Let’s face it – a daily planner app is going to instantly make your life much more organized. But different apps are designed for different purposes. Let’s take a look at the best planner apps on the market and highlight which one is best for you.

Juggling personal and professional responsibilities can be near-on impossible without the right tools. Everyone can benefit from some order in their lives, and some kind of organizer can make this so much easier for you.

While many have benefited from using paper-based planners, there are better, newer, more efficient tools to do short-term and long-term planning.

We are referring to daily planner apps, which can help you easily plan out your upcoming days, weeks, and months.

But what exactly do you need a planner app for? Business? Home chores? Personal projects? Let’s look at the best planner apps that could suit your specific needs.

If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.

Our Top Picks

  1. Best all-in-one planner app

    Learn more

  2. Good for to-do lists

  3. Good for scheduling appointments

What to Look For in a Planner App

You should look out for three things  when choosing the right planner app for you. These are:

  1. Organization – your planner app should keep all tasks and events in order.
  2. Focus – you can’t get work done without staying focused. An app that keeps you on task also helps you manage your time better..
  3. Habits – building good habits and getting rid of bad ones helps you become more productive.

A planner app helps employees stay organized and focused. It also saves time and money and creates good work habits.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of our favorite planning apps tohelp your employees stay organized and ready for the week ahead.

The 10 Best Planner Apps of 2023

  1. Connecteam — Best all-in-one planner app

    Available on

    • Web
    • iOS
    • Android

    Connecteam is an all-in-one app that makes planning simple, efficient and super affordable! This latest technology allows users to plan on the go, raise productivity and stay on task, no matter where your team is working. Allocate jobs, schedule shifts/meetings and track work time with just a couple of clicks.

    For Whom?

    Connecteam’s planning app specifically benefits mobile/deskless employees, making planning more efficient than ever with the click of a button. Connecteam is used by managers and employees working in more than 90 industries including hospitality, construction, staffing, retail and so much more.

    Connecteam also offers a free for life plan – Get Started Now!

    Key Features

    Pros

    • All-in-one solution

    • Easy to stay focused on tasks

    • Helps user create good habits

    • Simple time and attendance management

    • Easy to organize and dispatch schedules

    • Automated workflows save time and money

    Cons

    • More integrations in development

    Pricing

    Free-for-life plan availablePremium plans start at $29/month for 30 users

    14-day free trial, no credit card required

    Start your free trial

  2. Things — Good for: To-do lists

    Available on

    • Web
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Mac
    Screenshot of the Things webpage

    German-made Things is an iOS app that categorizes the tasks in to-do lists. Users can drag and drop tasks, edit headings to stay on task easily and check them off as they go. Users won’t have to spend too much time learning how to use its features either.

    For Whom?

    Things is designed for users who want to integrate multiple calendars into one device. Users can plan personal, work or family matters simultaneously on Things. It’s also an ideal planner app for iPhone, iPad and Mac users.

    Learn more about Things

    Key Features

    • Task heading creator
    • Add widgets
    • Recurring tasks
    • To-do lists

    Pros

    • Easy user interface
    • One time purchase, no subscription

    Cons

    • No collaborative features
    • Only compatible with iOS

    Pricing

    Starts at $49.99 Trial: Yes Free Plan: No

  3. Google Calendar — Good for: Scheduling appointments

    Available on

    • Web
    • iOS
    • Android
    Screenshot of the Google Calendar webpage

    Google calendar is already an immensely popular daily planning solution. And even if you don’t have it by now, it’s still worth checking out. This simple to use calendar app allows users to move from daily to weekly to monthly schedules easily.

    For Whom?

    Google Calendar is useful for companies, households and individuals alike. It especially benefits companies where employees are required to regularly schedule/attend meetings.

    Learn more about Google Calendar

    Key Features

    • Advanced search option
    • Sync easily with user’s events and contacts
    • Track time with world clock
    • Set reminders

    Pros

    • Easy-to-share calendar with other users
    • Easy to sync on all devices

    Cons

    • Prone to crashing
    • Limited integration with other calendars (i.e. Google)

    Pricing

    Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: Yes

  4. Any.do — Good for: Creating checklists

    Available on

    • Web
    • iOS
    • Android
    Screenshot of the Any.do webpage

    This digital planner app is both a calendar and to-do list in one, and allows users to see both in its dual-view setting. Easily open events and tasks, update details and return to the main screen in a matter of clicks.

    For Whom?

    Users who require a digitized checklist to tick off tasks, big and small, should check out Any.do. Both individuals and teams can benefit from Any.do’s planner features.

