# Activity Scheduler vs Essential Launcher

Activity Scheduler and Essential Launcher both sit at 4.5 stars, but that hides the real split: 89% of Essential Launcher's written reviews are positive against 56% of Activity Scheduler's. Essential Launcher also leads on update cadence (every 11 days vs every 3 months). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Activity Scheduler sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Essential Launcher sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for Activity Scheduler against 4.6 for Essential Launcher. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 25 and 36 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 56% of Activity Scheduler's written reviews are positive against 89% of Essential Launcher's.

Activity Scheduler ships an update every 3 months, Essential Launcher every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Activity Scheduler | Essential Launcher |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (25 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/activity-scheduler-splandid/id1562017093/reviews) | **[4.6 (36 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/essential-launcher/id6590616999/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 25 | **36** |
| Positive reviews | 55.6% of reviews | **88.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 9 MB | 41 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Roman Mirzoyan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1534146689) | [Patrik Racskai](https://appshunter.io/developer/1728193737) |

## What reviewers say

### Activity Scheduler

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/activity-scheduler-splandid/id1562017093)

This app helps you organize your tasks by prioritizing them based on importance and urgency. It offers a Pro version with advanced features like notifications, widgets, and calendar sync for enhanced productivity.

**Highlights:** Task prioritization using Eisenhower's Matrix, Importance and urgency levels, Pro version with advanced features, Notifications and Live Activities, Widgets and Watch app support, Calendar synchronization

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Splandid Pro Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Splandid Pro Annually | $12.99 | per year |
| Splandid Pro | $29.99 | one-time |


### Essential Launcher

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/essential-launcher/id6590616999)

This app offers a minimalist home screen experience designed to reduce distractions and limit screen time. Customize your interface with only essential applications to promote focus and productivity.

**Highlights:** Minimalist home screen, Reduce distractions, Limit screen time, Customize essential apps, Clean, intuitive interface, Dark and light modes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Discounted | $0.99 | per month |
| Annual Discounted | $3.99 | per year |
| Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Annual | $12.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Free | Free | one-time |
| Lifetime | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Activity Scheduler free?

Activity Scheduler is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Essential Launcher free?

Essential Launcher is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Activity Scheduler or Essential Launcher?

Essential Launcher is rated higher. Activity Scheduler averages 4.5 out of 5 from 25 ratings, while Essential Launcher averages 4.6 from 36 ratings.

### Do Activity Scheduler or Essential Launcher have ads?

Neither Activity Scheduler nor Essential Launcher shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Activity Scheduler or Essential Launcher?

Activity Scheduler ships an update every 3 months, and Essential Launcher every 11 days. Most recently, Activity Scheduler was updated on November 3, 2026 and Essential Launcher on November 5, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*