Are you feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of task managers, calendar apps, and note-taking software available? Do you find yourself struggling to keep track of your tasks, appointments, and ideas across multiple platforms? If so, you’re not alone. In this digital age, it’s easy to feel bogged down by the very tools that are supposed to help us stay organized. But fear not! We’ve tested and curated a list of ten exceptional planning tools that combine task management, scheduling, and unique features to make your life easier in 2024.
In this article, we’ll explore each of these digital planner apps in detail, highlighting their key features, who they’re best suited for, and their biggest downsides. Our goal is to help you find the perfect digital planner that aligns with your lifestyle and work habits, so you can streamline your life and focus on what truly matters.
- Sunsama
Sunsama, which started in 2021, is a powerful task manager and daily planner that integrates with various platforms like ToDoist, Asana, and Notion. Its primary focus is on creating a realistic daily schedule by prioritizing tasks based on available time and importance. The Sunsama team is committed to updating the app regularly and listening to the community regarding feature and integration requests.
Key Features
- Integrations: Two-way sync from ToDoist, Asana, ClickUp, Google and Outlook calendars/emails, Tello, Jira, Notion, Github, and Slack
- Email Management: Incorporates email accounts for focused management, especially on task-based emails
- Daily and Weekly Planning Ritual: Encourages a planning routine, allowing users to drag tasks from other platforms into Sunsama for a realistic day’s plan.
- Flexibility and Focus Mode: Offers flexibility in rescheduling tasks and a focus mode with a built-in Pomodoro timer for concentrated work sessions.
- Timeboxing and Categorization: Schedule your tasks to your calendar, estimate time, track time, categorize your tasks, and see reports of where you’re spending your days.
Best Suited For
Sunsama is perfect for those managing a complex blend of personal and professional tasks across different platforms. Its robust integrations and timeboxing features make it an ideal choice for busy individuals who need a comprehensive solution for managing their daily workload.
Biggest Downside
Sunsama is expensive at $16–20 per month, and if you’re not using some of the integrations already, it may seem unnecessary. However, if you find yourself juggling multiple platforms and struggling to maintain a balanced schedule, the investment might be worth it.
- Ellie Planner
Ellie Planner is an excellent alternative to Sunsama, focusing on simplicity and elegance in design with a similar UI. This digital planner app offers a visually appealing and emotionally intuitive planning experience without the hefty price tag.
Key Features
- Integrations: Apple Calendar, Google Cal, Zapier, and Slack
- The Brain Dump: A great way to get a lot of tasks out of your mind and into a system without worrying about their organization or categories. Lists offer a way to organize these tasks over time.
- Analytics Interface: Find out how you spend your time and see it broken into beautiful charts with their analytics page.
- Migration from other apps: Migrate to Ellie from Sunsama, a CSV download, or ToDoist with their import options.
- Flexible Pricing: A free plan, $10/mo, or a lifetime option makes Ellie an excellent choice for any budget.
Best Suited For
Anyone searching for a visually appealing and emotionally intuitive planning experience without breaking the bank will love Ellie. Its simple yet effective features make it a great choice for those who want to stay organized without feeling overwhelmed by complex tools.
Biggest Downside
Ellie lacks many small features and details that make a planner app worth investing in. Additionally, the integrations can get expensive (with Zapier) if you use many other apps and want to feed them all into Ellie. However, if you’re looking for a simple and affordable planning solution, Ellie might be just what you need.
- Routine.co
Routine.co is a newcomer in the world of planning apps like Akiflow, Sunsama, and Motion, but it stands out as a comprehensive productivity tool. It’s a desktop and mobile app that merges calendars, tasks, notes, and contacts into a single platform, catering to busy professionals.
Key Insights
- Ease of Use: The app’s simple and intuitive design allows for quick learning and natural usage.
- Meeting Management: Offers efficient handling of meetings, including one-click note-taking and tracking of related meetings.
- Note-Taking: Incorporates markdown style notes, suitable for brain-dumping thoughts and handling meeting notes.
- Upcoming Features: Enhancements are on the horizon; they are growing fast. Premium options with many new features will be rolled out in 2024.
