Routine Planner
Routine Planner is a highly-rated app that helps users, especially those with ADHD, establish and maintain routines, but recent updates have introduced significant glitches and many core features are locked behind a subscription.
Routine Planner is praised for helping users, particularly those with ADHD, manage their time and build habits effectively R5R12R15R19. However, many users report significant issues with glitches, crashing, and excessive notifications, especially after recent updates R6R45R53R61. The free version is limited to two routines, pushing users towards a paid subscription that many find overpriced or difficult to cancel R2R28R31R44.
Free vs paid
The free version of Routine Planner allows users to create and manage up to two routines R2R28R125R271. To create more than two routines, users must pay for a subscription R2R28R125R271. Some users also report being forced to watch ads or subscribe to access basic features like archiving routines R205. The paid version is described as offering 'extra stuff you don't really need' by some , while others find it necessary for their needs . A lifetime subscription option is available and considered 'worth it' by some R19, though others complain about high pricing for subscriptions R31R156R357.
Value complaints
- The app limits free users to only two routines, requiring a subscription for more, which many find restrictive.R2R28R125R271
- Many users complain about the high price of the annual subscription, with some calling it 'outrageously priced' at $36 a year.R31R156R353R357
- There are complaints about deceptive practices regarding free trials and subscription renewals, with users being charged earlier than expected or finding it difficult to cancel.R147R174R175R192
- Some users feel forced to pay or watch ads to access basic features like archiving routines.R205
- The one-week free trial is considered too short for users to properly set up and evaluate the app's effectiveness.R44
Where it delivers
- The app is highly effective for individuals with ADHD and executive dysfunction, helping them manage time blindness, stay on task, and build consistent routines.R5R12R15R19
- Users find the app helps them organize their schedule, plan their day, and create good habits, leading to increased productivity and focus.R7R8R13R16
- The app's sequential flow and timed tasks are appreciated for guiding users through steps and preventing overwhelm.R49R17
- Many users praise the app's clean UI, simplicity, and customizability, making it easy to use and not overwhelming.R30R43
- The app offers a lifetime subscription option, which some users consider a valuable investment.R19
It is worth paying if you have ADHD or executive dysfunction and find the app's structured, timed routines to be a 'game changer' for managing your day and building habits R5R12R15R19. The paid version is also suitable for users who need more than two routines and are willing to overlook recent glitching issues for the core functionality .
You should skip paying if you are sensitive to high subscription prices or short free trials, as many users find the annual cost of $36 a year to be 'outrageously priced' R31R156R357. Do not pay if you are easily frustrated by frequent app glitches, crashes, non-functional features, or excessive notifications, as these are common complaints, especially after recent updates R6R45R53. Also, skip if you prefer a more flexible routine tracker that doesn't force a strict order or timed tasks, as the app can feel rigid .
Evidence note: The lifetime rating of 4.7 is high, but a significant portion of recent reviews (especially 1-star and 2-star ratings) highlight severe issues with glitches, crashes, and subscription practices. The positive reviews often predate recent updates or focus on the core concept, while negative reviews frequently mention problems that have emerged or worsened over time.
Frequently asked
Is Routine Planner free to use?
What are the main complaints about Routine Planner?
Is Routine Planner good for ADHD?
Are there issues with the Apple Watch app?
What reviewers actually said
Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.
- [R2] It’s nice: It’s nice, the only thing is I have to pay for more than 2 routines. But also very helpful.
- [R28] AWSOME but…: I love everything about this app the only thing is u can only have 2 routines w/o pro but Yh!
- [R125] !!read!!: i love this app because it helps to keep me organized. however, i have to join a membership in order to have more than one routines
- [R271] Good: Hi love this app so much!!but looking at reviews saying you can make as many routines. I am only allowed to make two?
- [R31] Outrageously priced: Heading said In App Purchase , but the truth is you get one week then it’s $36 a year . F that . Deleted
- [R156] Subscription triggered anxiety: After reviewing a number of apps designed to help individuals focus and better manage their time, this app looks promising. Unfortunately subscriptions can trigger anxiety for many individuals. For those who constantly worry about managing their resources. Please offer a reasonable, affordable LIFETIME option. Please do not think of charging Thousands of dollars a
- [R353] Decent enough app…: But if you pay for this app you’re an actual mug.
- [R357] Good little app but my god: app designers really need to chill the f out with these subscription prices. you used to purchase an app once, and be done with it. this isn’t like netflix where I can explore an ever-expanding platform of entertainment. when you bought a program for your PC, you bought it once and outright owned it. justifying nearly £30 to have the app for only a YEAR before hav
- [R147] Useless app / steals your money: DO NOT DOWNLOAD. DO NOT AGREE TO FREE TRIAL. I downloaded the app after reading the reviews because I wanted something to help add structure to my mornings. I signed up for the 7-day free trial with the understanding that I’d either cancel before the trial ended or be charged after the 7 days. Instead, when I opened the app, it asked me to log in if I already had
- [R174] Beware of deceptive deals: They had a deal, one free year. In my subscriptions it said that it would not charge until December 2026. They did not honor that and charged December 2025. Deceptive and misleading offer.
- [R175] Predatory: Set an alarm after for the day of the end of free trial, as I always do . Didn’t enjoy and went to cancel. It ALREADY CHARGED ME. Don’t use. I don’t know when it decided to renew itself but it was early!!!
