Last updated
The Apple Reminders alternative for when lists aren’t enough
If your Reminders lists have turned into a workload, Done Bear is the Apple Reminders alternative to pick. It ships Inbox, Today, Upcoming, Anytime, and Someday, runs on Windows, the web, Mac, Linux, and iPhone, and opens offline on iPhone and the web. It is free up to 250 tasks. Stay on Reminders for groceries and Siri.
Done Bear vs Apple Reminders
GTD structure
- Done Bear
- Built-in 5-view GTD system
- Apple Reminders
- Lists and smart lists, no Someday
Platforms
- Done Bear
- Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS
- Apple Reminders
- Apple devices, plus iCloud.com
Offline speed
- Done Bear
- Local-first with real-time sync
- Apple Reminders
- Native and instant
Collaboration
- Done Bear
- Cross-platform team workspaces
- Apple Reminders
- List sharing, Apple Account needed
CLI / API / MCP
- Done Bear
- CLI, GraphQL API, MCP server
- Apple Reminders
- Siri and Shortcuts
Pricing
- Done Bear
- Free to start, from $7/mo billed yearly
- Apple Reminders
- Free with Apple devices
| Done Bear | Apple Reminders | |
|---|---|---|
| GTD structure | Built-in 5-view GTD system | Lists and smart lists, no Someday |
| Platforms | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS | Apple devices, plus iCloud.com |
| Offline speed | Local-first with real-time sync | Native and instant |
| Collaboration | Cross-platform team workspaces | List sharing, Apple Account needed |
| CLI / API / MCP | CLI, GraphQL API, MCP server | Siri and Shortcuts |
| Pricing | Free to start, from $7/mo billed yearly | Free with Apple devices |
Last updated
Why people switch from Apple Reminders
A long list needs a system
Reminders gives you lists. Done Bear’s Inbox, Today, and Someday tell you what to do next.
Leave Apple-only without losing speed
Your list is on the work PC as well as the iPhone, in a browser or the native Windows and Linux apps.
Automation beyond Shortcuts
Done Bear adds a CLI, a GraphQL API, and a hosted MCP server, so assistants like Claude can triage for you.
Who should stay on Apple Reminders
Stay on Apple Reminders for groceries, a few dated reminders, and Siri. It is free, already on your devices, and needs no new account.
Moving from Apple Reminders
Import from the Done Bear iPhone app, and treat the move as a review: half of an old list is usually done or dead.
Explore Apple Reminders alternatives
Frequently asked questions
What does Done Bear do that Apple Reminders doesn’t?
It adds Anytime and Someday. Reminders has lists and smart lists such as Today and Scheduled; Done Bear’s navigation is Inbox, Today, Upcoming, Anytime, and Someday.
Does Done Bear work on Windows, or is it Apple-only like Reminders?
Done Bear has native Windows and Linux apps and a web app. Reminders on a PC is only the browser version at iCloud.com.
Apple Reminders is free, so what does Done Bear cost?
Done Bear is free up to 250 active tasks with unlimited workspace members and no card, then $7 per member per month billed yearly. Reminders comes free with your Apple devices.
Can I share tasks with people who don’t use Apple devices?
Yes. Done Bear shares a whole workspace with people on web, Windows, Linux, macOS, or iPhone. Reminders shares one list at a time, and everyone needs an Apple Account.
Can I import Apple Reminders into Done Bear?
Yes, from the Done Bear iPhone app: Settings, Import, Reminders. Current Reminders has no bulk export on a Mac; the export guide covers the workarounds.