Apple Reminders comes free with every iPhone, has location reminders and sharing, and since iOS 26.2 an "Urgent" reminder can ring like a real alarm. If you and everyone you share reminders with use Apple devices, it is hard to beat. Buzzley is for the cases Apple Reminders does not cover: Android phones, households with mixed phones, a web app on any computer, and a message to a family member when a reminder is missed.
Competitor details below come from Apple's announcements and press coverage as of October 2026.
Side by side
| Buzzley | Apple Reminders | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Core $2.99/month, Plus $5.99, Pro $9.99; yearly from $24.99 | Free, built in |
| Free plan | No. A 7-day trial, no card | Free |
| Platforms | Android, iPhone, web | Apple devices |
| Alarm-style reminders on iPhone | Alarm style on iOS 26 and later | "Urgent" on iOS 26.2 and later |
| Alarm-style reminders on Android | Yes, through silent mode and Do Not Disturb | No Android app |
| Location reminders | Arrive, leave or both | Yes |
| Sharing | Sharing group across Android and iPhone | Yes, with other Apple users |
| Told when it is missed | "If missed, tell" | Not stated |
| Developer access | API and webhooks on Pro | No |
Where Apple Reminders is stronger
It is free and already there. Nothing to download and no subscription.
It belongs to the system. Apple Reminders comes with iOS and uses Apple's own alarm system for Urgent reminders. On an iPhone it is the default, and many people need nothing more.
Location and sharing at no cost. Both are included, as long as the people you share with use Apple devices too.
Where Buzzley is stronger
Android and mixed households. Apple Reminders has no Android app. Buzzley runs on both, so a family with an iPhone and two Android phones can share one group. A reminder you set "For" someone rings only on their phone, whatever phone that is.
A message when it is missed. Pick who hears about a reminder that is still not done 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour or 2 hours after it was due, and whether they also hear when it is done. This is useful for a parent's evening tablets or a child's pickup.
A web app on any computer. Add, edit and complete reminders in a browser on Windows, Linux or a work laptop. They sync with your phone, which does the ringing.
More scheduling options. Custom repeats (every 3 days, the last Friday of the month, chosen dates), up to three early warnings, a birthdays list with ages, and a time zone setting per reminder for travel.
An API. On Pro, connect reminders to your own tools with the API and webhooks.
How Buzzley behaves on an iPhone
On iOS 26 and later, Buzzley's Alarm style uses Apple's alarm system, so it rings through silent mode and Focus once you allow alarms for Buzzley. On older iOS versions an Alarm-style reminder arrives as a series of notifications, which silent mode can mute. If reminders don't show up at all, check the steps in iPhone reminders not going off. Location reminders on iPhone need location access set to Always; see location reminders.
When Apple Reminders is the better pick
Pick Apple Reminders if everyone you share with uses Apple devices and your iPhone runs iOS 26.2 or later. You get alarm-style reminders, location and sharing for free. Buzzley would mostly duplicate what you have.
Pick Buzzley if someone in your household uses Android, if you want to work from a non-Apple computer, or if you want someone told when a reminder is missed. If you want a paid iPhone app that keeps nagging until a task is done, also look at Buzzley vs Due.
Common questions
Can Apple Reminders ring like an alarm?
Yes. Since iOS 26.2 an "Urgent" reminder uses Apple's alarm system.
Can I use Buzzley on iPhone and Android in the same family?
Yes. A sharing group can mix both, and reminders sync between them and the web app.
How much does Buzzley cost?
From $2.99 a month or $24.99 a year after a 7-day trial with no card. See the pricing page.
Related guides
- iPhone reminders not going off? Check these
On iPhone, reminders go missing because of notification settings, a Focus, Scheduled Summary or silent mode. What to check, and how alarms work on iOS 26.
- Buzzley vs Due for reminders
Due is a one-time purchase reminder app for iPhone with auto-snooze. Buzzley works on Android, iPhone and the web. How the two compare and who each suits.
- Location reminders: remind me when I get there
Buzzley reminds you when you arrive at or leave a place, like the shop, home or work. How to set it up on Android and iPhone, and its limits.
Try Buzzley free for 7 days
No card needed. Buzzley runs on Android, iPhone and the web, and plans start at $2.99 a month after the trial.
