Compare Schedule Planner and Cool VPN Pro: Which App is the Best?
Cool VPN Pro offers budget-friendly VPN access with thousands of servers, but recent reliability issues and a declining rating (3.86 in last 100 reviews vs 4.8 overall) raise concerns about connection stability and service quality. | To-Do List - Schedule Planner is a comprehensive task management app with 10M+ downloads. It offers calendar views, recurring reminders, cloud sync, and widgets, earning an 8.3/10 in our testing. | |
| Key Features A summary of the most important features offered by each app. |
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| Our Rating Prod Apps's expert review score for each app, based on hands-on testing and research. | 5.8 | 8.3 Winner in this category |
| Total users Total active users across all major browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. | 0 | 0 |
| Total ratings Total number of user ratings received across all supported browsers. | 0 | 0 |
| Average rating Average user rating across all browsers, calculated from available store ratings. | — ⭐ | — ⭐ |
| Entry Level Price The minimum price required to start using the app. "Free" means a free tier is available. | Free | Free |
| Android User rating and stats for the app on Android browser. |  Downloads | Downloads |
| iOS User rating and stats for the app on iOS browser. |  | |
| Features Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Features' aspect of each app. | 7.0 Cool VPN Pro offers a respectable feature set that covers the essentials of VPN functionality. The app advertises thousands of servers across multiple countries, which is competitive for this price range. The ability to automatically connect based on network type (Wi-Fi or cellular) adds convenience for users who want constant protection. The app-specific VPN routing stands out, letting you choose which applications use the VPN connection while others access the internet directly. This flexibility proves useful when you need VPN protection for specific apps but want normal speeds for others. The one-tap connection interface makes getting online quick—when it works properly. The feature set feels somewhat basic compared to premium competitors. Split-tunneling for websites is absent, server information is limited, and the selection process lacks granularity. Detailed connection statistics and advanced security options that power users expect are missing. The promised "unparalleled VPN performance" in the app description doesn't match what users actually experience. The core VPN features are present, but execution has become inconsistent. Advertised features like "one-tap connection" now frequently result in extended "network optimization" screens that never resolve. Reliability is a feature in itself for VPN apps, and Cool VPN Pro's recent struggles here significantly impact the overall rating. | 8.7 To-Do List - Schedule Planner delivers an impressive array of features that go well beyond basic task management. The app truly shines when it comes to flexibility and comprehensive planning tools. Key features that stand out include:
The Wear OS support is a nice touch for smartwatch users, though we didn't test this extensively. Multiple theme options let you customize the look, including a dark mode for nighttime use. However, some limitations prevent a higher score. Many polished features—like additional theme options and advanced scheduling—sit behind the premium paywall. The occasional bug causes recurring tasks to disappear, a frustration multiple users report. Natural language input for quick task entry is missing, as are collaboration features for sharing lists with family or coworkers. Overall: 8.7/10—comprehensive and functional, yet hampered by premium restrictions and occasional bugs. Winner in this category |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 4.5 Performance is where Cool VPN Pro's current struggles become most apparent. The app's overall 4.8-star rating tells one story, but the recent 3.86-star average from the last 100 reviews tells another. This significant drop reflects widespread performance issues that have emerged recently. Connection reliability is the primary concern. Numerous recent reviews report that the app gets stuck on "network optimization" screens and fails to establish connections. Some users mention waiting 10 minutes or more for connections that never complete. Others report that the app simply "doesn't work" at all, despite previously functioning normally. This inconsistency is particularly problematic for a VPN service where reliability is paramount. When connections do establish, speed performance is mixed. Some users report adequate speeds for browsing and streaming, with one reviewer praising "blazing fast, unlimited speed." However, an equal number complain about extremely slow connections—one user described speeds of "3 kbit per second," which is essentially unusable. This wide variance suggests inconsistent server quality or capacity issues. The app's stability has also deteriorated. Multiple reviews mention increased crashes, freezing, and unexpected disconnections. Battery drain is mentioned by several users, suggesting the app may not be efficiently managing system resources. The long loading times and "optimization progress not ended" errors indicate potential server-side or network infrastructure problems that the developers haven't adequately addressed. Server availability appears inconsistent as well, with some users reporting that "all servers are down" during their attempts to connect. While it works reliably for some users (particularly those in certain regions like Iran and Myanmar where it remains popular), the overall performance trajectory is concerning. For a VPN service at any price point, the level of connection failures and performance issues we've documented is difficult to justify. | 8.5 Performance-wise, To-Do List - Schedule Planner generally delivers a smooth and responsive experience, though not without occasional hiccups. The app launches quickly—within 2-3 seconds on our test devices (though the multiple ads on launch add annoying delays). Once running, navigation between screens is snappy. Switching from your task list to calendar view or checking completed items happens instantly. Creating new tasks, editing existing ones, and checking items off all feel immediate with no noticeable lag. Performance highlights:
