Minimalist Planner Apps

Last updated: January 2025. Based on discussions from r/productivity, r/minimalism, r/simpleliving.

"I don't need databases, Kanban boards, or 47 integrations. I need to write down what I'm doing today and check it off. Why is that so hard to find?"

The productivity app market is full of feature-bloated tools. But Reddit's minimalism community has found gems that do less - beautifully.

What Makes a Planner "Minimalist"?

The Minimalist Planner Checklist

Opens instantly, no loading screens
Add a task in under 3 seconds
Clean interface with generous whitespace
No feature creep - does one thing well
Works offline
Doesn't require a tutorial

Reddit's Favorite Minimalist Planners

Apple Reminders

Built into iOS. Simple lists, due dates, locations. No account needed. Syncs across Apple devices.

Free (Apple only)

Google Tasks

Built into Gmail/Calendar. Minimalist by necessity. Basic but reliable.

Free

Things 3

Beautiful design, thoughtful features. The gold standard of minimalist task apps. One-time purchase.

$49.99 (Apple only)

Clear

Gesture-based, color gradients, no buttons. Pure minimalism. Recently revived.

$4.99

Funtasking

Visual timeline, clean day view. 8 life areas for balance. Simple but purposeful.

Free / $2.99

Structured

Day-focused planner. Drag tasks to time blocks. Elegant and focused.

Free / $29.99

The Minimalism Trap

Simple ≠ Limited

Some "minimalist" apps are just under-featured. The best minimalist tools are thoughtfully designed - every feature earns its place. Things 3 is minimalist but powerful. Apple Reminders is minimalist but sometimes too basic. Know what you need.

Warning Signs of Fake Minimalism

Features hidden in confusing menus
Requires tutorials to understand
Clean on surface, complex underneath
"Simple" but still overwhelming

What Minimalists Actually Need

Reddit's minimalist community consistently wants:

Daily focus - what am I doing today? (not next month)
Quick capture - add task in seconds
Visual clarity - see today at a glance
Life balance - not just work tasks
Offline first - works without internet

The Paper Alternative

"After trying 20 apps, I went back to a $2 pocket notebook. Turns out minimalism was literal."

Many minimalists prefer paper. It's offline, distraction-free, and finite (can't add infinite tasks). If apps feel like too much, consider a Bullet Journal or simple notebook.

Reddit Q&A

"Is Notion too complex for minimalists?"

Usually yes. Notion is a power tool - great if you need it, overwhelming if you don't. Minimalists often prefer Things 3, Structured, or even Apple Reminders.

"Best minimalist planner with calendar view?"

Structured (day view), Funtasking (visual timeline), or Fantastical (clean calendar). Avoid Calendly-style complex tools.

"Free minimalist options?"

Apple Reminders, Google Tasks, Funtasking (free tier). Avoid free apps with ads or aggressive upsells - they're not truly minimalist.