02 (rank among 53 tools, 1 is best).

Each position is counted among the tools that have data for that row, as noted under it. All Focus & Pomodoro data · How we compute this. Advertising and placement fees are not inputs to any position.

Cite this: Toolradar, “Totem by the numbers”, Nov 2026.

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Totem FAQ

How does Totem help users stay focused on their tasks?

Totem includes a focus mode designed to help users stay on track without distractions. Combined with its clean interface and reminders, this feature supports productivity by minimizing unnecessary complexity.

How does Totem compare to Things 3 for task management?

Totem emphasizes an even simpler, faster interface than Things 3, but lacks advanced features like subtasks and tags. It is best for users who want a no-frills task manager, whereas Things 3 offers more organizational depth.

What kind of advanced features does Totem lack?

Totem does not include subtasks or tags, which are common in more complex task managers. This trade-off keeps the app extremely simple and fast, but may not suit users who need detailed task organization.

What kind of user benefits most from Totem's design?

Individual Apple users who want a straightforward, no-frills to-do list app benefit most from Totem. It is designed for those who prioritize speed and simplicity over advanced project management capabilities.

How is Totem priced for users?

Totem is available on a free tier that provides basic functionality, with paid plans for more usage and features. This model allows users to try the app before committing to a subscription.

Can Totem sync tasks across all Apple devices?

Yes, Totem syncs seamlessly across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, providing a consistent task management experience. This integration ensures users can capture and organize tasks on any Apple device.

Does Totem include a focus mode or Pomodoro timer?

Totem includes a focus mode to help users stay on track, and it is categorized under Focus & Pomodoro. The app emphasizes a simple focus mode rather than a dedicated Pomodoro timer, keeping the interface clean and distraction-free.

Source: totemapp.com

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