With the multitude of digital planning applications currently available, it can be challenging to identify the one that best suits your personal requirements or organizational needs. It is imperative to evaluate factors such as functionality, cost, customization options, collaboration capabilities, and user feedback before making an informed decision. This blog post delves into the top 5 best digital planner apps to help simplify your selection process.

What is a digital planner? Should you use an electronic planner?

A digital planner is a type of software that helps individuals or organizations plan and manage tasks, schedules, and projects electronically. This tool is designed to streamline the planning process and make it more efficient and organized. A digital organizer typically provides features such as task management, calendars, time tracking, and collaboration tools to help users stay on top of their schedule and accomplish their goals.

Whether you should use an electronic planner depends on your personal or organizational needs. If you have a lot of tasks, appointments, and projects to keep track of, a digital planner can be very helpful in organizing and streamlining your schedule. Additionally, if you often need to collaborate with others, or if you are looking for a more efficient and convenient way to manage your time, a digital planner may be the right choice for you. 

However, if you prefer a more traditional approach to planning, or if you don't have a lot of scheduling demands, you may not need a digital planner.

Digital Planners Without Time Tracking Features

While many daily planners offer time tracking features, they often present a steep learning curve. If you have found a digital planner that meets your needs, but lacks time tracking capabilities, Atto may be the solution for you. Atto enables you to allocate time slots for tasks based on their average completion time, maximizing efficiency and ensuring seamless operations for your business.

What’s the best digital organizer? 5 best digital planners for 2023

With the many new advancements in digital planning apps, it is crucial to evaluate each one and their features to make an informed decision on which tool aligns best with your company's needs..

Week Plan 

Week Plan is a digital organization tool that offers a range of capabilities to enhance your productivity and efficiency. It prioritizes your tasks, allowing you to manage your time effectively, and sets objectives, enabling you to track performance using key results and make necessary adjustments to your task list along the way.

Top Features

• Pomodoro Timer: Week Plan features a time-tracking system with integrated Pomodoro Timer, promoting 25 min focused work and 5 min break cycles, with productive time logged on tasks.

• Quadrant View: Quadrant View, inspired by the "7 habits of highly effective people," categorizes tasks into four categories: high priority, schedule later, delegate, or delete. A useful tool for prioritizing workload.

• Workspaces: Week Plan enables users to create separate workspaces for each collaboration group, facilitating teamwork and project collaboration while maintaining information security.

Pros

• User-friendly

• Affordable

• Scalable

• Comprehensive range of features

• Easy to learn

• Task prioritization

• Goal tracking

• Pomodoro Timer integrated

Cons

• Limited Pricing Plans

Pricing Info

• Monthly: $10.83 per month

• Yearly: $104 per year

Todoist

Todoist is a widely used digital planner for organizing both personal and professional life. It provides a convenient platform for transferring tasks from your mind to a centralized location, accessible from anywhere and on any device. With Todoist, you can keep track of your tasks and stay organized, no matter where you are.

Top Features

• Timeline View: Todoist offers customized task views with four key components: Boards, Labels, Filters, and Themes, optimizing your organizational timeline.

• Task Management: Todoist empowers you to track daily and weekly objectives, monitoring your productivity trends. The list of completed tasks displays the progress of a project, showcasing how daily actions contribute to the achievement of the overall goal.

• Task Prioritization: Todoist prioritizes and displays essential tasks at the appropriate time, allowing you to prioritize and focus on the most critical tasks of the day. Priority levels emphasize the importance of tasks, and favorites enable quick access to crucial projects, labels, or filters.

Pros

• Free plan available

• Flexible

• Available on web, desktop, and mobile

• Numerous integration options

Cons

• Steep learning curve

• No in-depth calendar view

Pricing Info

• Free Plan

• Power Users: $3 per month (annual billing) or $4 per month (monthly billing)

• Teams: $5 per user per month (annual billing) or $6 per user per month (monthly billing)

Asana

Asana helps teams organize work, from daily tasks to long-term initiatives, enabling teams to work more efficiently, move quickly, and achieve more with fewer resources, regardless of location or departmental size. Asana is currently ranked 4th on our list of top digital planners.

