Bento: The Do Less To-Do List App Reviews

Previously Bento was an app you could buy, which offered a simple and beautiful way to make lists that prioritized what’s important. Now old users are being asked to pay for subscriptions, which doesn’t feel good, but also the app has a crowded feeling — full of streaks, focus scores, “see what time of day you’re most productive,” “do a sun gazing meditation,” etc. The app says it’s aimed at people with ADHD, but having so many features isn’t ADHD-friendly. I wish old users could still use

Had an issue with v2 and reached out to the developer. They worked really hard to sort the issue and it was nice talking to a real person. If that’s how they handle customer service I think v2 of the app will be developed well.

I like this app for it’s simplicity. Built in task timer, the ability to break up a task into smaller chunks, and the ability to save routines that you can kind of use like legos to build your day. The relaxing vibes are a bonus!

I really enjoy using this app for deep work. The combination of the beautiful Japanese artwork and the calming music helps me to focus. I don’t really use the ADHD features, but that’s fine—I found a way for the app to work for me. The developer is also really responsive to feedback.

They care about their customers and helped right away. I’m eager to see what the app can grow into.

Bento focus has been so helpful for structuring my time for focusing on things I want to get done. There are a lot of really helpful suggested routines that help me get in the right frame of mind for focusing, and I love the simple concept of picking three things to work on with timers. The background music and visuals are also nice additions. I honestly think using this app is fun and I feel so much more excited to get things done! It has definitely reduced procrastination for me and made me mo

I’m enjoying the revised version of Bento. Works well, has beautiful sounds, and the layout doesn’t seem too cluttered to me at all. It has all the features one would expect a great focus timer to have.

Not sure if it’s because of the free version(I don’t want to pay and that’s not the issue) but I can’t turn the music off or change it. There is mandatory background music. You would be better off creating this in notion with a YouTube video rather than downloading this app. They also FORCE you to rate the session. There is too much mandatory stuff in this app. I truly hate that. Gave it 3 because it could be helpful to someone if you turn your volume down and don’t mind being forced to rate ev

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

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

Sad to see this app abandoned. I purchased knowing that fact, but I’d still like to see the team come back for some updates. So much potential. 🍱🍱🍱

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.

Implement the Bento Methodology. Helping you do less, but more meaningful tasks. With music to help you find and stay in flow.

Great app, design works simply, I love the Japanese motif.

Exactly what I needed. I have lists & tasks for days, but this helps me stay focused on the most important aspects of my day. 3 lists, 3 tasks each. Perfect.

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.

Maybe it’s just me but I’m always disappointed when I remember I have this app, open it, and realize the task lists are basic vertical lists and not actually laid out in a cute bento box. 😔

I’m liking this app so far but agree with others that a few other choices in music would be nice so that each task in the bento box could have its own unique tune. Maybe one with a faster pace for doing active tasks. It would also be nice to have a couple of customizable templates that could be saved. For instance I’d like to create one for yard-work and household chores without having to type it each time. But this app is great for getting my day organized and accomplishing meaningful tasks th

The concept is great. I’ve managed to get a lot more work done, in spite of having brain fog through long Covid. However, listening to the same song for 45 min is rather annoying. The app really needs more music options and maybe a few more wallpapers.

I love everything about the Bento method. It allows me to prioritize what is most critical in my day, choose a workflow that matches my energy, and induces a state of focus and relaxation with its beautiful visuals and music.

I love the app! It keeps me from overwhelming myself in my day and helps me stay focused. The workflow methodology does feel like it helps things to feel more manageable. The only caveat is that the app has been periodically deleting the title of my bentos. Definitely not the worst bug and I'm hoping it will be fixed soon since this is a new app! Update: the title of the bentos issue is fixed, but the app seems to drain a lot of battery when it runs in the background.

I love that this app makes me focus on just one task at a time. Love the music, very peaceful. On request: Can you add more music tracks similar to what you have right now? Overall, good job!

I love the app so much, I just wish the focus music could continue while switching apps and an option for a pop up notification when time is up for a task! Overall love it tho!

This app is a solution to that feeling of task overwhelm. I find it delightful to use and I really need that feeling of positivity to help me focus. Thank you for making this.

As someone with executive dysfunction, this app has proven amazing. I just hope we could add unlimited bentos. And have separate collections for those bentos.

A widget would make life easier, a small widget with a future to add one, three bentos (think about the Spotify widget look and feel) and that’s it.

Simple app with amazing philosophy. I’m able to target and break down my priorities to something manageable so I’m always working on either the important or urgent.

Bento is a fantastic addition to my new workflow. I love how the app complements rather than competes with my current task management system. More themes, native iPad and MacOS support, and widgets would make this app even better!

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.

It’s okay. But doesn’t really help me get things done. No Mac version and very limited. And most recent update was 1 year ago!?!?!!!