Do productivity apps really help?

I've been thinking about the endless sea of productivity apps out there—task managers, note-takers, habit trackers, focus timers, you name it. I've tried my fair share (probably too many, to be honest), and while they seem great at first, I often find myself either abandoning them after a few weeks or feeling like I'm spending more time organizing my life than actually living it.

Don't get me wrong—some of these apps have genuinely helped me stay on track with deadlines or develop better habits. But I also wonder: do they sometimes create a false sense of productivity? Like, am I just checking boxes to feel accomplished, or are they actually helping me grow and focus on what really matters?

I’d love to hear your experiences. Are there specific apps that actually made a difference in your life? Or do you feel like we’re overcomplicating something that could be solved with a good old-fashioned notebook and a pen?