Compare Schedule Planner and Simple Habit: Which App is the Best?
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. | Simple Habit is an award-winning meditation app with 4.6 stars on Android and 4.8 stars on iOS. While the 5-minute meditation format works well for many users, recent technical issues and limited Android updates have affected the experience for some. | |
| 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. | 8.3 Winner in this category | 6.3 |
| 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. | 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 | 7.0 Simple Habit's core concept—5-minute meditations for busy people—addresses a genuine need. Expert-led content from Google mindfulness experts and former monks provides quality guidance. The "On-the-Go" feature for quick anxiety relief works well for the target audience. Features that work well:
Some users experience technical issues—meditations not loading, playback stopping mid-session, or content becoming inaccessible. The app was recently rewritten, which removed some features like favorites that users relied on. The free version is quite limited, with most content requiring subscription. The Android version has limited development plans according to developers, who suggest using the web version for the best experience. This means new features and improvements may not come to the Android app. We're rating features 7.0 out of 10. The 5-minute format and expert content work well for many users, but technical inconsistencies and limited free content hold it back. |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 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 | 6.0 Performance varies significantly between platforms and users. The 4.6 Android and 4.8 iOS ratings indicate many users experience smooth performance. However, recent reviews at 3.35 stars show some users are experiencing problems. Performance strengths:
Performance issues some users experience:
The developer recommendation to use the web version for best performance suggests they're aware Android optimization isn't their current focus. This creates uncertainty about whether reported issues will be addressed. We're rating performance 6.0 out of 10. Works reliably for many users (especially on iOS), but enough Android users experience issues that platform-specific problems are a real concern. |
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 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 | 7.0 Simple Habit won a 2018 Google Material Design Award, demonstrating strong design fundamentals. The interface follows Material Design guidelines with clean visual presentation. Design elements:
Some users mention the UX could be improved compared to newer competitors. The recent app rewrite removed features like favorites, which affected users who relied on that organization method. Navigation could be more intuitive for finding specific content. The design serves its purpose—getting users into meditation quickly. While not cutting-edge in 2025, it's functional and doesn't get in the way of the primary task. We're rating design 7.0 out of 10. Solid, award-winning foundation that works for most users, though some navigation improvements would enhance the experience. |
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 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 | 5.5 Value assessment for Simple Habit depends heavily on which platform you use and how well it works for you. The pricing ranges from €5.49 to €134.99 for different subscription periods. The value proposition:
The concerns are real though. The free version is very limited—most content locks behind subscription. Some users report even content not marked premium locks after 1-2 sessions. The developers indicated limited Android development plans, suggesting users try the web version for the best experience. For iOS users experiencing the 4.8-star rated app, the value may justify the subscription. For Android users, especially those experiencing technical issues, paying for an app with limited platform support is harder to justify. Free alternatives like Medito offer good meditation content at zero cost with active development. Headspace provides premium features with ongoing support, though at higher pricing. We're rating value for money 5.5 out of 10. Fair value for iOS users and those experiencing smooth performance, but questionable for Android users facing technical issues with limited development support. |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 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 | 6.5 Simple Habit aims for simplicity—the name makes that promise clear. For many users, particularly on iOS with its 4.8-star rating, the app delivers on that promise. Opening the app and starting a 5-minute meditation is straightforward. What works well:
However, some Android users experience friction. A subset report meditations not loading, requiring app restarts. Some experience playback stopping mid-session. A few users had login difficulties with password reset issues. The recent app rewrite removed favorites, which affected users who relied on that organization. The distinction between free and premium content isn't always clear—some sessions lock after 1-2 uses even when not marked as premium, creating confusion about what's included. Most users find the app simple to use, but technical issues affect enough people that reliability becomes a concern for Android users specifically. We're rating ease of use 6.5 out of 10. Works smoothly for many users, but technical inconsistencies on Android create friction that shouldn't exist in an app promising simplicity. |
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 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 | 6.0 Security and privacy for abandoned apps present unique concerns. While Simple Habit hasn't suffered publicized data breaches, the lack of ongoing security maintenance creates inherent risks. Privacy considerations:
The primary security concern isn't current violations but future vulnerability. Security best practices evolve, new exploit methods emerge, and abandoned apps never receive patches. An app collecting user meditation habits, progress data, and payment information needs ongoing security maintenance. Users also face practical privacy concerns—what happens to their subscription data and stored content when an abandoned app eventually shuts down completely? There's no communication about data retention or eventual service termination. We're rating security and privacy 6.0 out of 10. No current major concerns, but the lack of ongoing security maintenance creates growing risk over time. |
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | 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. | Simple Habit offers something valuable—5-minute meditations designed specifically for busy people. The 4.6 and 4.8 star ratings across platforms show this format resonates with many users. For people who genuinely struggle to find meditation time, the quick sessions and expert guidance provide real value. The concerns are legitimate though. Recent performance issues affect some users, and the developers have indicated limited Android development plans, directing users to the web version instead. The subscription model feels less justified when active platform development is limited. Technical problems some users experience—loading failures, playback issues—become more frustrating knowing they may not receive fixes. Our recommendation depends on your situation. If you have iOS and want quick meditations, Simple Habit's 4.8-star rating suggests it works well. For Android users, proceed cautiously—check if the app works smoothly on your device before subscribing, and consider that technical support may be limited. Alternatively, Medito offers free meditation with active development, and Headspace provides premium content with ongoing support (despite its own current issues). These options provide more confidence in long-term viability and improvements. |
| Our Recommendation | ||
