Amplenote vs Sunsama

Amplenote combines note-taking, task management, and calendaring into a single workflow it calls the Idea Execution Funnel: users capture quick thoughts as Jots, develop them into full Markdown notes, convert action items into tasks, and schedule those tasks directly on an integrated calendar. Its task engine uses an Eisenhower Matrix-based Task Score to help prioritize what matters most.

Sunsama is a daily planning tool built around the idea of a deliberate morning planning ritual and an end-of-day shutdown, rather than an ever-growing backlog. It pulls tasks in from tools like Asana, ClickUp, Jira, Linear, Notion, and Todoist alongside your calendar, so you plan your actual day in one place instead of switching between apps. A built-in focus mode with a Pomodoro timer helps protect blocks of work time, while the daily shutdown ritual prompts a structured wrap-up of what got done. Time analytics show where your time actually goes across tasks and projects, and weekly objectives keep daily planning tied to bigger goals.

• Tightly integrates note capture with actionable task scheduling
• Generous free-forever tier for core functionality
• Available across desktop, web, and mobile
• OCR search finds text inside images and PDFs

• Combines tasks from multiple tools with your real calendar in one daily view
• Daily shutdown ritual is a distinctive feature aimed at preventing overwork
• Named 'Best Scheduling Tool' by NYT Wirecutter
• Broad platform support including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android

• Two-way calendar sync is locked behind a paid plan
• Vault Notes encryption requires the Unlimited tier
• Interface has a learning curve compared to simpler note apps

• No permanent free tier, only a 14-day free trial
• Value depends on consistently doing the daily planning/shutdown ritual
• Can feel redundant if you already use a lightweight to-do app and don't need calendar timeboxing