Out with the old, in with the new: 2026 is the year I’m swapping out 5 apps that no longer serve me. But here’s where it gets controversial—some of these changes might challenge how you think about loyalty to your favorite tools. Let’s dive in.
Every January feels like a blank canvas, a chance to refresh not just my goals but also the tools I rely on daily. This year, I’m shaking things up with my app lineup, and trust me, it’s not just for the sake of change. And this is the part most people miss—switching apps can actually reignite your productivity and excitement. Here’s why I’m making these moves and what I’m switching to.
Task Management: Todoist → TickTick
Todoist has been my trusty sidekick for years, but its recent price hike feels like a betrayal. Monthly costs jumped from $5 to $7—a 40% increase! While I’m grandfathered into an older plan, staying means missing out on new features unless I pay up. That’s a hard pass. Enter TickTick, which I’ve already test-driven and love. Sure, Notion is free, but it lacks the dedicated task management features I need. TickTick feels like a natural upgrade—unless something even better catches my eye before my Todoist subscription ends.
Money Management: YNAB → Wallet
YNAB has been a game-changer, but its $15/month price tag stings, especially since it doesn’t connect to my European banks. Manually entering transactions turns budgeting into a chore. Wallet by BudgetBakers, however, supports all my banks and is a fraction of the cost—there’s even a lifetime deal for $20! Switching means rethinking my financial workflow, but isn’t that what new beginnings are for?
Password Management: Bitwarden → Proton Pass
Bitwarden works—most of the time. But its unreliable autofill and missing password prompts on Android have me pulling my hair out. LastPass? Not an option for personal use due to its restrictive free tier. Proton Pass, with its privacy-first approach, feels like the perfect fit. Its free plan supports unlimited devices and logins, plus 10 email aliases. It’s a no-brainer.
Music Streaming: YouTube Music → Deezer
YouTube Music and I have had a rocky relationship. Its cluttered interface and hit-or-miss music discovery have me craving something better. Deezer’s clean UI, synced lyrics, and its Flow feature—which blends my favorites with new discoveries—feel like a breath of fresh air. Yes, it’s pricier, but I’m willing to pay for a superior experience. Here’s the controversial part: Is it worth sacrificing affordability for a better user experience? Let me know what you think.
Photo Management: Google Photos + Proton Drive
Google Photos isn’t going anywhere—I rely on its 2TB storage for my main library. But its Locked Folder feature is a joke. No album organization? No search function? It’s practically useless for sensitive photos. That’s why I’m moving those to Proton Drive, where end-to-end encryption ensures privacy. The free 5GB tier works for now, but if I need more, Proton’s Unlimited plan also unlocks premium features for Proton Pass and their VPN. It’s a win-win.
Now, I want to hear from you: Are you sticking with your tried-and-true apps, or is 2026 your year to switch things up? And do you think I’m making the right calls here? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s debate!
