Comparison 7 minutes read

Structured vs Ellie Planner: Comprehensive 2024 Comparison

What is Structured

Structured is a web-based daily planner application designed to enhance productivity and task management. It offers features like customizable task management, time tracking, goal setting, and progress tracking. The app is accessible across multiple platforms and integrates with other productivity tools. It’s suitable for individuals and teams aiming to efficiently manage tasks and projects. Structured’s user-friendly interface and cross-platform compatibility make it a comprehensive solution for daily and weekly planning.

Key Features of Structured

  • Customizable Task Management: Structured allows users to tailor their task management experience. Users can set priorities, deadlines, and categorize tasks, enhancing organization and focus.
  • Time Tracking: This feature helps users monitor how much time they spend on each task. It’s useful for productivity analysis and time management.
  • Goal Setting: Users can set short-term and long-term goals, making it easier to track progress and stay motivated.
  • Progress Tracking: Structured provides visual tools for tracking task and project progress, offering insights into productivity and areas for improvement.
  • Cross-Platform Accessibility: The app is accessible across various devices, ensuring seamless task management and planning regardless of the user’s location or device.
  • Integration with Other Tools: Structured integrates with other productivity tools, streamlining workflows and enhancing overall efficiency

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.

Structured vs Ellie Planner: Features

FeaturesStructuredEllie Planner
IntegrationsApple Calendar, Google Calendar, Outlook, Microsoft Exchange, Yahoo Calendar, and AOL CalendarApple Calendar, Google Calendar, Zapier, Slack, Todoist, Microsoft Outlook
CalendarYesYes
PlatformsmacOS, iOS, AndroidmacOS, iOS, Android, Web, Windows
Task ManagementTask editing and creation, labels, tags, progress, prioriy and recurring tasksOffers labels, tags, and recurring tasks
Natural Language ProcessingNoNo
Time BlockingYesYes
AnalyticsNoNo
Meeting SchedulerNoNo
Time ZonesNoNo
RemindersYesYes
Customer SupportAverageGood
1:1 User OnboardingNoNo
PricingA monthly subscription for $2.99, a yearly subscription for $9.99, and a lifetime subscription for $29.99, each providing full access to the app’s features.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.

Structured vs Ellie Planner: Pricing

Structured Pricing

Structured offers three pricing plans:

(i) Monthly Subscription: $2.99

(ii) Yearly Subscription: $9.99

(iii) Lifetime Subscription: $29.99

All these subscriptions provide access to the same features and unlimited use of the app, the free version of Structured allows basic planning and organization, but upgrading to one of these plans unlocks additional features

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.

Structured vs Ellie Planner: Reviews

Structured Review

Structured is a user-friendly daily planner app praised for its ability to integrate tasks with calendar entries, offering a streamlined approach to time management. Its simple interface and visual timeline are particularly appreciated, making it easy to organize and view daily activities. However, some users might find its features limited compared to more comprehensive productivity tools. Additionally, the absence of certain functionalities like natural language processing and advanced task analytics may be a drawback for users seeking more sophisticated planning capabilities.

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 Structured if

  1. You Want a Visual Daily Planner: Structured is a good choice for those who prefer a visual representation of their tasks and calendar events, offering a clear, timeline-based view of daily activities.
  2. You Need Basic Task Management: If your requirements are centered around basic task organization without the need for advanced analytics or extensive features, Structured meets these needs effectively.
  3. You Prefer a Simplistic Interface: For users seeking an app with a straightforward, user-friendly interface, Structured’s minimalist design can be appealing, though it might lack the complexity desired by power users.

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 Structured 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

Try Akiflow now for a 10x productivity boost

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