- [R192] Impossible to cancel subscription- do not sign up: This app makes it impossible to cancel your subscription. When you click “ cancel membership”, it presents a “benefits” button and nothing else. When clicking, it leads you to a payment prompt. Not worth a headache.
- [R205] Must pay or spammed w ads: Very glitchy. I can only have two routines and if I want to archive, it won’t give me that option. I have to either watch the ad or subscribe and I don’t want to do either. I want to just archive it and it’s forcing me to watch an ad this app used to be great and now it’s forcing me to uninstall and find an alternative (like Sunsama 10/10)
- [R44] One week trial: There just wasn’t enough time for me to properly set up my routine within one week of downloading the app. Between learning how the app worked, setting up routines, assigning time blocks, and trying to adjust to the system, it felt more trifling and stressful than helpful. I would’ve much preferred at least a 30-day free trial so I could actually put real effort into learning and u
- [R5] Helped me so much!: Helped me manage my executive dysfunction. Its quite severe. I have ADHD but thrive on routines, but ADHD makes it hard. I use routinery everyday, morning, night, and throughout the day for micro-routines. helps me stay on task and make sure I don’t bedrot or forget to brush my teeth. Its been a major tool in my life. thank you! Edit: Recent AI features are disapointing, wish
- [R12] Nothing helps my ADHD time blindness more.: It’s honestly life changing.
- [R15] Changed My Life: I am normally not someone who leave reviews. However, I can say confidently that routinely has changed my life. As someone who runs chronically late, it has given me the ability to actually map out how much time I need to do certain things and project accurately what time I can be ready. Even just mapping out things after work and realistically how long they’ll take. 10/10!
- [R19] App for Good: App helps with executive function and when used in combination with the companion app Puff, helps slowly and steadily rewire you neurologically for a more focused and productive life. They respect user privacy with opt-in settings. And if you have subscription fatigue, you can purchase a lifetime subscription (worth it). Cannot praise this app enough, it’s a life/changer for healthy
- [R7] Love this app: It’s a really good app for me especially because I find it hard to actually get up and get things going , but it helps me not only plan out my day but also create good habits that will benefit me in the long run.
- [R8] Thank you: I’m trying to be more organized and it helped Thank you
- [R13] Really organized: This is a great app, it helps me take care of amazing mornings and evenings. If I were you I would get this app so that you could feel organized and have fun while doing it!
- [R16] BEST APP!!: This app is my favorite routine app and it’s been helping me get into a good routine and day planning!
- [R49] Work in Progress Habits: I’ve been using Routinery to help restructure my mornings, and as someone who is highly sensitive to overstimulation, I have found it to be a very helpful tool for managing my daily energy. What I appreciate most is the sequential flow. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a long list of tasks, the app guides me through one step at a time. It acts as a gentle pacer, which is
- [R17] READ: listen to me, I have tried everything from alarm clocks to Reminders and it’s coming to a point where I need Routinery again. Like I’ve had it before, but it just didn’t work. And now that I know how to properly make a routine. I Find That three times When I Want to be the quickest during Monday task. This is what I think about this app right here because when it comes to alarms and stuff
- [R30] Clean, simple, and incredibly useful!: I’ve tried so many routine trackers, but this one is by far the best. The UI is super clean and it’s so easy to use. It doesn't overwhelm you with unnecessary features. It really helps me stay on track every day. Highly recommend!
- [R43] Great app: It’s perfect. It’s simple, but customizable, and it doesn’t jump at you with ads ever few minutes, and the Premium isn’t that necessary, only if you need more than two lists and like a lot of icons. Nice that it’s not a game, so you aren’t saying you did stuff for no reason.
- [R6] Ugh: Every time I finish a routine it starts glitching and the app will take up different amounts of the screen and flip the text like it’s upside down. When I try and click the dine button nothing happens
- [R45] Why I don’t really like this app: I kinda liked it at first then at 2:27 am on a school night it just kept setting off my phone even tho the timer was set for 6 am then every time I would get on to it and try to check my things off I froze and wouldn’t work until I fully exit out of the app I hate this app now
- [R53] Update: I used to use this app every day and I loved it. That was until the update. Now I can’t move my tasks around. If I try to move one up it just makes it skipped. 0/10
- [R61] New update made this app unusable: I’ve been using this app for years and I love it, I guess I should say loved it. The new update took away the ability to bounce to different tasks when plans change, so if you try to skip to a step that wasn’t originally the next step, it crosses everything in between off your to-do list, even though you just wanted to do something in a different order. Would’ve
- [R347] Not a winner: I want to love this app but it just crashes all of the time for me. Today I had to restart my routine 3 times. I clicked on the notification to move to the next task and it opened the app which said I’d not even started the routine. Very frustrating. Normally I try to use my watch to control it as well and thats even worse. Has too many features that just don’t work unfortunatel
- [R501] Love the concept but still glitchy: I really enjoyed the simplicity of the app, but it was really inconsistent which is really frustrating for someone relying on it to help establish routines, lol.. I loved that I could use it on my apple watch and could carry out my morning routine without the stress of having to think about everything I needed to do as it would just tell me, but more often than
- [R549] It doesn’t work on my Apple Watch: Hi, I have tried multiple times (re-installing) but the app doesn’t connect to my Apple Watch. When I open the app on my watch it doesn’t show routine I’ve set up.
- [R559] Good not great: I’d probably pay for this if it synced better with the apple watch but currently it doesn’t record anything. I’d also like to have the ability to add random non routine tasks because i love having the timer with the task name on the watch app
Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store