Clear vs Routine: Comprehensive Comparison

Francesco
Francesco
Francesco
Francesco

2

minutes reading
January 5, 2026

Clear vs Routine: Simple Tasks vs Complete Productivity

Clear offers minimalist gesture-based task management for iOS users who want simplicity. Routine provides comprehensive productivity features including calendar integration, time blocking, and AI-powered workflow automation.


Clear

Routine

Best For

iOS users wanting simple task lists

Complete productivity workflow management

Starting Price

~$4-5/month

Free, paid from $8.33/month

Platforms

iOS, Apple Watch, Web

Web, Mac, Windows, iOS

Key Strength

Gesture-based simplicity

AI-powered unified dashboard

What is Clear?

  • Minimalist iOS to-do app with intuitive swipe gestures

  • Customizable themes with colors and font options

  • iCloud syncing across Apple devices with Pro subscription

  • Gamification through achievements and task completion rewards

What is Routine?

  • All-in-one productivity platform with unified dashboard planning

  • Time blocking with automatic calendar integration

  • AI meeting notes that convert to actionable tasks

  • Single hotkey capture for thoughts and URLs

Feature Comparison

Feature

Clear

Routine

Task Management

Yes

Yes

Calendar Integration

No

Yes

Time Blocking

No

Yes

Third-party Integrations

Limited

Yes

AI Features

No

Yes

Cross-platform Support

Limited

Yes

Notes & Documentation

No

Yes

Gesture Controls

Yes

No

Pricing

Clear

~$4-5/month

For Clear Pro with iCloud sync

Routine

Free - $8.33/month

Annual billing, more features in paid plans

Key Considerations

Clear

  • Perfect for iOS users wanting simple gesture-based lists

  • Limited to Apple ecosystem with minimal integrations

  • Subscription required for basic sync across devices

Routine

  • Comprehensive productivity suite with AI automation features

  • Better for individual users than team collaboration

  • Steeper learning curve but more powerful capabilities

Verdict

Choose Clear if you're an iOS user who values simplicity and elegant gesture controls for basic task management. Choose Routine if you need a comprehensive productivity system with calendar integration, time blocking, and AI-powered features across multiple platforms.

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7 days free with Aki. Cancel anytime.
Try Akiflow now for a 10x productivity boost
7 days free with Aki. Cancel anytime.
Try Akiflow now for a 10x productivity boost
7 days free with Aki. Cancel anytime.