Bento User Reviews

Top reviews

Leave a Review Bento
  • No more ToDo List

    This todo list is much more manageable then the majority. The main feature is that it break down the task into bite sized pieces. It provides templates or you can create your own schedule box. The templates are a little lack luster BUT I do like the different genres. Scheduling healthy habits, going to bed early and self care. If you're one for all the bells and whistles this is not for you. If you like simple straightforward and getting task done this is your app. No more breaking your back serving everyone else's needs. It's mommy time!! Plus you can even blame it on the app. it's scheduled for TLC time and this is your year of being proactive!!
    Show less
  • Beautiful app, major flaw

    I love this app and the methodology. The graphics are great, the idea is awesome and I thoroughly enjoy it. The problem is that it runs in the background constantly for absolutely no reason, so it’s using way more battery than it should be, and there’s no option to toggle background app refresh or any other settings because notifications on or off. I want to keep it and use it but I want my phone to have a normal amount of battery, as of now I haven’t decided but I’ll probably have to delete it unless an update is pushed through that fixes this issue.
    Show less
  • Calming, retraining for realistic expectations

    I just am getting started with it. We are able to have up to 7 boxes, which is nice. I would like to be able to save “discarded” boxes because they are workflows I repeat weekly or monthly. It would be nice to retrieve a small set of related boxes, like my own templates, to save remaking them as I need to shuffle for space for other things. I do see I can modify the couple of templates it comes with. The point in part is to reduce brain clutter. I get it. A few more templates? Well, I’m working on it 🤣 It’s a clean, really pleasant experience that works without glitches. Mind clearing into realistic expectations. Thank you. Thanks! 😊
    Show less
  • I am not great with time based task apps

    Bento is pretty straight forward it allows me to keep my tasks to a minimum. Normally if the app allows I would make a huge list of tasks and timeframes that never actually works out. I can switch between bentos depending on what’s feasible. I am postpartum so I can’t stick to a perfect schedule this helps alot especially without applying dates and while my baby sleeps I can focus on the task I listed as a priority.

    One suggestion: the music is great I can’t seem to play it out loud i can only use my AirPods. Alternate sound options would be awesome my favorite scene is the cafe and I would love for it to be some scenic sounds like cooking sounds light murmurs leaves falling etc.
    Show less
  • I don’t know how to use this

    It’s not complicated, but I just can’t find a practical use. For awhile, I was picking 3 tasks to prioritize each day from my main task app & assigning the workflow for the order I wanted to tackle based on the difficulty of each (which seems pointless). But, this is exactly like just listing your priorities for the day each morning, which only requires a piece of paper or a notes/journal app. I assume each box was meant for a day because it limits your boxes to 7. But, why would I want to have a Bento for each day? I don’t do the same thing every week. Then it gives examples of boxes that are clearly not to last the entire day, so maybe the limit is simply part of the minimalism? The structured parts of my day are completion focused and / or based on a time schedule, so I’m just not sure how to apply something like this.

    It’s a really pretty app, and I’m keeping it next to my pomodoro focus timer app, which I use to take standing breaks. I feel like I still might find a use for it at some point.
    Show less
  • Great but needs some improvement

    I really like the idea and the illustrations. The main thing I struggle with is the transparent windows that appear when trying to edit or add a new task. There is too much overlap between the multiple transparent windows making the UX confusing and difficult. It’d be great if the developers could work on this problem so the clarity of each window was improved and easier to read.
    Show less
  • Simple, privacy respecting, but really unpolished

    Review got refreshed while I was writing, so here’s a shorter one.

    I like the app’s simple methodology. Privacy respecting always a plus. Main two reasons I bought it.

    Major gripe is that it’s unintuitive and clunky. I never triggered the timer intentionally before, until I realized the >> button on the side starts the timer. I guess the >> was meant to be interpreted as a “let’s go (do this task)” but to me it’ll usually mean “edit more details in this submenu”. Swiping through the bentos, if my thumb lingers even a bit the app interprets it as a tap. A lot of my experience using this app has had unintentional clicks.

    The timer notifications are buggy. After (accidentally) starting the timer, I come back to turn on my phone and I see 10, 15 notifications all from 29 minutes ago telling me time’s up. Okay.

    My biggest problem is, I had wondered why my battery’s draining faster today. I check and Bento’s been in the background playing audio for 16 hours. Bento has no business doing anything for 16 hours. And, surprise, I didn’t start a timer… I just don’t know what to say.

    Well, please just take this review into consideration. I’ve never made so many “mistakes” in one app or attempt to exit out of things I didn’t intend to use before. I really hope you guys take another look at the user friendliness etc of this app. As it is now, the app frequently stands between point A and point B of using it.
    Show less
  • Lack of Updates. Feels half-finished.

    If you were like me looking at ways to boost productivity and saw the bento methodology, avoid this app. Although it may seem a nice way to get into the method and all at first, the app itself is so lackluster in quality compared to others on the market. Firstly, there are no updates to the app for live activities, or any additional maintenance. Its not a big deal, but many other similar apps have some form of this which is helpful. Secondly, half the time the timer for some reason will stop running. Its very annoying. And lastly, the app just lacks some features such as saving typical tasks instead of resetting everything, and for some reason you can put any amount of time for a small, medium, or large task. Yes, you can make a small task an hour and a large one 20 minutes. Its not a big deal, but when your app rides on this whole bento methodology this sort of thing just makes the app feel half made.
    Show less

    Developer Response

    Thanks for the feedback. Our mission is to be different to other to-do list apps by presenting a unique way to focus on meaningful priorities on your list. We'll make note on the limits to the timer, that is a relevant comment that'll help our development. We're eager to help fulfil your experience so if there's anything we can do - email us: bento@keepproductive.com Francesco.
  • Not really worth the money.

    Honestly, it’s a pretty notes app. That’s it. There’s nothing really anything special. Once you finish a checklist it simply throws some confetti on your screen and doesn’t even delete the task box for you. I wish this app did more! Just so basic.
  • Needs more customization

    It would be nice if you could customize your bento “type.” I like to do small/large/medium but the app does not support this task order. Kind of disappointing.

Alternatives to Bento