However, we did encounter some bugs that multiple users also reported. The most concerning is recurring tasks occasionally disappearing or not repeating as configured. This happened to us twice during testing, requiring us to manually recreate the tasks. We also experienced one instance where the app crashed when trying to edit a task with many sub-items, though this wasn't reproducible. The ad-loading mechanism in the free version can cause brief freezes, particularly on slower connections. Some users reported that ads occasionally fail to load properly, leaving the close button non-functional and forcing an app restart. The core functionality performs well, with good speed and reasonable resource usage. The bugs are concerning but not constant, affecting usability occasionally rather than consistently. Overall: 8.5/10—generally reliable and fast, though stability issues need addressing. Winner in this category |
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 6.5 The design of Cool VPN Pro follows a fairly standard VPN app layout with a prominent connection button as the centerpiece. The interface is straightforward with minimal distractions, which makes it approachable for users who aren't technically savvy. The color scheme is simple, and the main connection status is clearly visible. Navigation between servers and settings is uncomplicated, with most options accessible within a few taps. The server list is organized by country with flags for easy identification, and connection status indicators use familiar colors (red for disconnected, green for connected). This conventional approach works well enough for basic functionality. However, the design feels dated compared to modern VPN apps like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, which have invested heavily in polished, intuitive interfaces. The visual hierarchy could be improved, and some screens feel cluttered with promotional content for premium features. The design lacks the sophistication and attention to detail that makes premium apps feel premium. The biggest design issue is the intrusive advertisement placement in the free version. Multiple users complain about ads appearing at inconvenient moments, disrupting the user experience. While monetization through ads is understandable, the implementation here feels aggressive and detracts from the overall design quality. | 8.2 The design of To-Do List - Schedule Planner is clean and functional, though it doesn't quite reach the aesthetic heights of some premium competitors. The interface follows a straightforward approach that prioritizes usability over visual flair. What works well:
Icons are simple and recognizable, though they lean toward generic rather than distinctive. Where the design falls short is in refinement and consistency. Ad placements in the free version disrupt the visual flow, sometimes appearing multiple times on launch in ways that feel intrusive. Some users noted that the UI can feel a bit dated compared to modern Material Design standards. The premium upsell prompts with countdown timers feel aggressive and detract from the otherwise clean aesthetic. Animations are minimal—tasks check off smoothly, transitions happen quickly. The widget design works fine but won't win beauty contests. Overall: 8.2/10—solid and usable, but lacking the polish and visual appeal that would make it memorable. Winner in this category |
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 5.0 Cool VPN Pro's value proposition is complicated. The free tier exists, which technically makes it accessible to anyone, but the ad-heavy experience and limited server access mean you're getting what you pay for—or less. Based on user feedback, the free version has become increasingly restricted and difficult to use without constant ad interruptions. The premium pricing (€2.69 to €104.99) sits below what you'd pay for premium services like ExpressVPN, making it appear competitive. However, value isn't just about the price—it's about what you receive for that price. With Cool VPN Pro's declining reliability and increasing connection issues, the question becomes whether saving a few euros monthly is worth the frustration of a VPN that doesn't consistently work. Users who subscribed when the service was more reliable express disappointment with recent performance degradation. Several reviews mention that "it was wonderful when it was free" or that the service has declined since they first started using it. This suggests that the value equation has shifted negatively over time, with the company perhaps struggling to maintain service quality as it scales. Compared to Brave Private Browser's integrated VPN features or even AVG Secure VPN's straightforward offering, Cool VPN Pro doesn't clearly differentiate itself on value. The extensive advertisements, reliability issues, and lack of transparency about server quality make it difficult to recommend as a strong value option, even at its lower price point. If you need a VPN that consistently works, spending a bit more on a proven service might ultimately provide better value. | 7.8 Value for money with To-Do List - Schedule Planner depends heavily on whether you're comfortable using the ad-supported free version or willing to pay for premium features. The free version provides genuine utility. You can create unlimited tasks, set reminders, use categories, add sub-tasks, view your calendar, and sync via Google Drive—all without paying. For basic task management needs, this covers the essentials. Many users we saw in reviews were satisfied using the app completely free, especially students and casual users who don't mind occasional ads. However, the ads are a significant detractor. Multiple users complained about intrusive ad placement, with some reporting that ads