Digital vs. Physical Planners: Pros, Cons, and Options

Today we’re going to be discussing digital versus physical planners, the pros and cons of each, the different options you can choose from on both sides, and, based on everything we discuss, you can decide which one is best for you.

Physical Planners

All right y’all, let’s start with the classic, most commonly used type and that is the physical planner, which is also my personal favorite. I’m sure most of you know, if you watch my videos, I love me a good physical planner. But let’s discuss some pros.

Pros of Physical Planners

I feel like there are so many positives when it comes to using physical planners.

• More professional: The first one that comes to my mind is that it’s more comfortable to use in a professional setting. What I mean by that is you don’t have to lug around a laptop, your phone, or a tablet and look like you’re doing something you shouldn’t be doing. Y’all know how our bosses get a little uncomfortable. Even if you really are using the planner on your tablet or your phone, it looks a little off when you’re in a professional setting. You’re supposed to be away from your electronics, not distracted . so I think that is a huge pro.
• So many options: Another pro is that they come in so many different shapes, sizes, and colors. There are just a wide range of different options and even places that you can purchase physical planners from.
• Less distracting: Another thing about physical planners is that they are less distracting. Now come on, y’all have to admit that there are so many times where you probably pick up that digital planner and you end up on Facebook, TikTok, or some type of social media account when you should be focusing on your planner. Right? I mean, I know I have. So, using the physical planner, I feel like we can focus a little bit more.

Cons of Physical Planners

But this actually brings me to the cons of physical planners.

• Paper waste: Using a physical planner usually comes with a lot of wasted paper. Even if you do use the entire thing up, once it’s done, you have to buy another one. That’s kind of a lot, you know what I’m saying? So if you’re someone that’s big on recycling or the environment, then this may not be the best option for you.
• More expensive over time: Another con is that they are a bit more pricey than digital planners. Well, I guess the device that you use for digital is more expensive at first, but once you actually purchase the individual planners within your phone, tablet, or laptop, those are usually a lot cheaper than physical planners. So you will be spending a little bit more over time with paper planners.
• Less portable: Another con is that they are not always as accessible as our phones and other devices, which is really sad to say, but I’m sure we all always have our phones on us for the most part. Unless you’re in the office, it’s not as easy to carry these around like in our purses. When we are traveling or going to the grocery store and you may want to make a to do list, our planners can get super bulky and in the way.

That’s a pretty short list of downsides, but let’s continue on to digital planners so that you can make your decision on which one is best for you.

Digital Planners

Y’all listen, this may be because of my bias, but I could only come up with three pros for digital planners. To be honest, though, I feel like the pros I’ve listed for digital planners may be a little bit more profound compared to the physical planner. You can decide for yourself.

Pros of Digital Planners

• Cheaper in the long run: The first one that I thought of was the price. It is more expensive purchasing physical planners over time, though you do have to purchase the device for your digital planner and that is more expensive initially. But it’s a one time purchase unless you have technical issues with it. You can even get insurance. You’re making a one time purchase for the device, and then the actual planner you put on your phone or your tablet usually costs anywhere from $0.99 up to maybe $10 or $12 depending on how big of a planner or layout you get. Over time, it’s cheaper.
• Better for the environment: It’s also a lot better for the environment. You’re not wasting paper, products, devices, pens, and all these different accessories. For the most part, you’re just getting that one device and then purchasing the digital planner or app.
• Always accessible: Another pro is that it’s a lot easier to access when you’re on the go. All of us, I’m sure, have our phones with us. You may even have your tablet or laptop if you’re at work. We’re living in the digital age now, so we always have some type of device with us at work, out at the store, or even in bed. You literally have a planner that’s always on your hip.

Cons of Digital Planners

Now, let’s get into some of the cons.

• Not always work-friendly: Another con of digital planning is that you usually can’t use it at work. You may have a clearance job or you may just work somewhere where electronics are absolutely not allowed. So because of that, they are harder to use in a professional setting.
• More distracting: They’re also more distracting.

Planner Options

Pros and cons aside, let’s talk about different planner options, layouts you can choose from, and companies you can go to.

Physical Planner Options

There are so many different places you can get physical planners from. You can go to any store like Walmart, TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshall’s, Dollar Tree. You’ll usually find some type of basic formatted planner in their book section. There are also online options like Amazon and Etsy.

If you want to be a little bit more fancy, you can go to some of my favorite planner companies where you will be spending a little bit more. It may not be a basic planner, but if you want to invest a little bit more and get something nicer that’s more durable, you can go to places like:

• Erin Condren
• Emily Ley
• Kikki.K
• Golden Coil
• Plum Paper

At Golden Coil or Plum Paper, you can even customize your planner from the inside out: the cover, the coil, the paper, the layouts, the titles, and even add custom sheets.

Another favorite of mine is a beautifully crafted leather planner cover. These come in many different shapes and sizes. The cool thing about them is that, although you may have to invest more upfront (they range anywhere from $50–$200), in the long run they can be cheaper. You can print your own sheets or buy PDFs from Etsy, Canva, or other planner sites. Then you just reuse the cover.

Some companies to look at:

• Cloth & Paper
• Notiq
• Moterm
• Even designer brands like Louis Vuitton

Digital Planner Options

Most of the same places also have digital planner options. But the most popular place is Etsy, where you can get all kinds of customizable layouts for your phone, tablet, or laptop.

If you’re using your planner on your phone, you can go straight to the app store, type in “planner,” and download options directly.

But my ultimate favorite digital tool is Trello. It’s an app that works across phone, laptop, and tablet. You can make different lists and customize them almost like a planner. You can create daily planners, yearly goals, or checklists. It’s simple, easy, and not overwhelming. Best of all, it’s free unless you upgrade for more customization.

Finally : Which Planner Is Best?

So, with all that being said, what is your choice?

To be honest, starting out I would have said physical planning. But after going through all these pros and cons, I feel like it just depends on the season of life you’re in.

• Sometimes I want my physical planner, something cute, handheld, and writable.
• Other times, like when I first became a mom or during hectic seasons, I just wanted the convenience of digital planning. Since I always have my phone with me, it was easier to jot things down there.

Depending on the season you are in and the type of job you have, make your decision based on that. Don’t feel like you have to be bound to just one.

That is all for today’s discussion. I hope you enjoyed this planner breakdown! Let me know what other Planner 101 topics you’d like me to cover next.