The world’s most popular recipe organizer

All your recipes, on your phone.

Try the app free for 7 days

The Best iPad Productivity Apps in 2025

—

by

ReciMe Team
in

I’ve been messing around with iPads for years, and honestly, the right apps can turn one into a total game-changer for getting stuff done. Whether you’re juggling work emails, sketching out ideas, or just trying to stay organized without losing your mind, there’s something out there that fits. In 2025, with all the AI tweaks and better syncing, these tools feel more intuitive than ever. We’ll dive into a mix of free and paid options that folks are raving about.

If you’re after productivity in the kitchen, for instance, try ReciMe, where we make it easy to organize recipes from Instagram or even notes, then auto-generate grocery lists by aisle or set up meal plans that cut waste and save time. It’s transforming userscooking routine, and we designed it to work seamlessly on your iPad, phone, or even web browser for maximum flexibility.

Download for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPad

ReciMe Android App

1. ChatGPT

People turn to ChatGPT when they need a quick answer or help brainstorming ideas. It’s a conversational AI that handles prompts for writing emails, coding snippets, or just tossing around thoughts, keeping track of the chat history across devices so they don’t lose their place.

They can use it with Siri or Shortcuts for voice commands, which is handy for hands-free moments. The free version works for most, but some folks grab the premium plan for access to smarter AI models or to avoid usage caps, depending on how often they use it.

Key Highlights:

  • Generates text for emails, code, or ideas based on prompts.
  • Syncs conversation history across devices.
  • Handles follow-up questions for deeper chats.
  • Works with Siri and Shortcuts for voice input.
  • Offers premium plans for advanced models and higher limits.

Contact:

2. Goodnotes 6: AI Notes & Docs

Goodnotes 6 is where folks jot down notes, whether scribbling with an Apple Pencil or typing out thoughts. Its AI tools help summarize notes, fix spelling in handwriting, or even tackle math problems, which students find useful for study sessions.

They can sync audio recordings with their notes, search handwritten text, or share notebooks across platforms like iOS or Windows. The free version limits them to a few notebooks, but upgrading unlocks unlimited space for those who need more.

Key Highlights:

  • Supports handwritten and typed notes with Apple Pencil.
  • AI for summarizing, spell-checking, and math solving.
  • Audio recordings synced with notes.
  • Searchable handwriting and customizable templates.
  • Cross-platform syncing and sharing.

Contact:

3. Microsoft Word

Users rely on Microsoft Word for crafting documents, from quick letters to detailed reports. It provides formatting options, templates, and change tracking, all designed to work smoothly on the iPad’s touch screen.

They can collaborate in real time through OneDrive, making group edits straightforward. A subscription adds AI tools for writing help, but the core features cover what most need for everyday document work.

Key Highlights:

  • Formatting and templates for document creation.
  • Tracks revisions and supports real-time collaboration.
  • Syncs via OneDrive.
  • Touch-friendly with Apple Pencil support.
  • AI editing tools with subscription.

Contact:

4. Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Outlook helps people keep emails and schedules in check, pulling multiple accounts into one inbox. Its focused inbox sorts important messages, and swipe gestures make quick work of organizing or deleting emails.

The calendar lets them set events and reminders, tying in with OneDrive for easy file access. It’s simple to use for daily tasks, with extra features available through a subscription for those who want them.

Key Highlights:

  • Unified inbox for multiple email accounts.
  • Focused inbox for prioritizing messages.
  • Calendar for scheduling and reminders.
  • Quick swipe actions for email management.
  • OneDrive integration for attachments.

Contact:

5. Notability: Smarter AI Notes

Notability is a go-to for users mixing handwritten notes, typed text, and audio recordings. Its AI features summarize content or convert handwriting to text, saving time when reviewing notes later.

They can work on multiple notes at once or mark up PDFs, with iCloud keeping everything in sync. The free version gives a basic experience, while the paid plan unlocks more for frequent note-takers.

Key Highlights:

  • Handwritten notes and PDF annotations.
  • Audio recordings synced with notes.
  • AI for summarizing and handwriting conversion.
  • Multi-note view and split-screen support.
  • iCloud syncing across devices.

Contact:

6. Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel lets users manage data through spreadsheets, offering formulas, charts, and pivot tables. The iPad’s touch interface makes sorting or formatting data feel intuitive and quick.

Collaboration happens live via OneDrive, so teams can update sheets together. A subscription brings AI for data insights, but the basic tools handle most spreadsheet needs without it.

Key Highlights:

  • Formulas, charts, and pivot tables for data work.
  • Touch-optimized sorting and formatting.
  • Real-time collaboration through OneDrive.
  • Intuitive iPad interface.
  • AI data analysis with subscription.

Contact:

7. Gmail – Email by Google

Gmail organizes emails for users, handling multiple accounts in a single view. Smart replies and compose features speed up writing, while searching old emails is fast and painless.