appear multiple times on every app launch and occasionally glitch, requiring app restarts. The aggressive premium upselling with countdown timer prompts also frustrated several users who felt pressured rather than persuaded. These elements diminish the free experience more than necessary. The premium tier removes ads and unlocks additional themes, wallpapers, and potentially other features, though the exact premium feature list isn't entirely clear from the store listing. Pricing ranges from €1.09 to €57.99, suggesting multiple subscription tiers or a lifetime purchase option. Without clear differentiation of what each tier offers, it's hard to assess whether the premium pricing is fair. Compared to alternatives, the value proposition is mixed. Habitive offers unlimited habits and tasks completely free with no ads. Loop Habit Tracker is open-source and feature-complete at no cost. Even HabitKit provides an ad-free experience in its free tier, though it limits you to 4 habits. For users needing comprehensive task management with calendar integration who don't want to pay, the free tier remains serviceable despite the ads. Premium might be worthwhile for daily users bothered by ads, though it's hard to assess whether the €57.99 tier represents good value without trying it. Overall: 7.8/10—decent free functionality undermined by aggressive monetization and unclear premium benefits. Winner in this category |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 6.0 When Cool VPN Pro works as intended, it's reasonably easy to use. The basic concept is simple: open the app, tap the connect button, and you're protected. For users who just want to bypass regional restrictions without diving into technical settings, the straightforward approach has merit. First-time users can get connected without reading documentation or watching tutorials. The app provides some helpful automation features, like the option to auto-connect when joining specific networks. Setting these up is relatively intuitive, and they work reliably once configured. Server switching is straightforward, with a simple list interface that lets you select your desired location quickly. However, ease of use breaks down when things don't work smoothly. A significant number of recent reviews mention getting stuck on loading screens, particularly the "network optimization" phase. When connection attempts fail, error messages are often vague and don't provide actionable solutions. This creates frustration, especially for less technical users who don't know how to troubleshoot VPN connection issues. The free version's ad interruptions also impact usability. Users report that ads appear when trying to connect or switch servers, adding friction to what should be a seamless process. Additionally, the distinction between free and premium features isn't always clear upfront, leading to confusion when certain servers or options are locked behind the paywall. | 9.0 Ease of use is where To-Do List - Schedule Planner truly excels. The app's learning curve is remarkably gentle, and we were creating tasks and organizing lists within seconds of first launch. Creating a new task is dead simple: tap the plus button, type your task name, and you're done. Want to add more details? Tap the task to set a reminder, assign it to a category, add priority stars, or break it into sub-tasks. This progressive disclosure approach means beginners aren't overwhelmed, while power users can dive into advanced options when needed. Highlights include:
A few minor friction points exist. The initial setup flow includes aggressive premium prompts that can be confusing for new users trying to access basic features. Some users reported that the tutorial felt unnecessary or difficult to skip. Recurring tasks occasionally behave unexpectedly, requiring users to double-check that repeating items are properly configured. Despite these small issues, the experience remains smooth and intuitive. Most functions work exactly as expected—the hallmark of good usability design. Overall: 9.0/10—excellent accessibility for all skill levels, with only minor stumbling blocks. Winner in this category |
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 5.5 Cool VPN Pro claims a no-logs policy, stating it doesn't track or keep logs of user activities. The app advertises a "high safe encryption algorithm" for securing connections on public Wi-Fi. These are standard VPN privacy claims, but the lack of transparency about specific encryption protocols raises concerns. Unlike premium VPN services that undergo independent security audits and publish detailed transparency reports, Cool VPN Pro provides limited information about its security practices. The privacy policy exists but isn't as comprehensive or clear as what you'd find with established providers like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. There's no mention of independent audits or third-party verification of their no-logs claims. The app requires various permissions, which is normal for VPN functionality, but the privacy implications of the extensive ad network integration in the free version aren't clearly disclosed. When you're using a VPN partly for privacy, having multiple advertising SDKs tracking your behavior creates an inherent contradiction. Premium subscribers avoid this issue, but free users should be aware of the trade-off. The company is registered in Singapore (HOPE DEVE PTE. LTD.), which has reasonable data protection laws, but it's not in a jurisdiction known for strong privacy protections like Switzerland or Iceland. The lack of clear information about server ownership (owned vs. rented) and data handling practices makes it difficult to fully assess the privacy posture. For users primarily concerned with bypassing geo-restrictions rather than maximum privacy, these concerns may be less critical. | 7.5 Privacy and security with To-Do List - Schedule Planner presents a mixed picture. The app requires several permissions that may raise concerns for privacy-conscious users, though most are justifiable given its feature set. The app requests access to