- The Console: A simple keyboard shortcut allows users to view upcoming meetings and daily tasks and quickly enter new tasks, making the app feel seamlessly integrated into your workflow. Additionally, its natural language input simplifies scheduling tasks, a boon for those who appreciate efficiency.
Best Suited For
Individuals who prefer a streamlined task management and scheduling approach will find Routine.co to be an excellent fit. Its unified platform and focus on efficiency make it a valuable tool for busy professionals looking to optimize their time.
Biggest Downside
Routine.co may not be as comprehensive for users who prefer robust note-taking platforms like Notion or advanced task management systems. However, if you’re looking for a streamlined and efficient way to manage your tasks and calendar, Routine.co is worth considering.
- Twos App
Twos App is a streamlined and user-friendly app designed for quick task management and note-taking. Its simplicity is its strength, offering a no-frills approach to keeping track of daily tasks and reminders.
Key Features
- Simplified Task Management: Easy entry and tracking of daily tasks.
- Effortless Note-Taking: Quickly capture notes and ideas.
- Integrated Reminders: Set reminders to ensure no task is overlooked.
- User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive design for ease of use.
- Mobile Accessibility: Access your tasks and notes on the go with a mobile-friendly app.
Best Suited For
Twos App is ideal for individuals who need an uncomplicated, efficient way to jot down tasks and reminders on the fly. Its simple design and mobile accessibility make it a perfect choice for those who want a fuss-free planning solution.
Biggest Downside
Twos App lacks advanced features for comprehensive project management. However, if you’re looking for a simple and straightforward way to manage your daily tasks, Twos App might be just what you need.
- Notion
Notion is a versatile tool that has gained popularity as a Personal Knowledge Management (PKM) system, especially for projects, content plans, and academic work. While not specifically designed for task management, it can be used as such and offers a wealth of features for organizing complex projects and detailed plans.
Key Features
- Usage: Notion can be used for comprehensive project management and built out to fit whatever specifications the user needs.
- Integration with Daily Life: The app helps in categorizing home maintenance and cleaning tasks, making it a central repository for detailed planning.
- Customizable Templates: Notion’s strength lies in its ability to create and share customizable templates.
- Collaborative and Shareable: Ideal for sharing plans and lists with family members.
Best Suited For
Notion is ideal for students, business owners, and anyone managing personal, academic, and professional projects. Its customizable templates and collaborative features make it a powerful tool for organizing and sharing information.
Biggest Downside
Notion requires a learning curve to use to its full potential. However, if you’re willing to invest the time to learn its features, Notion can be an incredibly powerful and versatile planning tool.
- Motion
Motion is a sophisticated planning tool that leverages AI to automate scheduling and task prioritization. It’s a dynamic app that adapts to the busy schedules of professionals, optimizing their time management.
Key Features
- AI-Powered Scheduling: Intelligent suggestions for optimal task timing.
- Automated Prioritization: Prioritizes tasks based on urgency and importance.
- Smart Calendar Integration: Syncs with other calendars for cohesive planning.
- Task Tracking and Management: Keeps all tasks in check with progress tracking.
- Seamless App Integrations: Works with various productivity tools.
Best Suited For
Motion is best suited for busy professionals and entrepreneurs who need an intelligent system to organize their schedules and manage their tasks effectively.
Biggest Downside
The AI features in Motion may be too complex for some users. However, if you’re looking for a powerful and intelligent planning tool that can adapt to your busy schedule, Motion is worth considering.
- Sortd3
Sortd3 is a versatile app that combines task management, calendar events, and note-taking into a single, streamlined interface. It’s known for its unique hyper-scheduling feature, which helps users manage their tasks and events effectively.
Key Features
- Hyper-Scheduling: Blend your tasks and calendar events in a unified timeline.
- Integrated Task and Note Management: Seamlessly manage tasks and notes in one place.
- Visual Timeline View: Offers a clear overview of your schedule.
- Cross-Platform Synchronization: Syncs across multiple devices.
- Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Interface: Easily rearrange tasks and events.
Best Suited For
Sortd3 is ideal for individuals who prefer a visually organized approach to planning. Its unified timeline and drag-and-drop interface make it easy to manage tasks and events in a single view.
