Side by side
ByDesign vs Shovel
Both stand on daily planner apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free trial AndroidiPhoneMac+2
ByDesign combines long-range planning, daily organization, calendar synchronization, and optional AI. Its broad platform coverage and privacy controls are useful, while the paid-only model and tier-specific limits require attention.
Visit ByDesign
Free trial AndroidiPhoneWeb
Shovel focuses on turning academic requirements into adjustable study schedules, with school integrations and workload planning features. Its separate free builder is useful without an account, but main-plan pricing should be checked carefully because figures differ across the pricing information.
Visit ShovelThe facts
| ByDesign | Shovel | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows | Android, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Pro: $69 a year | Yearly: $39 a year |
| Plans published | 6 | 2 |
| Maker | ByDesign | Shovel |
| Website | bydesign.io | shovelapp.io |
| On daily planner apps | #118 of 137 | #114 of 137 |
ByDesign: what it does well
- Works across five platforms
- Calendar sync with Google, Apple, Outlook
- AI is optional
- Voice features off by default
- 7-day trial available
What to know first
- No free plan
- Listed plan prices vary by tier
- AI credits reset monthly
- Some plans have MCP request limits
Shovel: what it does well
- Imports tasks from a PDF syllabus
- Plans work dates from due dates
- Supports assignment and exam planning
- Syncs with listed school platforms
- Free schedule builder needs no login
What to know first
- No free plan for the main planner
- Pricing information shows conflicting figures
- Paid plans follow a seven-day trial
Alternatives to ByDesign Alternatives to Shovel The whole list