Comparison

EffortList vs The First Hour

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

EffortList

Features
Read full description

Effortlist brings simplicity back to task management. Designed for people who want to get things done without wrestling with complicated features, Effortlist focuses on what matters: organizing your tasks efficiently across all your devices. Seamless Multi-Device Sync your tasks sync instantly across iPhone, iPad, and Mac through Firebase. Check off a task on your phone during your commute, and it's already updated when you open your laptop. No manual syncing, no conflicts, no lost data - it just works. Project-Based Organization Group related tasks into projects with an intuitive tab-based interface. Each project maintains its own task list, making it easy to focus on one area at a time. Whether you're managing work deadlines, home improvements, or personal goals, keep everything organized without overwhelming complexity. Smart Task Management • Create tasks with a simple tap or keystroke • Add detailed subtasks for complex items • Mark tasks as focused to highlight priorities • Completed tasks automatically move to the bottom • Reorder tasks with drag-and-drop simplicity Built for Real Work Effortlist handles the realities of task management: tasks that move between projects, changing priorities, and the need to quickly capture ideas without disrupting your flow. The app maintains data integrity even when switching between devices rapidly or working offline. Privacy-Focused Design Your data syncs through your personal Firebase account with anonymous authentication available. No social features, no public profiles, no distractions - just you and your tasks. Enable Apple Sign In for additional security and account recovery options. Thoughtful Details • Automatic order normalization prevents display glitches • Smart conflict resolution handles simultaneous edits • Keyboard shortcuts for power users • Clean, native interface that follows iOS and macOS design guidelines • Dark mode support for comfortable viewing anytime Perfect For: • Professionals juggling multiple projects • Students organizing assignments and deadlines • Anyone who's tired of overcomplicated task apps • People who need reliable sync between devices • Users who value privacy and data ownership No Subscriptions, No Complexity Effortlist is a one-time purchase with no recurring fees. All features are included from day one. No premium tiers, no artificial limitations, no ads. Just a well-crafted tool that respects your time and privacy. Whether you're managing a complex work project or simply keeping track of daily errands, Effortlist provides the perfect balance of power and simplicity. It's task management that gets out of your way and lets you focus on what needs to be done.

About

The First Hour

This app helps you replace morning phone scrolling with intentional planning. It offers a quick daily to-do list, intention setting, and evening reflection to build awareness and track progress. Designed to foster focus and reduce phone dependency for more purposeful days.

Highlights
  • Morning planning with daily to-do list
  • Set daily priorities and intentions
  • Evening reflection and progress review
  • Habit streak tracking
  • Visual progress and celebrations
  • Reduce phone scrolling
Features
Read full description

Stop scrolling, start succeeding. FirstHour replaces your morning phone scrolling habit with 3 minutes of intentional planning. Transform chaotic mornings into purposeful days. - Morning Planning Beautiful daily todo list with quick-add suggestions Set priorities and intentions for your day Replace mindless scrolling with mindful planning Takes just 2-3 minutes - Evening Reflection Review what you accomplished with visual progress Rate your day and capture key insights Build awareness of what actually matters Simple check-in to close your day - Habit Building Track streaks of intentional mornings Visual progress that keeps you motivated Encouraging celebrations for consistency Designed for daily use without overwhelm The first 30 minutes of your day shape everything that follows. Instead of consuming other people's content, start with your own intentions. Users report better focus, reduced phone dependency, and more productive days. Perfect if you want to: Break morning phone scrolling addiction Build consistent daily planning habits Start days with clarity instead of chaos Develop healthier technology relationships Simple, beautiful, effective. No complexity—just a tool that helps you reclaim your mornings and transform your days. Terms of use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

EffortList4 screens
The First Hour4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: EffortList at none against The First Hour's 4. On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. The First Hour sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. EffortList asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
EffortList versus The First Hour: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterEffortListThe First Hour
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyMonthly—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.415.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB39 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerfrancesco gugliuzziElber Funez

In-app purchases

None

EffortList

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

The First Hour

Subscriptions4
  • First Hour Premium Monthly$0.991 Month
  • Premium Monthly$0.991 Month
  • FirstHour Premium Annual$7.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Premium Yearly$7.991 Year

Questions

Is EffortList free?
EffortList is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is The First Hour free?
The First Hour is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do EffortList or The First Hour have ads?
Neither EffortList nor The First Hour shows ads.

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