Best notes and tasks apps for Windows Phone

Microsoft's own OneNote app that comes with Windows Phone is, of course, the obvious default choice when it comes to note taking, task lists and reminders, but what other options are out there for the productivity buff?

There is a rich enough variety of task schedulers and note apps out at the Windows Phone Store now to warrant a more curated approach to those, which are one of the first to be installed on your handset.

We are rounding up a few of the proven task and notes apps, as well as some promising newcomers for Windows Phone in the slideshow below to help make the sifting process easier.

Best notes, to-do and checklist apps for Windows Phone

1. ClearNote

Simple and powerful, ClearNote takes full advantage of the touch environment you are in, and allows you to use gestures for creating, editing and disposing of notes and checklists, complete with audible signals when you do them.

You can create sublists within lists, color code them, pin the notes to the homes screen with a Live Tile, and sync with Dropbox.

2. Tasks

One of the best task and checklist management apps for Windows Phone out there, Tasks offers all the typical functionality you'd expect from a top-notch to-do app, including remaining tasks counter on live tiles, and yet offers it in a jolly and colorful, very easy to use interface.

3. Notes Pro ($0.99)

Supporting scrollable notes for some of your longer remarks, Notes Pro also offers sublists, enhanced editing, color coding and live tile pins of various tasks in your checklist. 

It supports resuming back into the most current note, Dropbox backup, password protection and 256bit note encryption for one complete package.

4. Tile CheckList

Tile CheckList is entirely home screen oriented, and you can slice, dice and color code your notes, checklists and to do entries any way you want to fit the Live Tiles provided by Windows Phone. 

Tile CheckList will update your tile when you make changes in the list, and even show your remaining tasks in the individual tiles. 

5. Top Task List

Top Task List is a complete solution for your chores. You can edit multiple tasks at once, prioritize them with color codes, create sublists and attach reminders, etc. When you are done, simply shake the phone the phone to move completed tasks out of the way. As an added bonus, it offers full synchronization with your Exchange and Outlook accounts.