Apple Reminders vs Ellie Planner: Comprehensive 2024 Comparison

What is Apple Reminders

Apple Reminders is a to-do and task management app built into iOS devices, known for its simplicity and ease of use. It allows users to create task lists, set reminders, and share lists with other iOS users. Key features include location-based reminders and widgets for home screen organization. While it’s a straightforward and clean app, it’s primarily suited for personal use and may lack advanced features required for more complex task management.

Key Features of Apple Reminders

• Simple Interface: Apple Reminders offers a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to create and manage tasks.
• Location-based Reminders: Users can set reminders that are triggered by their location, such as reminding to buy something when near a specific store.
• Integration with Siri: The app integrates seamlessly with Siri, allowing users to create reminders through voice commands.
• Shared Lists: It allows sharing of lists with other Apple users, facilitating collaborative task management.
• Customizable Lists: Users can customize lists with different colors and icons for easy identification and organization.
• Attachments and Links: The app supports adding attachments like photos and links to reminders, enhancing the detail and utility of tasks.

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.

Apple Reminders vs Ellie Planner: Features

Apple Reminders vs Ellie Planner: Pricing

Apple Reminders Pricing

Apple Reminders is a free application provided as part of Apple’s suite of apps on iOS and macOS devices. It does not have separate pricing plans. Users can access and use Apple Reminders without any additional cost.

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.

Apple Reminders vs Ellie Planner: Reviews

Apple Reminders Review

Apple Reminders is praised for its simplicity, seamless integration with iOS and macOS, and features like location-based reminders. However, it falls short in more complex task management functionalities and lacks the customization and advanced features found in other dedicated task management apps. It is ideal for Apple ecosystem users looking for basic task management, but may not suffice for users with more intricate project management needs.

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 Apple Reminders if

1. You Value Simplicity: Ideal for those who want a straightforward, easy-to-use task manager without complex features.
2. Deep Integration with Apple Ecosystem: Perfect for users who are heavily invested in Apple products and enjoy seamless integration with iOS and macOS.
3. Basic Task Management Needs: If your task management requirements are basic, without the need for advanced features like detailed project tracking or extensive customizations, Apple Reminders could be sufficient.

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 Apple Reminders 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