Biggest Downside
Sortd3 may not offer as much depth in task management as some other specialized apps. However, if you’re looking for a visually organized and user-friendly planning solution, Sortd3 is worth considering.
- TickTick
TickTick is a well-rounded planner app known for its simplicity and powerful task management features. It includes a built-in Pomodoro timer and habit tracker, making it a comprehensive tool for personal productivity.
Key Features
- Built-In Pomodoro Timer: Helps maintain focus and productivity.
- Habit Tracking: Track and build productive habits within the app.
- Simple Task Management Interface: Easy to use and manage daily tasks.
- Cross-Device Synchronization: Stay updated on tasks across multiple devices.
- Customizable Themes and Layouts: Personalize your planning experience.
Best Suited For
TickTick is perfect for individuals looking for an all-in-one planner that combines task management, habit tracking, and time management features.
Biggest Downside
TickTick might not be as suitable for advanced project management needs. However, if you’re looking for a comprehensive and user-friendly planning app, TickTick is an excellent choice.
- Timestripe
Timestripe focuses on goal-setting and long-term planning, offering a unique ‘Horizon’ view that allows users to visualize their long-term goals alongside daily tasks.
Key Features
- Horizon View: Visualize long-term goals and align them with daily tasks.
- Goal-Setting Tools: Set and track progress on personal and professional goals.
- Daily Task Management: Manage your day-to-day tasks effectively.
- Inspirational Quotes and Tips: Provides daily motivation.
- Elegant and Intuitive Design: Aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate.
Best Suited For
Timestripe is an excellent choice for goal-oriented users and long-term planners who want to maintain a clear vision of their objectives while managing daily tasks.
Biggest Downside
Timestripe might not be the best fit for users looking for a traditional task-focused planner. However, if you’re a goal-oriented individual seeking a unique and visually appealing planning solution, Timestripe is worth exploring.
- Noteplan3
Noteplan3 is an all-in-one app that combines notes, tasks, and calendars in a Markdown-based planner, offering seamless synchronization with Apple Calendar and Reminders.
Key Features
- Markdown-Based Planner: Write notes and tasks in Markdown format.
- Seamless Apple Integration: Syncs with Apple Calendar and Reminders.
- Calendar and Task Management: Manage your schedule and tasks in one place.
- Daily and Monthly Views: Offers various views for better planning.
- Customizable Themes: Personalize the app to suit your style.
Best Suited For
Noteplan3 is perfect for fans of Markdown formatting and users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. Its seamless integration with Apple Calendar and Reminders makes it an ideal choice for Apple users.
Biggest Downside
The Markdown-based system in Noteplan3 may have a learning curve for some users. However, if you’re familiar with Markdown and prefer a unified notes, tasks, and calendar app, Noteplan3 is worth considering.
Honorable Mention: Twobird
Twobird aims to streamline your inbox and notes, integrating email management with note-taking in a single, efficient platform.
Key Features
- Email and Note Integration: Manage emails and notes in one unified interface.
- Streamlined Inbox Management: Keep your inbox organized and clutter-free.
- Collaborative Notes: Share and collaborate on notes with others.
- Simplified User Interface: Clean and easy-to-navigate design.
- Reminders and Due Dates: Set reminders for emails and notes.
Best Suited For
Twobird is ideal for individuals seeking to declutter their digital life by merging email management with note-taking.
Biggest Downside
As a more email-centric app, Twobird may not offer the depth in task or project management some users require. However, if you’re looking for an efficient way to manage your emails and notes in one place, Twobird is worth exploring.
Conclusion
Each digital planner app offers unique features and capabilities, catering to a wide range of needs and preferences. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or someone looking to streamline your personal life, this roundup has an app that can enhance your productivity and organization. Explore these options to find the perfect digital planner that aligns with your lifestyle and work habits in 2024.
By finding the right digital planner for your needs, you can take control of your schedule, manage your tasks effectively, and ultimately achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life. So don’t let the overwhelming number of planning tools hold you back – embrace the power of these exceptional apps and start streamlining your life today!
