Any.do vs Ellie Planner: Comprehensive 2024 Comparison

What is Any.do

Any.do is a to-do list app that integrates a calendar and to-do list, ideal for managing tasks and calendar events in one place. It’s user-friendly, designed for checklist management, task organization, and calendar integration. Any.do also experiments with AI features. The app is available on multiple platforms including Web, iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows. It’s recommended for those seeking an easy-to-use tool for task management, and it’s suitable for beginners.

Key Features of Any.do

• Task Management: Any.do excels in organizing tasks. It allows users to create, categorize, and prioritize tasks, making it easy to keep track of what needs to be done. Its intuitive interface simplifies task management, even for complex projects.
• Calendar Integration: The app seamlessly integrates with calendars, providing a unified view of tasks and events. This feature is essential for planning and ensures users don’t miss important deadlines or appointments.
• Cross-Platform Accessibility: Any.do is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, web, and desktop. This makes it highly accessible and ensures that users can manage their tasks and calendars from any device.
• Voice Entry and AI Features: The app supports voice entry, allowing users to add tasks hands-free. Additionally, it is experimenting with AI features to enhance user experience and task management efficiency.
• Customizable Reminders: Users can set up customizable reminders for tasks. This feature helps in ensuring that important tasks are not forgotten and aids in effective time management.
• Collaboration Tools: Any.do includes features for sharing tasks and lists with others, making it a good tool for collaborative projects. This functionality is beneficial for teams and individuals who work in collaborative environments.

What is Ellie Planner

Ellie Planner is a daily planning application designed to help users organize their week through features like calendar integration, task management, and time-blocking techniques. It includes a brain dump area for capturing thoughts and tasks, and it supports integrations with major calendars and productivity apps such as Google Calendar, Outlook, and Todoist. Aimed at simplifying planning processes, Ellie Planner offers both a free plan and a premium subscription.

Key Features of Ellie Planner

• Calendar Integration: Ellie Planner syncs with major calendar services like Google Calendar and Outlook, allowing users to see their appointments and tasks in one unified view. This feature ensures that all commitments are aligned and easily accessible.
• Task Management: Users can create, assign, and track tasks within the planner. This helps in maintaining clarity on deliverables and deadlines, enhancing productivity and accountability.
• Time Blocking: The planner supports time-blocking techniques, encouraging users to allocate specific blocks of time for tasks, which helps in managing daily workloads more efficiently and reducing the likelihood of overcommitment.
• Customizable Views: Ellie Planner offers customizable views, enabling users to tailor the interface according to their personal productivity styles. This can include adjusting the layout of tasks, events, and notes to best suit one’s workflow.
• Brain Dump Feature: A dedicated space for “brain dumping” allows users to jot down ideas and tasks as they come, which can later be organized into actionable items. This feature helps in capturing all thoughts without disrupting workflow.
• Mobile Accessibility: The planner is accessible via a mobile app, providing the flexibility to manage schedules and tasks on the go. This ensures that users can stay updated with their plans irrespective of their location.

Any.do vs Ellie Planner: Features

Features	Any.do	Ellie Planner
Integrations	WhatsApp, Zapier, Gmail, Slack, Siri & Apple Reminders, and Smart Watch	Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, Zapier, Slack, Todoist, Microsoft Outlook
Calendar	Yes	Yes
Platforms	macOS, iOS, Android, Web, Windows	macOS, iOS, Android, Web, Windows
Task Management	Creating tasks, setting due dates, adding reminders, organizing tasks into lists, attaching files, and sharing tasks with others	Offers labels, tags, and recurring tasks
Natural Language Processing	Yes	No
Time Blocking	No	Yes
Analytics	No	No
Meeting Scheduler	No	No
Time Zones	Yes	No
Reminders	Yes	Yes
Customer Support	Average	Good
1:1 User Onboarding	No	No
Pricing	Free version for basic task management and a Premium version at $36 per year	Ellie offers a Free Plan and a Pro Plan for $9.99/month or $299.99 one-time. Pro features include timeboxing, calendar integration, and more.

Any.do vs Ellie Planner: Pricing

Any.do Pricing

Any.do offers a free version and two paid versions: Premium and Teams.

(i) The free version allows basic task organization and syncing across devices but lacks third-party app integrations.

(ii) The Premium version, priced at $36 per year, includes features like recurring tasks, location and WhatsApp reminders, task color-tagging, and integration with over 5,000 third-party apps.

(iii) The Teams plan, at $60 per year, adds unlimited boards and team members, collaborative workspace, kanban boards, and advanced admin tools.

A 48-hour money-back guarantee is available for paid plans.

Ellie Planner Pricing

Ellie Planner offers two main pricing options:

(i) Free Plan: Includes unlimited task creation, accessible via iOS and Web apps, and a feature called “Braindump”.

(ii) Ellie Pro Plan: Available for $9.99 per month or a one-time purchase of $299.99. It includes all the features of the free plan plus timeboxing, integration with Google and Apple Calendars, unlimited labels & subtasks, recurring tasks, due dates, and more.

Any.do vs Ellie Planner: Reviews

Any.do Review

Any.do is praised for its intuitive interface and flexibility in managing tasks and to-do lists, making it a popular choice for personal and professional use. Its integration capabilities with other platforms and tools enhance its functionality. However, some users find its features limited compared to more robust project management tools. Additionally, the premium version might be necessary for accessing all features, which could be a consideration for those on a budget.

Ellie Planner Review

Ellie Planner is praised for its simplicity and effectiveness in daily planning, offering features like calendar and task views, brain dump for capturing thoughts, and integration with other apps like Google Calendar and Todoist. Users appreciate its clean interface and focus on time-blocking techniques to improve productivity. However, some drawbacks include its higher price point compared to alternatives like Todoist, and a relatively lighter set of features which may not suit those seeking more robust functionality. The app is primarily developed by a solo developer, which adds a personal touch but might affect the pace of feature updates and support. Overall, Ellie Planner is a commendable tool for those seeking a straightforward daily planner with essential features.

Which One Should You Pick

Consider Any.do if

1. You Seek a Simple Task Manager: Any.do is suitable for those who need a straightforward, easy-to-use task management tool without overly complex features.
2. Integration with Daily Tools is Key: If integrating with everyday applications like calendars and email is crucial for your workflow, Any.do’s basic integration capabilities can be beneficial.
3. You Value Cross-Platform Accessibility: Ideal for users who require a task manager accessible across various devices, although some may find its synchronization less robust compared to more advanced tools.

Consider Ellie Planner if

1. You Appreciate Simplicity in Planning: Ellie Planner could be a good match if you prefer a straightforward, no-frills daily planner with essential features like calendar views and task lists. It might lack the depth of features found in more comprehensive tools.
2. You Use Basic Integration: If you need basic integrations with tools like Google Calendar or Todoist, Ellie Planner offers this functionality, though its integration options are not as extensive as some other planners.
3. You Enjoy Personalized Support: Since Ellie Planner is developed by a solo developer, you might appreciate the personal touch in customer support, although this could also mean slower updates and enhancements compared to bigger competitors.

Best Any.do and Ellie Planner Alternative

Akiflow: Akiflow is a time management app offering time blocking, task scheduling, and integrations with various tools. It focuses on productivity and organization through a unified task and appointment interface.

Akiflow Price: $19 per month, paid annually