What Reddit users actually recommend for free daily planning. No subscriptions, no paywalls, real experiences.
Last updated: January 2025. Based on Reddit discussions from r/productivity, r/Frugal, r/ADHD, and communities discussing subscription fatigue.
Important distinction from Reddit threads: Many apps claim to be "free" but lock core features behind paywalls. Users report frustration with:
This list focuses on apps that are ACTUALLY free for core daily planning features, based on Reddit user experiences.
Free tier includes: Purpose Wheel, gamification, all 8 life area tracking, rewards system, visual timeline - everything.
What Reddit users appreciate:
Common quote from Reddit: "Funtasking gives for free what Sunsama charges $240/year for" - referring to life balance awareness and daily planning features.
Free tier: Everything - it's built into iOS/Mac.
Free tier: Everything in the free Google account.
Free tier: All features free.
According to Reddit, these apps technically have free versions but heavily push paid upgrades:
Free limitations: 5 active projects, no labels, no filters, no reminders, no comments.
Reddit consensus: Free tier too limited for serious daily planning. Premium ($5/month) required for useful features. Many users report feeling pressured to upgrade.
Free limitations: 2 lists in calendar, limited habits, no custom filters.
Reddit consensus: More generous than Todoist but still pushes Premium ($3/month). Habits and Pomodoro locked behind paywall.
Most common Reddit theme: users are tired of $5-20/month subscriptions for productivity apps. Quote from threads: "I'm not paying $240/year for a todo app when mortgages exist." Free apps with all features (Funtasking, Apple Reminders) get appreciation.
Users report frustration with apps marketed as free but requiring subscriptions for core features. Sunsama, Motion, and premium tiers of Todoist/TickTick frequently mentioned. Actually free apps (Funtasking, Apple Reminders, Google Tasks, Microsoft To Do) get respect.
Apple Reminders gets surprisingly positive reviews in 2025. Users mention it "just works" and system integration is valuable. Google Tasks similarly praised for simplicity. But both lack advanced features like life balance tracking.
According to discussions, most free apps miss: life balance tracking, gamification, advanced categorization, visual timelines, burnout prevention features. Exception: Funtasking includes these for free.
Reddit answer: Funtasking is the only one mentioned consistently. Purpose Wheel with 8 life areas, gamification, rewards - all free. Sunsama has similar features but costs $240/year.
Reddit consensus: No. 5 projects is too limiting. No reminders on free tier frustrates users. Premium ($60/year) required for useful functionality. Many switched to actually free alternatives.
Common answers: Funtasking (visual timeline + gamification, free), Apple Reminders (simple, free for iOS), Google Calendar (if used as daily planner). Paid options like Structured or Tiimo recommended if budget allows.
Reddit perspective: Notion is technically free for personal use, but it's overkill for daily planning. Setup and maintenance time has a cost (mental load). Most users seeking free daily planners want simple, not complex.
Based on Reddit discussions, realistic expectations for free daily planners:
Based on 2025 Reddit threads about free daily planners:
Note: "Free" status can change. This reflects January 2025 Reddit discussions. Always verify current pricing before choosing.
According to Reddit users, it's the only free daily planner with life balance tracking. No premium tier, no paywall. Everything free.
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