Google Tasks vs Routine: Choosing the Right Productivity Tool for You

What is Google Tasks

Google Tasks, a part of the extensive Google ecosystem, is a straightforward and efficient task management tool known for its simplicity and integration with other Google services. This app is particularly effective for those who are already using Google Workspace, as it seamlessly integrates with Gmail, Google Calendar, and other Google apps. The minimalist design of Google Tasks allows users to quickly add, organize, and track tasks without the complexity of more feature-heavy tools. Its ease of use and accessibility across devices make it a practical choice for individuals looking to manage their to-dos within the familiar Google environment.

Key Features of Google Tasks

• Simple Task Management: Easily create, edit, and manage tasks.
• Google Workspace Integration: Seamlessly works with Gmail and Google Calendar.
• Subtasks: Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
• Due Dates and Reminders: Set due dates and get notifications.
• Customizable Views: Organize tasks by date or priority in different views.
• Drag-and-Drop Functionality: Reorder tasks as needed with a simple drag-and-drop.

What is Routine

Routine is a productivity tool that sets itself apart with its all-in-one approach, combining elements of task management, note-taking, and calendar integration into a single platform. Designed to cater to the needs of busy professionals and individuals seeking to streamline their organizational process, Routine offers a comprehensive solution for managing daily tasks, appointments, and notes. Its unique selling point is the integration of these features within an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easier for users to track their to-dos, schedule their days, and store important information in one place. This level of integration is particularly useful for those who prefer a unified system to manage various aspects of their work and personal life.

Key Features of Routine

• Timeline Agenda: Offers a detailed view of the day’s plan with timestamps, including meeting and event reminders, with options to time-block tasks.
• Week Calendar: Provides a 5-day, week, and month view for task planning, integrating seamlessly with Google Calendar.
• Console Capture: A desktop feature for capturing events, notes, and tasks outside the application, ideal for GTD enthusiasts.
• Centralized Workspace: Combines tasks, notes, and calendar in one space.
• Organization: Utilizes categories and tags for better event and task management.
• Daily Plan: Helps in crafting focused daily tasks and important events.

Google Tasks vs Routine: Features

Features	Google Tasks	Routine
Integrations	Integrates seamlessly with Google services like Gmail and Google Calendar	Syncs with multiple calendar services and task managers like Todoist and Google Tasks.
Calendar	Not Inbuilt	Google Calendar, Notion, Slack, Zapier, Siri, Gmail
Platforms	Available on web, Android, and iOS.	macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Web
Task Management	Simple task management with features like creating lists, setting due dates, and making subtasks..	No
Natural Language Processing	No	Offers task creation with date assignment via drag-and-drop
Time Blocking	No	Available
Analytics	No	No
Meeting Scheduler	No	No
Time Zones	Not specifically mentioned	Yes
Reminders	Yes	Yes
Customer Support	Average	Average
1:1 User Onboarding	No	No
Pricing	Free	$12 per month, annually.

Google Tasks vs Routine: Pricing

Google Tasks Pricing

Google Tasks is free to use.

Routine Pricing

(i) Free Version: Available for students and hobbyists, though with limited features.

(ii) Professional Plan: Priced at $12 per month.

(iii) Business Plan: Costs $15 per user per month.

(iv) Believer Plan: Priced at $10 monthly or $8 per month for an annual commitment, totaling around $96 annually

Google Tasks vs Routine: Reviews

Google Tasks Review

Google Tasks is a user-friendly task management app designed for simplicity and integration within the Google ecosystem. It allows users to create tasks with due dates, notes, and subtasks, and offers features like syncing across devices, reminders based on time or location, and easy task organization through drag-and-drop. The app integrates well with other Google tools like Calendar and Gmail, enhancing productivity. While not as feature-rich as some alternatives, it’s a solid choice for those seeking a basic, free task management solution, especially for users already using Google services.

Routine Review

Routine stands out for its exceptional design, skillfully combining elements of daily planning, note-taking, and journaling into a user-friendly interface. The application’s free version is especially popular among students and individuals using it for personal or hobbyist projects, making it a preferred choice in these communities. Additionally, Routine’s smart planning and scheduling capabilities are highly valued by users who favor an automated, intelligent approach to organizing their tasks and appointments. However, a significant limitation of Routine, particularly in its free version, is the constrained number of integrations it offers. This restriction is frequently mentioned by users as a downside, as it may limit the app’s effectiveness in more integrated digital workflows.

Which One Should You Pick

Consider Google Tasks if

1. You Value Simplicity: Google Tasks is suitable for those who need a straightforward task management tool, but it may be too basic for users requiring advanced features.
2. You’re Integrated into the Google Ecosystem: It works well if you already use Google’s services, though its integration capabilities are limited compared to more comprehensive tools.
3. You Prefer Free Tools: While it’s a cost-effective, free option, some users might miss the more sophisticated functionalities found in paid apps.

Consider Routine if

1. You Want a Balance Between Calendar and Task Management: Routine offers a mix of these features, but it might not be as comprehensive as some specialized apps in either category.
2. You Like Quick Task and Note Capturing: The app has convenient features for this, though it’s not a full-fledged note-taking application
   
3. You’re Looking for a Personal Planner: Routine is more suited to personal use and less technical users, but it might not meet all the needs of power users or large teams.

Best Google Tasks and Routine Alternatives

1. 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

2. Motion: Motion uses AI to automatically plan your day, considering tasks, meetings, and personal time. Motion offers features like smart rescheduling and priority-based task management, aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing stress.

• Motion Price: $19 per month, annually.

3. 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