    Learn more about Any.do

    Key Features

    • Dual-view of calendar and tasks/events
    • Home screen widget to stay organized
    • Project management roadmap
    • Customizable layout

    Pros

    • Compatible on iOS and Android
    • Syncs easily with other calendars

    Cons

    • Unable to create sub-tasks
    • Poor customer service

    Pricing

    Starts at $9/user/month, for more than 1 user Trial: Yes — 14-day Free Plan: Yes — For a single user

  5. Trello — Good for: Team collaboration

    Available on

    • Web
    • iOS
    • Android
    Screenshot of the Trello webpage

    Trello allows users to keep a close eye on tasks, both professional and personal. This Kanban-based software allows users to create task boards and drag and drop accordingly.

    For Whom?

    This planner app, although suitable for individual use, works best in a team environment. Teams can use it to collaborate, manage projects and increase productivity. Can be used for real estate management, lesson planning, gaming, web design.

    Learn more about Trello

    Key Features

    • Kanban boards
    • Progress tracking
    • Due date tracking
    • Create and manage tasks/to-do cards

    Pros

    • High customization
    • Useable offline

    Cons

    • Features like time-tracking require add-ons
    • Difficult to manage bigger projects

    Pricing

    Starts at $5/user/month Trial: Yes — Only for Trello Premium Free Plan: Yes

  6. Fantastical — Good for: Families

    Available on

    • Web
    • iOS
    • Mac
    Screenshot of the Fantastical webpage

    Scheduling planner app Fantastical is the intuitive Mac equivalent to Google calendar. Users can easily schedule events, and receive invitee suggestions based on one’s current location.

    For Whom?

    An ideal solution both for professional teams, couples and individuals. Users can also get the Premium version for families. Up to 5 family members can use all features. Fully localized in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian and Japanese.

    Learn more about Fantastical

    Key Features

    • Home Screen widget
    • Location-based calendar visibility
    • Create/assign to-do lists and due dates

    Pros

    • Sync across multiple devices
    • Integrates well with other apps

    Cons

    • Expensive solution
    • Only subscriptions, no one-time purchase

    Pricing

    Starts at $4.99/user/month Trial: Yes — 14-day for Premium Free Plan: Yes

  7. Outlook — Good for: E-mail communication

    Available on

    • Web
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Windows
    • Mac
    Screenshot of the Outlook webpage

    You might be wondering why there is an email option on this list. But the truth is that Outlook has evolved into a useful planner app as well. With a new scheduling feature and various other relevant features, Outlook is definitely worth considering as a planner.

    For Whom?

    Outlook is for users who need to manage a calendar, send and receive email messages, regularly update contacts and track tasks. Has more than 400 million users.

    Learn more about Outlook

    Key Features

    • Scheduling/events tool
    • Availability sharing
    • Swipe navigation
    • Easy to access files

    Pros

    • Easy access to Word, Powerpoint and Excel
    • Seamlessly integrates with other apps

    Cons

    • App is difficult to navigate compared to desktop version
    • Complicated user interface

    Pricing

    Starts at $5/user/month Trial: Yes — 1-month Free Plan: Yes

  8. Todoist — Good for: HR managers

    Available on

    • Web
    • iOS
    • Android
    Screenshot of the Todoist webpage

    When it comes to staying on top of tasks, there aren’t many better options than Todoist. This planner app focuses heavily on its to-do list feature and allows users to share tasks easily with coworkers. Users can color code tasks depending on level of priority, set reminders and create sub-tasks and keep up to date with productivity trends.

    For Whom?

    Todoist is a great planning solution for a wide range of users, including executives, HR from all industries, employees and students. Different features will provide different benefits, depending on the user. But anyone working on multiple tasks at any given time will benefit from it.

    Learn more about Todoist

    Key Features

    • Task organization
    • Task prioritization
    • Productivity visualization
    • Task delegation

    Pros

    • Easy user interface
    • Fast shortcuts

    Cons

    • "Done" tasks are irretrievable
    • Limited customization

    Pricing

    Starts at $150/month, for 50 users Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes

  9. Habitica — Good for: habit-building

    Available on

    • Web
    • iOS
    • Mac
    Screenshot of the Habitica webpage

    Habitica is (unsurprisingly) a habit-building app that aims to increase productivity, while making your life feel like a game. Users operate the app through avatars and can earn points/bonuses by completing tasks and to-do lists. The more points you earn, the more features you can unlock.

    For Whom?

    Habitica “gamifies” the planner process, meaning that it caters to a younger audience, especially gamers and people who work in hi-tech. The social features have created a community of users, with many helping to improve the app through feedback and creative volunteer work.