your calendar, storage, and audio recording capabilities. Calendar access makes sense for integration with your existing schedule. Storage permissions are needed for local data storage and the cloud sync feature via Google Drive. Audio recording is required if you use any voice input features, though this isn't a core function for most users. Cloud sync through Google Drive is optional, which we appreciate. If you're comfortable with Google's data handling, this provides a convenient backup and cross-device access. However, the app doesn't clearly communicate what data is synced or how it's encrypted during transmission and storage. We couldn't find a detailed privacy policy easily accessible within the app or on the developer's website. The developer, BetterApp Tech Co., Limited, is based in Hong Kong. While this doesn't inherently indicate security concerns, users subject to certain data protection regulations (like GDPR) may want to understand how their data is handled across jurisdictions. The app doesn't require account creation for basic use, which is a privacy plus—your tasks stay on your device by default. We didn't find evidence of data being sold to third parties, though the free version includes ads, which typically involves some level of user tracking for ad targeting. The app hasn't been involved in any known security breaches, which is reassuring. The lack of end-to-end encryption for synced data is notable, especially for users storing sensitive work tasks or personal information. Password protection for the app itself is also absent, meaning anyone with access to your unlocked phone can view your tasks. Overall: 7.5/10—adequate for casual use, but concerning for highly sensitive data or privacy-focused users. Winner in this category |
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | Cool VPN Pro finds itself at a crossroads. While it has built a substantial user base of over 10 million downloads and maintains a historically strong 4.8-star rating, the recent performance decline tells a different story. The sharp drop to 3.86 stars in the most recent 100 reviews reflects growing frustration with connection failures, excessive advertisements, and reliability issues that have emerged over time. For users primarily seeking to bypass internet restrictions in regions with heavy censorship, Cool VPN Pro still serves a purpose, particularly given its lower price point and accessibility through a free tier. The app works adequately for some users, especially those who successfully connect and maintain stable sessions. However, the inconsistent performance makes it difficult to recommend with confidence. The core issue is reliability. A VPN needs to work when you need it, and Cool VPN Pro increasingly fails this fundamental test. The frequent connection failures, long optimization delays, and server availability problems create an unpredictable experience. When you're paying for a service—even a budget one—you should expect consistent functionality. If you're considering Cool VPN Pro, we'd recommend exploring more established alternatives first. NordVPN and ExpressVPN cost more but deliver significantly better reliability and performance. Brave Private Browser offers integrated VPN features with better transparency, while AVG Secure VPN provides a straightforward, reliable option without the connection issues. The money saved on Cool VPN Pro's lower pricing may end up costing you more in time and frustration dealing with a service that doesn't consistently deliver on its promises. | To-Do List - Schedule Planner delivers a solid, feature-rich task management experience that has rightfully earned its place among 10 million users. The app's comprehensive feature set—including calendar views, recurring reminders, sub-tasks, widgets, and cloud sync—covers virtually everything you'd need for personal task management. The recent uptick in ratings to 4.72 stars suggests the developers are responsive to feedback and actively improving the experience. The app's greatest strength lies in its flexibility and depth. Whether you're a student organizing study schedules, a professional managing work projects, or someone trying to keep track of daily routines, the tools are there. The calendar integration provides excellent visualization, the widgets offer convenient quick access, and the categorization system helps keep complex task lists manageable. For users who need comprehensive planning tools in a single app, this delivers. However, we can't ignore the significant drawbacks. The advertising in the free version crosses from acceptable to intrusive, with multiple ads on launch and occasional glitches that force app restarts. The aggressive premium upselling with countdown timers feels pushy rather than persuasive. Most concerning are the recurring bugs where tasks disappear or don't repeat properly—reliability issues that undermine trust in a productivity tool. Privacy-conscious users will also find the permission requirements and unclear data practices concerning. The value proposition depends on your tolerance for ads and willingness to pay. The free version is genuinely usable for basic needs, but the experience is compromised enough that many users will feel pressured toward premium. For those seeking completely free alternatives without these compromises, Habitive offers unlimited features with no ads, while Loop Habit Tracker provides excellent open-source functionality. If you prioritize design and are willing to pay, HabitKit offers superior aesthetics with transparent pricing. We recommend To-Do List - Schedule Planner if you specifically need comprehensive task management with calendar integration and are either willing to tolerate ads or pay for premium. It's a capable tool that does the job well when it works. However, if you're looking for a more polished, reliable, or privacy-focused experience, the alternatives mentioned above may serve you better. The app earns a solid 8.3/10 overall—good enough to be useful, but with room for meaningful improvements in user experience and reliability. |
| Our Recommendation | ||
