Any.do vs Fantastical: Which Tool Is Better?

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 Fantastical

Fantastical is a renowned calendar application that has earned a strong reputation among Apple device users for its innovative features and user-friendly design. Known for its natural language processing capabilities and aesthetic interface, Fantastical offers a blend of traditional and advanced functionalities, making it a popular choice for those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.

This app not only excels in calendar management but also integrates several smart features to enhance the overall experience of planning and scheduling. Here’s a detailed look at the features that define Fantastical and its place in the realm of productivity tools.

Key Features of Fantastical

• Multilingual Support: Accessible in multiple languages for a wide range of users.
• Flexible Viewing Options: Offers daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly views for different scheduling needs.
• Attractive Interface: Known for its visually engaging design.
• Natural Language Input: Create events and reminders easily using everyday language.
• Calendar Syncing: Supports iCloud, Google Calendar, Exchange, and more for seamless integration.
• Reminders and Task Management: Integrates Apple’s Reminders for efficient event and task handling in one app.

Any.do vs Fantastical: Features

Features	Any.do	Fantastical
Integrations	WhatsApp, Zapier, Gmail, Slack, Siri & Apple Reminders, and Smart Watch	Syncs with multiple calendar services and task managers like Todoist and Google Tasks.
Calendar	Yes	Offers customizable views and “Calendar Sets” for managing different groups of calendars.
Platforms	macOS, iOS, Android, Web, Windows	iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch
Task Management	Creating tasks, setting due dates, adding reminders, organizing tasks into lists, attaching files, and sharing tasks with others	Integrates with task managers to display tasks within the calendar.
Natural Language Processing	Yes	Yes
Time Blocking	No	Available
Analytics	No	No
Meeting Scheduler	No	Yes
Time Zones	Yes	Yes
Reminders	Yes	Yes
Customer Support	Average	Average
1:1 User Onboarding	No	No
Pricing	Free version for basic task management and a Premium version at $36 per year	$4.75 per month, paid annually

Any.do vs Fantastical: 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.

Fantastical Pricing

Fantastical offers both a free plan with basic features and a premium plan with additional capabilities. The pricing for the premium plan varies depending on the number of users:

(i) Individual Premium Plan: $4.75 per month when billed annually. This plan includes features like home screen widgets, notifications, multiple time zone scheduling, customizable templates, and Apple Watch support.

(ii) Family Premium Plan: $7.50 per month for 5 users when billed annually. This plan offers the same features as the Individual plan but accommodates multiple users, making it suitable for family or small team usage.

Any.do vs Fantastical: 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.

Fantastical Review

Fantastical is appreciated for its user-friendly experience and robust features, including effective task and time-blocking capabilities, and natural language input for event addition. However, its premium version is required for full functionality, and it may not be as rapidly evolving as some AI-integrated calendar apps. Moreover, its focus on the Apple ecosystem limits its cross-platform utility. Despite these drawbacks, Fantastical remains a solid choice for Apple users seeking a reliable and well-designed calendar app.

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 Fantastical if

1. You Want an Intuitive Calendar Interface: Choose Fantastical if you’re seeking an easy-to-use calendar app that works seamlessly across various Apple devices.
2. You Need Light Task Management: If you require basic task management integrated with your calendar, Fantastical’s ability to combine tasks with time-blocking features might suit your needs.
3. You Prefer Natural Language Inputs: Fantastical is ideal for those who appreciate the convenience of adding events using natural language, making scheduling faster and more intuitive.

Best Any.do and Fantastical Alternatives

• 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
• Todoist: Todoist is a task management tool. It enables users to manage tasks, set priorities, and track deadlines across various devices. Its features include task categorization, reminders, and project collaboration, making it suitable for both personal and team productivity.
  Todoist Price: Premium at $4 per month, paid annually
• Microsoft To Do: Microsoft To Do is a task management app integrated with Office 365. It helps organize daily tasks, set reminders, and sync across devices. Ideal for both personal and professional use, it promotes productivity with features like shared lists and task prioritization. This app is especially beneficial for users within the Microsoft ecosystem.
  Microsoft To Do Price: Free