Motion App Review

Motion is an AI-driven productivity app designed to streamline task management, calendar scheduling, and project coordination for busy professionals and small to medium-sized teams. Launched in 2019, Motion has gained traction for its ability to automatically schedule tasks based on priorities, deadlines, and user preferences, effectively acting as a virtual assistant. Unlike traditional to-do list apps or project management platforms, Motion’s core strength lies in its AI, which learns from user behavior to optimize schedules dynamically. It integrates with popular calendar platforms like Google Calendar, Outlook, and iCloud, consolidating all events and tasks into a single, cohesive view.

The app is available across multiple platforms, including web, desktop (Mac and Windows), and mobile (iOS and Android), though the mobile app is primarily a companion to the more robust desktop version. Motion positions itself as an all-in-one solution, combining features of a calendar, task manager, meeting scheduler, and lightweight project management tool. With over 1 million users, including solopreneurs, freelancers, and teams of up to 100 people, Motion has made bold claims about increasing productivity by up to 137% and saving users hours each day.

Key Features of Motion

Motion’s feature set is designed to reduce the mental load of planning and scheduling. Below, we explore its core functionalities and how they contribute to its value proposition.

1. AI-Powered Auto-Scheduling

Motion’s flagship feature is its AI-driven task scheduling, which automatically places tasks on your calendar based on their priority, duration, and deadlines. Users input tasks with details like due dates and estimated completion times, and the AI slots them into available time blocks, respecting pre-existing calendar events and user-defined work hours. If a task is delayed or a new priority arises, Motion reshuffles the schedule in real-time, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. This feature is particularly praised for reducing decision fatigue, as users don’t need to manually organize their day. For example, one user noted, “Motion does a good job of prioritizing work based on deadlines and urgency, so I can focus on what’s next without overthinking.”

2. Calendar Integration

Motion syncs with Google Calendar, Outlook, and iCloud, pulling in events and tasks to create a unified schedule. However, the sync is one-way, meaning changes made in Motion don’t always reflect back to the original calendar, which can be a limitation for some users. The app’s calendar view is color-coded, making it easy to distinguish between tasks, meetings, and personal events—a feature especially helpful for those with ADHD who benefit from visual clarity.

3. Meeting Scheduler

Motion includes a built-in meeting scheduler that rivals tools like Calendly. Users can create personalized booking pages with preferred time slots, share them with others, and avoid the back-and-forth of scheduling. The scheduler integrates with Zoom and Google Meet, allowing users to join virtual meetings directly from the app. This feature is a significant time-saver for professionals with frequent client calls or team meetings. One reviewer highlighted, “The meeting scheduler eliminates double bookings and missed meetings, making it a valuable feature for virtual collaboration.”

4. Task and Project Management

While not a full-fledged project management tool like Asana or ClickUp, Motion offers lightweight project management capabilities suitable for small teams (1-50 employees). Users can create projects, assign tasks, set due dates, and track progress via list or Kanban board views. The app’s “Flows” feature allows teams to define project stages and pass tasks between members, streamlining workflows. For example, a team producing content might use Flows to move a project from ideation to completion, with tasks automatically assigned to the right person at each stage.

5. Siri Integration and Mobile Features

A recent addition to Motion’s iOS app is Siri integration, allowing users to create tasks hands-free. For instance, saying, “Create a task in Motion to review the presentation ASAP” adds the task to your schedule, which the AI then prioritizes. However, the mobile app is less robust than the desktop version, lacking features like Kanban board views and requiring a computer for full setup and customization.

6. AI-Driven Productivity Insights

Motion’s AI analyzes user behavior to offer personalized productivity insights, such as optimal work hours or task completion patterns. It can also generate automatic meeting summaries, transcripts, and action items, which are linked to the calendar as tasks. This feature is particularly useful for teams looking to reduce follow-up emails and meetings.

7. Integrations

Motion integrates with tools like Zapier, Slack, Trello, and Google Sheets, enhancing its connectivity with other productivity ecosystems. The Zapier integration, in particular, makes Motion’s API accessible, allowing users to automate workflows across multiple apps. However, it lacks direct task import from competitors like Todoist or ClickUp, which can make switching to Motion cumbersome.

Usability and User Experience

Motion’s user interface is functional but not always intuitive. The desktop and web apps offer a clean, minimal design with a focus on the calendar view, but some users find the dashboards cluttered or the learning curve steep. For example, one reviewer noted, “The interface can feel overwhelming, and it takes time to get used to the AI’s scheduling logic.” The mobile app, while convenient for on-the-go task creation, is less polished, with occasional glitches like delayed task updates or the need to refresh the page.

Setup requires connecting calendar accounts and defining work hours, which can be time-consuming but is necessary for the AI to function effectively. Once configured, Motion’s automation takes over, reducing the need for manual adjustments. The app’s color-coding and drag-and-drop functionality make it easy to tweak schedules, and the quick task entry feature (via a universal keyboard shortcut on desktop) is a favorite among power users. However, the lack of a visually appealing or highly customizable interface—compared to apps like Things 3 or Notion—has been a point of criticism.