Top Features

• Timeline: Asana's timeline feature allows users to create project plans, monitor progress and meet deadlines, and identify task and deadline relationships to resolve dependency conflicts beforehand.

• Workflow Builder: Workflow Builder is a visual tool that streamlines team collaboration, work organization, and project management into one centralized platform, resulting in more efficient processes. It also standardizes intake and automates tasks.

• Reporting: The reporting feature provides real-time data visualization and aids in quickly resolving issues, offering visibility into team work and facilitating informed decision making.

Pros

• Free plan available

• Compatible with desktop and mobile

• Wide range of integration options

• Excellent customer service

Cons

• May not be suitable for smaller teams

• No recurring task feature

• Limited storage space

Pricing Info

• Basic Plan: Available for free, with limited features

• Premium Plan: $10.99/user/month (annual billing), $13.49/user/month (monthly billing)

• Business Plan: $24.99/user/month (annual billing), $30.49/user/month (monthly billing)

• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing, contact for details.

Trello

Trello offers a fun and flexible way for teams to collaborate on projects and develop a shared understanding. The platform enhances teamwork with its shareable boards and transparent communication, and users can add personal touches with custom backgrounds, emoji reactions, and stickers.

Top Features

• Kanban Board: Trello's kanban board streamlines project planning from concept to completion. Easily track progress and celebrate each accomplishment in real-time. Experience powerful, yet enjoyable, day-to-day task planning.

• Activity Dashboard: The dashboard offers an overview of projects and processes, allowing for effective workload management and bottleneck prevention. Monitor important metrics like due dates, assigned tasks, and tasks per list to maintain stakeholder alignment and confidence.

• Calendar Management: With a calendar, you can see your work schedule clearly and plan effectively, whether it's for a quarterly editorial calendar or daily to-dos. Achieve a balanced work-life by syncing with external calendars, such as Google Calendar, to display important meetings and deadlines.

Pros

• Free plan available

• Easy drag and drop functionality

• Supports multiple project management

• Real-time updates provided

• Automation enabled

Cons

• No Linux support

• Limited security features

• Unsatisfactory notification system

Pricing Info

• Free plan available

• Standard: $5/user/month (annual billing), $6/user/month (monthly billing)

• Premium: $10/user/month (annual billing), $12.50/user/month (monthly billing)

• Enterprise: $17.50/user/month (annual billing)

ClickUp

ClickUp is an all-in-one digital planner that offers more than just task management. With features such as smart reminders, goal planning, a calendar, and an inbox, ClickUp provides a comprehensive solution for teams to plan, organize, and collaborate. Customizable to fit any team's needs, ClickUp is a versatile and valuable digital planning tool worth considering.

Top Features

• Prioritize Tasks: In ClickUp, you can prioritize tasks with four flags: Urgent, High, Normal, or Low, to ensure team understanding. Sort tasks by priority and time estimate to view most critical ones.

• Recurring Tasks: Task scheduling in ClickUp can be done with any frequency (daily, bi-weekly) or upon status change. Recurrences can be set quickly using calendar dates or specific days/dates/times. 

• Time Tracking: ClickUp's time tracking feature enables tracking from PC, mobile and web browser (with free Chrome extension), and linking to tasks easily. The global timer facilitates starting/stopping time and switching between tasks from any device.

Pros

• Free plan available

• User-friendly

• No complicated setup

• Simple drag and drop functionality

• Two-factor authentication available

• Option for external invites

• Built-in time tracking feature

Cons

• Poor customer support

• Unsatisfactory mobile app experience

Pricing Info

• Free Plan

• Unlimited: $5 per member/month

• Business: $12 per member/month

• Business Plus: $19 per member/month

• Enterprise: Contact for pricing details

How to find the right electronic calendar planner for your business?

Finding the right electronic calendar planner for your business is important for staying organized and efficient. Consider your specific needs and goals, look for features like task management, team collaboration, and integration with other tools you use. Try a few options with free trials and get input from team members to determine the best fit for your business.

Consider required features 

Consider required features: Identify the key features you need in an electronic calendar planner, such as task management, scheduling, appointment setting, and reminders. Consider your unique requirements and the tasks you will be using the planner for.

