Quick Summary
Google Tasks Strengths
- 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.
Ellie Planner Strengths
- 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.
Google Tasks Screenshot
Ellie Planner Screenshot
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Google Tasks | Ellie Planner |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Available on web, Android, and iOS. | macOS, iOS, Android, Web, Windows |
| Integrations | Integrates seamlessly with Google services like Gmail and Google Calendar | Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, Zapier, Slack, Todoist, Microsoft Outlook |
| Calendar | Not Inbuilt | Yes |
| Task Management | Simple task management with features like creating lists, setting due dates, and making subtasks.. | Offers labels, tags, and recurring tasks |
| Natural Language Processing | No | No |
| Analytics | No | No |
| Time Blocking | No | Yes |
| Time Zones | Not specifically mentioned | No |
| Scheduler | No | No |
| Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing | Free | 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. |
| Customer Support | Average | Good |
Video Overview
Google Tasks Video
Ellie Planner Video
Google Tasks Overview
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.
Pricing Details
Google Tasks is free to use.
Ellie Planner Overview
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.
Pricing Details
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.
Google Tasks Key Features
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.
Ellie Planner Key Features
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.
Conclusion: Which Tool Should You Choose?
Both Google Tasks and Ellie Planner offer unique features and benefits for productivity and workflow management. The best choice depends on your specific needs, team size, and workflow preferences.
Choose Google Tasks if:
- 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.
Choose Ellie Planner if:
- 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.