    Learn more about Habitica

    Key Features

    • List good/bad habits you want to increase/decrease
    • Social network to interact with other users
    • Point/reward system

    Pros

    • Compatible with iOS and Android
    • Fun, easy user interface

    Cons

    • Occasional bugs
    • Limited audience

    Pricing

    Starts at $159/month, for 50 users Trial: Yes Free Plan: No

  10. TickTick — Good for: Memo making

    Available on

    • Web
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Windows
    • Mac
    Screenshot of the TickTick webpage

    Another planner app that is designed specifically to improve good habits, TickTick is bound to raise your productivity. Users can create their own tasks and set deadlines and reminders. This planner app is also collaborative in nature, allowing users to work together to get tasks done.

    For Whom?

    One of TickTick’s missions is to empower all users to use the app to stay organized and creative. This planner app will benefit users who need to make memos, collaborate in teams, develop habits, schedule meetings and even share shopping lists.

    Learn more about TickTick

    Key Features

    • Task prioritization
    • Built-in timer and stopwatch
    • "Gamified" habit tracker
    • Tasks shareable with up to 29 members

    Pros

    • Intuitive design
    • Compatible with iOS and Android

    Cons

    • Restrictions on both paid and free accounts
    • No free trial

    Pricing

    Starts at $116.50/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: No

Compare the Best Planner Apps

Topic
Reviews
4.8
4.9
4.8
4.4
4.5
4.9
4.5
4.6
4.3
4.8
Pricing
Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users
Starts at $49.99
Contact vendor for price
Starts at $9/user/month, for more than 1 user
Starts at $5/user/month
Starts at $4.99/user/month
Starts at $5/user/month
Starts at $150/month, for 50 users
Starts at $159/month, for 50 users
Starts at $116.50/month
Free Trial
yes
14-day
yes
no
yes
14-day
yes
Only for Trello Premium
yes
14-day for Premium
yes
1-month
yes
yes
yes
Free Plan
yes
Free Up to 10 users
no
yes
yes
For a single user
yes
yes
yes
yes
no
no

What Are Planner Apps?

A planner app is a piece of software that makes it easier for users to stay organized. It also keeps all of your planning tools in one centralized location, making it easy to find and edit any aspect of your planning process. Planner apps usually include capabilities such as appointment and event scheduling, customizable calendars, contact directories, as well as to-do lists to put tasks and responsibilities in order.

How Do Planner Apps Work?

Similar to a paper-based planner, a planner app essentially acts as a blank canvas for users to tailor to their schedule and fill in at their own discretion. Through selected features and formats, users can enter any information, regardless of importance, either by typing or uploading relevant files, images and other media.

Many planner apps intuitively organize your information for you or at least allow you to manually organize it yourself. Some apps even provide users with the ability to remind themselves of crucial events, as well as sync all of their devices and calendars.

FAQs

What are the benefits of using a planner app?

From rises in productivity to reducing stress, there are many benefits to using a planner app. Here are some of the most important ones:

  • Keeps tasks organized, of course – seeing that many employees have a lot of tasks to think about at any given time, prioritization is key. A planner app helps workers organize their tasks so that they know what needs to be completed, and in what order.
  • Increases productivity – one of the main benefits of having a planner app is that it helps users stay focused. A study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology showed that our minds tend to slow down as they switch from one task to another. Also, according to University of California Professor Gloria Mark, it takes workers about 23 minutes to get back on task once they have already been distracted. Spending time on one task at a time is an effective method, as well as checking off completed tasks. A planner app is a perfect tool for accomplishing this.
  • Reduces stress – studies show that about 88% of workers regularly feel anxiety on Sunday afternoons in regards to what they need to do on Monday morning. Having a planner app to keep all tasks in order can help alleviate that anxiety.

Why use digital planner apps instead of paper planners?

While paper planners still suit certain people until this very day, daily planner apps are becoming the industry standard that most companies and team members stay organized with.

Unlike paper planners, digital planner apps usually include a variety of the following features:

  • Customization: for creating, managing, prioritize, and scheduling tasks efficiently.
  • Automation: automatically set recurring tasks and events, such as morning assignments and meetings.
  • Editing tasks and daily schedules: while making mistakes in paper planners doesn’t fill up space, planner apps allow users to neatly fix and remove mistakes.
  • Integrations: a decent planner app can integrate with other apps, such as video communication apps like Zoom, other calendar apps, and more.

The Bottom Line On Planner App

As you can clearly see, it is so important now more than ever to plan out your day. Knowing what needs to be done, when and where, are the first steps any credible employer needs to take to start on the path to success.

Staying on task and away from distractions is one of the standards that most companies aspire toward. And having a planner app makes sure that all of your scheduling tools, to-do lists and calendars are accessible in one place.

Whether it be task management, shift scheduling or time tracking features, Connecteam is the best planner app to help you keep your work days, weeks and months focused and organized.