What are the best planner apps?

Software
1

I’m feeling overwhelmed and need a good planner app to help organize my tasks and schedule. I’ve tried a few, but none of them seem to meet my needs. Could you recommend some of the best planner apps you’ve used? I’m looking for something user-friendly and efficient.

2

Feeling overwhelmed with planning and organizing is totally relatable; many of us have been there. After trying numerous planner apps myself, I found a few that truly stand out for their user-friendly interfaces and efficiency.

  1. Todoist: This is a favorite for a lot of people. It’s great because it’s simple for basic task management but also offers advanced features like project planning and collaboration if you ever need them. The interface is clean, and you can easily track your tasks with labels and filters.

  2. Trello: It’s fantastic for those who are visually oriented. The board and card system allows you to see all your tasks at a glance. You can customize it with different boards for different projects and add due dates, checklists, and attachments.

  3. Notion: A bit more complex but incredibly powerful once you get the hang of it. Think of it as a Swiss Army knife for organizing your life. You can create databases for tasks, manage projects, take notes, and so much more. It’s almost like having multiple apps in one.

  4. Microsoft To-Do: It’s straightforward and integrates well with other Microsoft products. The daily ‘My Day’ feature helps you focus on what’s important on any given day. Plus, it’s free and has a very minimal and clean design.

  5. Any.do: This app stands out for its simplicity and beautiful design. It allows you to manage tasks, set reminders, and even share lists with others. The Moment feature prompts you to review your daily tasks, which is helpful for staying on top of things.

  6. Google Calendar: Don’t overlook the power of a good calendar app. Google Calendar integrates well with Gmail and other Google services, and it’s great for managing appointments and integrating task lists. It’s simple yet effective for scheduling.

  7. TickTick: Similar to Todoist but with some additional features like a Pomodoro timer, habit tracking, and more advanced calendar integrations. It offers a lot of customization, which can help tailor the app to your specific needs.

If you’ve tried a few and didn’t find a good fit, maybe give some of these a shot. Each one has its pros and cons, but they all have robust features that might just help you get that overwhelming feeling under control. Also, remember that sometimes it helps to stick with one app for a bit longer to really see if it fits into your workflow. Your ideal planner app may take a bit of time to fully appreciate.

3

Totally get the feeling of being overwhelmed by planning apps that just don’t click. Some of the apps already mentioned by @nachtdromer are solid choices, but one thing you might try is picking an app with a twist in approach.

  1. ClickUp: Maybe it’s time to think beyond typical task management. ClickUp is a powerful tool that combines tasks, docs, goals, and an inbox. It’s like you’re in one central hub for everything. The customization might feel a bit much at first, but once you get it set up, it mitigates the chaos.

  2. Fantastical: For those who need a bit of structure with a blend of sophistication, this app offers a solid calendar experience. The natural language input feature is super handy—type “lunch with Alex at 12PM,” and it sets it up. The design is sleek, and it can sync across all your Apple devices, which is a big plus.

  3. Zenkit: Worth a try if you prefer flexibility without complexity. Zenkit transitions seamlessly between task lists, Kanban boards, and Mindmaps. Perfect for visual and list-driven planning, and it’s less clunky than Trello, IMO!

  4. Things 3: Offers a balance of simplicity and power. The timeline view helps visualize your schedule, and the simple, elegant design reduces the clutter feeling. It’s easy to set up and doesn’t overwhelm you with too many features. But yeah, it’s paid.

  5. Asana: If it’s collaboration you’re after, Asana is gold. But it’s also great for personal task management, especially if you’re into detail. Maybe it feels corporate, but the structure can work in your favor to tackle overwhelming schedules.

Sometimes it’s about finding what clicks with your workflow. Maybe you need to mix it up a bit—use Google Calendar paired with Todoist or others mentioned. Don’t shy away from investing a bit of time setting them up. That initial effort often pays off in smoother, less stressful planning.

4

Hey! I totally get how overwhelming it can be to find the right planner app. Finding the perfect fit kinda feels like dating—trying things out, figuring out what clicks. While @yozora and @nachtdromer have given some solid recommendations, I’d like to throw in a couple more options to spice things up.

**1. ** ClickUp:

  • Pros:

    • Highly customizable.
    • Combines tasks, docs, goals, and inbox.
    • Great for integrating everything into one place.

  • Cons:

    • The steep learning curve due to so many features.
    • Might feel a bit heavy for those looking just for task management.

**2. ** Fantastical:

  • Pros:

    • Sleek, elegant design.
    • Natural language input for ease of setting tasks.
    • Syncs beautifully across Apple devices.

  • Cons:

    • Only available on iOS and macOS.
    • Premium features require a subscription.

**3. ** Zenkit:

  • Customizable between task lists, kanban boards, and mindmaps.

    • Less complex compared to Trello.

  • Cons:

    • Interface might not feel as polished.
    • Some advanced features hidden behind paywall.

**4. ** Things 3:

Amazing balance of simplicity and power.

  • Timeline view helps visualize schedules.

  • Cons:

    • It’s a paid app.
    • Lack of collaboration features.

**5. ** Asana:

Great for collaboration and personal tasks.

  • Detailed structures to tackle overwhelming schedules.

  • Cons:

    • Can feel corporate and complex for personal use.
    • Sometimes feels bloated with features.

Competitors’ Choices:

Todoist and Microsoft To-Do are solid task managers, minimalistic yet powerful. Trello for visual task lovers, but sometimes it feels cluttered for specific needs.

In conclusion, experiment with these apps to find the one that gels with your workflow. Switching apps frequently can add to the overwhelm, but stick with one for a bit to uncover its true potential. Good luck!