Pricing

Motion does not offer a free version, but it provides a 7-day free trial (no credit card required) or a 14-day trial through referrals. Pricing is divided into two plans:

• Individual Plan: $34/month or $19/month ($228/year) when billed annually.
• Team Plan: $20/month per user or $12/month per user ($144/year per user) when billed annually.

At $19-$34 per month for individuals, Motion is pricier than competitors like Todoist ($4-$6/month) or Sunsama ($16/month). However, it consolidates multiple tools (calendar, task manager, meeting scheduler), which can justify the cost for users replacing services like Calendly or Asana. Teams benefit from lower per-user costs, but the price can still be a barrier for budget-conscious freelancers or students. Some reviewers argue that the value lies in the time saved, with one user stating, “After a week, we purchased the annual plan because it saved us so much time compared to Asana.” Others, however, find the cost steep for the feature set, especially without a free tier.

Pros of Motion

1. Time-Saving Automation: The AI auto-scheduling feature eliminates manual planning, saving hours weekly. Users report feeling less stressed and more focused.
2. All-in-One Solution: Combines calendar, task management, meeting scheduling, and project tracking, reducing the need for multiple apps.
3. ADHD-Friendly: Color-coding, auto-rescheduling, and clear task prioritization make it ideal for users with ADHD or executive dysfunction.
4. Seamless Meeting Scheduling: The booking tool simplifies scheduling for professionals with frequent calls or client meetings.
5. Team Collaboration: Flows and task assignment features enhance teamwork for small to medium-sized teams.

Cons of Motion

1. High Cost: The pricing is expensive compared to alternatives, especially for individuals or small teams on a budget.
2. Learning Curve: The interface and setup process can be overwhelming for new users, requiring time to master.
3. Limited Mobile App: The mobile app lacks full functionality, making it less reliable for users who work primarily on their phones.
4. No Task Import: Switching from other apps is tedious due to the lack of direct task import from tools like Todoist or ClickUp.
5. Occasional Glitches: Some users report delays in task updates or the need to refresh the app, which can disrupt workflows.

Who Should Use Motion?

Motion is best suited for:

• Busy Professionals: Solopreneurs, freelancers, or executives juggling multiple tasks, projects, and meetings benefit from the AI’s ability to prioritize and schedule.
• Small to Medium Teams: Teams of 1-50 employees, such as marketing agencies or IT providers, can use Motion for project management and collaboration.
• Individuals with ADHD: The app’s visual clarity and automation help manage time blindness and executive dysfunction.
• Service-Based Businesses: Professionals like consultants or coaches who need efficient meeting scheduling will find the booking tool invaluable.

Motion may not be ideal for:

• Students or Casual Users: Those with simple schedules may find the app too complex or expensive.
• Large Enterprises: Teams needing advanced project management or admin controls might prefer tools like Jira or Monday.com.
• Budget-Conscious Users: Freelancers or individuals unable to justify the $19-$34/month cost may opt for cheaper alternatives like Todoist.

Motion vs. Alternatives

To provide context, let’s compare Motion to three popular alternatives:

• Sunsama: Focuses on mindful time-blocking and daily planning with a more intuitive interface. It’s cheaper ($16/month) but lacks Motion’s AI-driven scheduling. Best for freelancers or individuals seeking simplicity.
• Reclaim AI: Emphasizes work-life balance by auto-blocking time for tasks and personal commitments. It offers a free plan and is less complex than Motion, making it suitable for personal use.
• Asana: A robust project management tool with advanced features for large teams. It’s comparable in price for small teams but lacks Motion’s AI scheduling and calendar focus.

Motion stands out for its AI automation and all-in-one approach, but users prioritizing affordability or specific features (e.g., team collaboration in Akiflow) may prefer alternatives.

User Feedback and Real-World Impact

User reviews paint a mixed but generally positive picture. On the Apple App Store, Motion has a 4.2-star rating from 1,200 reviews, with users praising its ability to reduce procrastination and stress. Google Play Store reviews (3.9 stars from 926 reviews) highlight the auto-rescheduling feature but note the mobile app’s limitations. Reddit users appreciate the hands-off scheduling but question the $228 annual cost and mobile app functionality.

Real-world examples underscore Motion’s impact. A graduate student reported that Motion’s auto-adjusting schedule was a game-changer for managing academic and personal tasks, saving hours of manual planning. A small business owner credited Motion with increasing revenue by $700,000 annually by speeding up project completion. However, some users, like a solopreneur, found the app too complex for simple agendas, preferring lighter tools like Sunsama.

Final Verdict

Motion is a powerful, AI-driven productivity tool that excels at automating task scheduling, streamlining meetings, and supporting small team collaboration. Its ability to consolidate calendars, tasks, and projects into one platform makes it a compelling choice for busy professionals and teams who value efficiency. The app’s ADHD-friendly features and time-saving automation are standout strengths, and its integrations with tools like Zapier enhance its versatility.

However, Motion isn’t perfect. The high cost, steep learning curve, and limited mobile app functionality may deter some users, particularly those with simpler needs or tighter budgets. The lack of task import and occasional glitches also suggest room for improvement. For those who can afford it and are willing to invest time in setup, Motion delivers on its promise of reducing stress and boosting productivity. If you’re unsure, the 7-day free trial (or 14-day referral trial) is a low-risk way to test its fit for your workflow.