Compare Schedule Planner and PaperSpan: Which App is the Best?

A reliable read-it-later app with clean formatting and offline reading. Great for organizing articles by category, though the interface feels dated.
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
  • Clean Reading Experience – Articles displayed in distraction-free format
  • Offline Reading – Access saved articles without internet connection
  • Audio Playback – Listen to articles with text-to-speech feature
  • Smart Organization – Auto-categorization and folder management
  • Cross-Platform Sync – Save from desktop, read on mobile devices
  • Kindle Integration – Send articles directly to Kindle devices
  • Multiple Task Lists with Categories – Create unlimited to-do lists and organize them with custom categories, priorities, and star markers for important tasks
  • Smart Reminders with Repeat Options – Set one-time or recurring task reminders with alarm notifications to never miss important deadlines
  • Calendar View for Planning – View all your tasks in a calendar perspective to see daily, weekly, and monthly schedules at a glance
  • Sub-Tasks and Checklists – Break down complex tasks into manageable sub-tasks and track completion with built-in checklists
  • Desktop Widgets – Add to-do list widgets to your home screen for quick access and one-tap task completion without opening the app
  • Cloud Sync and Backup – Sync tasks across devices via Google Drive and access your to-do lists on different devices seamlessly
  • Customizable Themes – Choose from multiple theme colors and dark mode support for comfortable viewing in any lighting condition
  • Wear OS Support – Check and manage your to-do lists directly from your smartwatch for ultimate convenience
Our Rating
7.2
8.3
Total users
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Total ratings
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Average rating
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Entry Level PriceFreeFree
Android
Google Play Store
Downloads
Google Play Store
Downloads
iOS
Apple App Store
Apple App Store
Features
7.3

PaperSpan is pretty good at the basic stuff. It takes messy web articles and makes them actually readable, which is honestly the main thing you want from an app like this. No ads, no random pop-ups, just clean text that's easy on the eyes.

  • Saving Articles: Click one button and it's saved. The app even sorts them into categories automatically, which actually works most of the time.
  • Clean Reading: Articles look way better in the app than on the original websites. No clutter, just the content.
  • Offline Reading: Download stuff to read on the subway or plane. Really handy when your internet is spotty.
  • Listen to Articles: The text-to-speech thing is useful if you want to "read" while doing dishes or whatever.
  • Works Everywhere: Save on your computer, read on your phone. It syncs pretty well most of the time.
  • Kindle Thing: You can send articles to your Kindle, which is nice if you prefer reading on e-ink.

The annoying part is that sometimes the text gets cut off halfway through an article, so you have to switch to the web view to finish reading. Also, the search could be better. It's a solid app for basic use, but if you want fancy features, you might be disappointed. We'd give it 7.3 out of 10.

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:

  • Calendar View: Provides an excellent overview of tasks across days, weeks, and months—far more intuitive than scrolling through endless lists
  • Recurring Reminders: Tasks can repeat daily, weekly, or on custom schedules, perfect for routine activities
  • Sub-Tasks: Break down complex projects into manageable steps (e.g., "Plan vacation" becomes booking flights, reserving hotels, creating itinerary)
  • Category & Priority System: Star markers and categories keep important tasks visible
  • Widget Support: Check off tasks directly from your home screen without opening the app
  • Cloud Sync: Google Drive integration keeps tasks synchronized across multiple devices

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.

Performance
6.9

Performance is PaperSpan's biggest weakness. When everything works correctly, the app is fast and responsive. Article saving is quick, reading is smooth, and offline functionality is excellent. The problem is consistency—too many things go wrong too often.

The most common issues we encountered include sync problems between devices, network connectivity failures during signup, and the frustrating text view cutoff that interrupts reading sessions. The discontinued Chrome extension also limits desktop integration significantly.

These aren't dealbreaking problems, but they add up to an inconsistent user experience. The positive news is that recent ratings have improved significantly (4.13/5 for the last 100 reviews compared to 3.8/5 overall), indicating the developers are actively addressing these issues. Performance score: 6.9/10.

