Comparison

Zero by Otto vs Ember

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

Head to head
About

Zero by Otto

This task management app offers a minimalist approach to productivity. Unfinished tasks automatically roll over to the next day, ensuring nothing gets lost. Organize tasks into projects, create reusable lists, and collaborate with others.

Highlights
  • Automatic task rollover
  • Today view
  • Drag and drop rescheduling
  • Project organization
  • Shared projects for collaboration
  • Reusable checklists
  • Desktop widget
Read full description

Zero - task management made simple. Zero takes a minimalist approach to getting things done. Tasks automatically roll over to the next day when incomplete, so nothing gets lost while keeping your focus on today. Key Features: Automatic Rollover – Unfinished tasks move to tomorrow, no manual rescheduling needed Today View – See what needs to be done today in one clean view Drag & Drop – Reschedule tasks between days with simple gestures Projects – Organize related tasks together Shared Projects – Collaborate with others by inviting them via email Lists – Create reusable checklists for routines and recurring workflows Favorites – Star important tasks to highlight them Desktop Widget (macOS) – Keep today's tasks visible on your desktop Minimal Design – Clean interface without unnecessary features Sync – Works seamlessly across iPhone, iPad, and Mac Dark Mode – Comfortable viewing any time of day Zero helps you stay organized without the complexity of traditional task managers. Tasks flow naturally from day to day, projects keep work organized, and lists handle your recurring needs.

About

Ember

Features
Read full description

Turn your daily chaos into a game with Ember — the task manager that makes getting things done actually fun. Add your tasks, complete them, and watch your daily score climb. Build combos by completing tasks back-to-back and earn bonus points. Keep your streak alive day after day. Earn badges for hitting milestones. Track your progress with beautiful stats. Whether you're juggling school, work, fitness, or life admin — Ember turns every task into a small win. HOW IT WORKS: Add your tasks and assign them a difficulty. Complete tasks to earn points. The harder the task, the more points you get. Build combos by completing tasks quickly. Track your daily score and try to beat yesterday. FEATURES: Daily score with a satisfying progress ring Combo system — complete tasks fast for bonus points Streak tracking to keep you consistent Earn collectible badges for milestones Beautiful stats showing your weekly progress Plan ahead with the built-in calendar 8 life domains: Studies, Military, Driving, Work, Health, Social, Admin, Personal Dark mode and custom accent colors Clean, warm design with Ember the flame mascot EMBER PRO: Unlock unlimited tasks, all badges, full stats, custom domains, dark mode, accent colors, streak shield, and more for just $4.99/month. Built for students, soldiers, and anyone with a lot on their plate. Ember is your daily grind companion. Terms of Service: https://fire-fuschia-7be.notion.site/Terms-of-Service-for-Ember-30da2d96b750805d82c9d2ac512c5e9e

Screenshots

Zero by Otto4 screens
Ember4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Zero by Otto at none against Ember's 1. Ember's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs every 5 days). 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. Ember sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per month. Zero by Otto asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Zero by Otto ships an update every 5 days, Ember every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on June 3, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Zero by Otto versus Ember: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterZero by OttoEmber
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 daysEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS16.015.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB42 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLudus-Language, Inc.ori kahalon

In-app purchases

None

Zero by Otto

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Ember

Subscriptions1
  • Ember Pro7 Days trial$4.991 Month

Questions

Is Zero by Otto free?
Zero by Otto is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Ember free?
Ember is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Zero by Otto or Ember have ads?
Neither Zero by Otto nor Ember shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Zero by Otto or Ember?
Zero by Otto ships an update every 5 days, and Ember every 2 days. Most recently, Zero by Otto was updated on June 3, 2026 and Ember on September 8, 2026.

Other comparisons