It connects with Google Calendar and Tasks for scheduling or to-dos, and options like undoing sent emails help catch mistakes. It’s free and works well for most people’s email needs.

Key Highlights:

  • Supports multiple accounts with unified inbox.
  • Smart Compose and Reply for quick drafting.
  • Integrates with Google Calendar and Tasks.
  • Fast email search.
  • Undo Send and customizable swipes.

Contact:

8. Google Sheets

Google Sheets is where people create and edit spreadsheets, using formulas or charts for data tasks. Real-time collaboration through Google Drive lets teams work together without delays.

They can edit offline and sync later, which is useful on the go. It ties in with Google Docs and Slides for a connected workflow, keeping things simple.

Key Highlights:

  • Spreadsheet creation with formulas and charts.
  • Real-time team collaboration.
  • Offline editing with auto-sync.
  • Conditional formatting support.
  • Works with Google Docs and Slides.

Contact:

9. Google Docs

Google Docs helps users write and edit documents, with templates and formatting for various needs. Group work is easy with real-time comments and suggestions, keeping everyone on the same page.

Offline mode lets them keep working without internet, and voice typing is a nice touch for some. It syncs through Google Drive and pairs with other Google tools.

Key Highlights:

  • Document editing with templates and styles.
  • Real-time collaboration with comments.
  • Offline editing and syncing.
  • Voice typing feature.
  • Integrates with Google Sheets and Slides.

Contact:

10. Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint makes creating presentations straightforward, with slides, animations, and templates. The iPad’s touch controls work well for adding notes or drawing with an Apple Pencil.

Teams can edit together through OneDrive, and presenter tools help during talks. A subscription adds AI for slide design, but the core features cover most presentation needs.

Key Highlights:

  • Slide creation with animations and templates.
  • Apple Pencil for annotations.
  • Real-time collaboration via OneDrive.
  • Presenter View for talks.
  • AI design suggestions with subscription.

Contact:

11. GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer

GoodReader is used for managing PDFs and other files, with tools for adding highlights or notes. Users organize large collections with folders, tags, and a search feature that saves time.

It connects to cloud services like Dropbox for file access, and extras like text-to-speech or PDF reflow make it versatile for different tasks.

Key Highlights:

  • Annotates PDFs with text and highlights.
  • Organizes files with folders and tags.
  • Supports formats like DOC and TXT.
  • Integrates with Dropbox and OneDrive.
  • Offers PDF reflow and text-to-speech.

Contact:

12. Things 3 for iPad

Things 3 helps folks manage tasks and projects with lists, tags, and deadlines. Its drag-and-drop setup makes prioritizing daily to-dos feel natural and quick.

iCloud syncing keeps tasks updated across devices, and widgets give a fast look at what’s next without opening the app. It’s built for those who like a clean way to stay organized.

Key Highlights:

  • Organizes tasks with projects and tags.
  • Sets deadlines and reminders.
  • Drag-and-drop for task prioritization.
  • Syncs via iCloud.
  • Includes widgets and Siri support.

Contact:

13. Noteshelf 2

Noteshelf 2 lets users take notes by handwriting or typing, with text conversion for multiple languages. They can add flair with templates or digital stickers, making it fun for planners or journals.

Audio recordings sync with notes, and PDF annotations are simple to manage. It exports to Evernote and syncs via iCloud for broader access.

Key Highlights:

  • Handwritten notes with text conversion.
  • Custom templates and digital stickers.
  • Audio recordings and PDF annotations.
  • iCloud syncing.
  • Exports to Evernote.

Contact:

14. Pythonista 3

Pythonista 3 is for coding Python right on the iPad, with a full editor and debugger for scripts. It includes libraries for UI design or data tasks, letting users build custom workflows.

It works offline with built-in docs, and supports external keyboards for longer coding sessions. Shortcuts integration helps automate tasks for some.

Key Highlights:

  • Python 3.10 environment with editor.
  • Libraries for UI and data analysis.
  • Debugger and custom script support.
  • Works with Shortcuts.
  • Offline coding with documentation.

Contact:

15. Claris FileMaker Go

Claris FileMaker Go connects users to databases for editing or viewing on the iPad, with layouts that fit touch screens well. It handles tasks like scanning barcodes or adding digital signatures for field work.

Data syncs with FileMaker Server for real-time updates, and encryption keeps things secure. It’s useful for those already using FileMaker systems.

Key Highlights:

  • Accesses and edits databases.
  • Supports barcode scanning and signatures.
  • Offers charting tools.
  • Syncs with FileMaker Server.
  • Includes offline access and encryption.

Contact:

Conclusion

Picking the right iPad productivity apps in 2025 comes down to what you need to streamline your day. Whether it’s Goodnotes for scribbling ideas, Microsoft Office for tackling work, or TickTick for keeping tasks in check, these tools make the iPad a powerhouse. They’re built to fit how people actually work, with features like real-time syncing or AI smarts that save time. Try a few, mix and match, and you’ll find the combo that keeps your workflow smooth and stress-free.