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:

  • Reliable Widgets: Update within seconds to reflect changes made in the app
  • Cloud Sync: Works consistently across devices, syncing within 10-15 seconds with active internet
  • Offline Functionality: Create and manage tasks without connectivity, syncs when back online
  • Battery Efficiency: Didn't appear in battery drain statistics during our week of daily use
  • Small Footprint: Modest download size and storage usage even with hundreds of tasks

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.

Design
6.2

PaperSpan's design prioritizes function over form, which works well for the reading experience but falls short everywhere else. The article reader itself is excellent—clean typography, perfect spacing, and smart image handling make reading genuinely enjoyable.

  • Reading Interface: Distraction-free design that puts your content front and center.
  • Article Formatting: Excellent text sizing and spacing that's comfortable for extended reading sessions.
  • Navigation: Simple menu structure that anyone can understand immediately.

The problem is everything outside the reading experience. The overall interface looks and feels outdated compared to modern apps. Multiple users mentioned this in reviews, and we completely agree—PaperSpan desperately needs a visual refresh. The functionality is solid, but the dated appearance undermines the user experience. Design score: 6.2/10.

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:

  • Clear Organization: Task lists display with intuitive icons and color coding for easy category distinction
  • Calendar View: Well-designed monthly grid with easy navigation
  • Task Cards: Uncluttered design showing just enough information without overwhelming
  • Theme Variety: Multiple color options to suit your style or mood
  • Dark Mode: Solid implementation with good contrast and no harsh whites

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.

Value for Money
8.1

This is where PaperSpan absolutely excels. The free version is genuinely useful—not a crippled demo designed to force you into paying. You get article saving, clean reading, offline access, and basic organization without any artificial restrictions. It's refreshingly honest in a world of manipulative freemium models.

The premium subscription at €10.99 monthly unlocks audio playback, enhanced search, Kindle integration, and improved syncing. For heavy readers who use these features daily, it's reasonably priced. Casual users will find the free version more than sufficient for their needs.

What impressed us most was user feedback describing PaperSpan as "the only read later app providing all the features for free." While not entirely accurate, it speaks to how generous the free tier feels. The pricing is fair and transparent—no hidden costs or misleading trials. Value for money score: 8.1/10.

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.

Ease of Use
7.8

PaperSpan gets this right from the first minute. The app is genuinely intuitive—no complex setup, no overwhelming feature lists, just straightforward functionality that works exactly as you'd expect. Within minutes of downloading, you're saving and reading articles effortlessly.

The basics are seamless. Save articles with one click from your browser, and the automatic categorization handles organization without any input from you. Reading controls are exactly where you'd expect them, and switching between text and web view is instant when needed.

We did encounter some frustrating technical issues. Network connectivity problems during signup affect multiple users, and we experienced sync delays between devices. The text cutoff issue can be annoying mid-article. These problems don't break the app, but they create unnecessary friction in what should be a smooth experience. Ease of use score: 7.8/10.

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:

  • Widget Functionality: Check off completed tasks with a single tap from your home screen without opening the app
  • Intuitive Calendar: Tap any date to see or add tasks, swipe to navigate between months
  • Simple Navigation: Clearly labeled buttons for task lists, calendar, and completed items
  • Quick Search: Find specific tasks easily when your lists grow long
  • Easy Categorization: Organize tasks by selecting from a dropdown menu

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.

Security & Privacy
6.8

Security and privacy aren't PaperSpan's strongest selling points, mainly because there's limited transparency about how your data is handled. The app stores your reading data on their servers for syncing across devices, which is standard practice but means your reading habits and saved articles aren't kept locally.

What concerned us most was the lack of detailed privacy documentation. For an app that handles your reading preferences, article URLs, and potentially sensitive saved content, clearer communication about data protection would be reassuring. We didn't encounter obvious security problems during testing, but the transparency gap is noticeable.

Most users probably won't find this problematic for everyday use, but privacy-conscious readers might want to dig deeper into the terms of service or consider alternatives with more transparent data practices. Security and privacy gets 6.8 out of 10.

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.

Conclusion

After using PaperSpan for a while, we'd actually recommend it to most people. Yeah, it looks a bit old and has some annoying bugs, but it does the main job really well. If you commute a lot or just want to actually read those articles you save instead of letting them pile up forever, this app helps. It's not fancy, but it works, and sometimes that's exactly what you need.

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