Verify compatibility with existing tools and systems

Check if the planner integrates with other tools and systems you are already using, such as email, project management, and CRM software.

Evaluate pricing and cost

Look into the pricing structure of the planner, including any recurring subscription costs and any add-ons or extra features that come with additional costs. Consider if the cost is within your budget and if it is a good value for money.

Customization options

Evaluate if the planner allows for customization of layout, themes, and branding, and if it can be tailored to fit your organization's specific needs.

Check for collaboration capabilities

Determine if the planner allows for collaboration among team members and if it supports real-time updates, shared calendars, and appointment scheduling.

Read user reviews and feedback

Research user reviews and feedback from others who have used the planner to gain insights into its functionality and effectiveness.

Availability of customer support

Check if the planner offers customer support, including phone, email, or chat support, and if it provides adequate assistance in case of any technical issues.

Determine the level of security and data protection offered

Consider the level of security and data protection offered by the planner, including encryption and data backup, and if it meets your organization's security requirements.

Check availability on multiple platforms and devices 

Determine if the planner is available on multiple platforms, such as desktop, mobile, and web, and if it is accessible on multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

What is the best digital planner for iPad Pro?

When searching for digital planners for iPad Pro, it is crucial to assess all available options that can be downloaded onto this device. Utilize the comparison chart below to evaluate which app aligns most closely with the requirements of your organization, helping you decide what the best digital planner for iPad is.

What are the best digital planners for iPhone?

When searching for the most appropriate digital planner for the iPhone, it is essential to examine the apps that are compatible with iOS. To aid in your search, it is advisable to consider the features of various digital planners and compare them to determine which one is best suited to meet your needs. 

What is the best digital planner for Android?

When seeking a digital planner that is compatible with your Android device, it is helpful to evaluate the features offered by various options. To facilitate this process, a comparison chart that highlights the features of different apps is provided below. 

By carefully considering these features, you will be able to determine the best digital planner for Android devices that aligns with your individual needs.

What are the best free digital planners?

If you are searching for a free digital planner, it is advisable to examine the options listed below as the best free digital planners and compare their features. This process will enable you to find a free digital planner that effectively meets your requirements and helps you stay organized and efficient.

Final points on the best online planners

Finding a suitable digital planner app is of utmost importance in today's fast-paced and technology-driven world. By considering your specific needs and goals, evaluating the features of different options, and getting input from others, you can determine the best online planner for you. Investing time and effort in finding the right digital planner app can pay off in the long run by enabling you to stay on top of your responsibilities and achieve your goals with ease.

FAQs related to digital calendar planners

Are digital planners worth it?

It depends on personal preference and individual needs. A digital calendar planner offers convenience, accessibility, and often comes with added features like reminders, calendars, and task lists. 

However, some people may prefer the feel of a physical planner and the ability to write and make notes by hand. 

Consider your own habits and what will best support your organization and productivity goals.

What is the best digital planner for GoodNotes?

The Paperlike Digital Planner is widely considered to be the best digital planner for GoodNotes. It offers a wealth of options and versatility, providing various formats and templates, as well as a robust suite of tools to help you manage your day. 

With the ability to schedule your tasks, create comprehensive to-do lists, prioritize your tasks, and take notes, the Paperlike Digital Planner is a highly effective tool for keeping your life organized and on track.

Is there a digital planner that syncs with Google Calendar?

Yes, Planner Pro is a digital planner app that syncs with Google Calendar.

Is there a digital planner that syncs with Apple calendar?

Yes, there are digital planners that sync with Apple Calendar, such as GoodNotes and Notability.

What was the best digital planner in 2022?

The best digital planner 2022 is subjective and varied based on individual needs and preferences. Some popular options were GoodNotes, Notability and Planner Pro, all of which received positive reviews for their features, user-friendliness, and syncing capabilities.

Can I make a digital planner?

Yes, you can make a digital planner. There are various tools and software available for creating a digital planner, such as Microsoft OneNote, Google Docs, Trello, and Evernote. You can also find templates and resources online to help you get started. 

Additionally, some platforms, like Canva, offer templates for designing your own digital planner from scratch. The level of customization and ease of use will vary depending on the tool you choose.