Sunsama vs BeforeSunset AI – Here’s Our Pick for the Best AI Planner

Ever wondered why some people excel at managing their work-life balance? I personally know a few, who juggle back-to-back meetings, hit their deadlines like clockwork, and still have time to hit the gym. 

And here’s the hard truth-

Time management isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. You can attend seminars, look for quick hacks, and install a basic to-do, but with many distractions around us, these tricks don’t work anymore.  

This is where tools like Sunsama and BeforeSunset step in and take care of your priorities, deadlines, and personal goals. They leverage AI to automate scheduling, optimize workflows, and even help you set realistic goals. 

I gave both a shot and the results? 

Let’s just say I have enough time to walk you through everything you need to know about these tools and still make it to the cinema without a rush. 

So, if you’re looking for a smarter way to manage your time, you’re in the right place.

1. Initial Setup

Sunsama

The initial setup is very straightforward with Sunsama. Simply use your email address and you’ll get in.

Click on Next to get started.

If you already use tools like Asana, Notion, Outlook, Gmail, and Jira. Bingo!

You can connect these apps with Sunsama. You can also skip this step if you can’t find a familiar tool to integrate. 

Here’s where you can turn planning into a habit. Sunsama gives you the flexibility to set a time to plan your day.  At that hour, you can jot down your tasks and be prepared for the day. If you like to plan your day the night before, there’s an option for that too. 

Next, you just have to select your calendar(Google, Outlook, and Apple).

And that’s it. Sunsama keeps the setup pretty simple. Once you’re done with the process, you can jot down a few tasks, add a few details about it, and head to the main dashboard.

BeforeSunset

Like Sunsama, setting up BeforeSunset is pretty easy as well. You can make it to the main dashboard in just a few clicks. But I’d say that BeforeSunset’s homepage makes a really good first impression. 

Their Get Started button is stuffed between a well-crafted, catchy introduction and their standout features.

Next, you can type out a prompt or click on the suggestions listed by BeforeSunset. When you do so, it automatically generates an ambiance for Oasis, the dedicated Focus Mode. 

Now, type out a few tasks and hit Continue.

BeforeSunset’s marketing game is pretty strong and they might tempt you with a few different discounts. So, if you want to give their free plan a shot, just get rid of the paywall. You’d then be redirected to the main workspace.

My Pick

If you’re into an engaging setup with a glimpse of integrations, go with Sunsama. It syncs with tools like Asana and Notion and turns daily planning into a ritual. But if you’re looking for something a bit more easy, go with BeforeSunset. 

While the setup is quite basic, AI-generated ambiance for Oasis adds a unique touch. Both tools are solid, but Sunsama leans more towards functionality, while BeforeSunset brings a bit of extra flair.

2. Task Creation and Management 

Sunsama AI

When you create a task on Sunsama, the AI automatically classifies the task type and even estimates the time on your behalf. Honestly, it has done a pretty impressive job of doing so. 

At default, your Sunsama dashboard is set at Board View, which gives you a tabular view of your to-do for the upcoming days. You can also change the view to One Day, Three Days, Weekdays, a Week, or a Month. Whatever suits your work style. 

Creating tasks is also simple. Just click on the ‘+’ button, and start adding tasks.

Even setting tasks on repeat took less than a minute.

And here’s the main difference, when you create a task, the customization is endless. You can select the channel(Work, Personal, or Custom), add subtasks, and allot an estimated time. 

Here I’ve planned a morning run, but you can do more. To make your task detail-oriented you can take down the notes, attach images from Google Drive or your PC, and even add comments. This way, irrespective of the task you can keep everything in place beforehand. 

Now, there are timestamps visible for your current day. You can click on the desired time to create an event. If it’s a periodical event, like a weekly meeting, you can also choose that task to reoccur. 

I like how intricate you can be with the details. There’s an option to add location, list task channels,and  add notes, contacts, and links for a video conference. For team events, you can even change the visibility to Public from Private. The same will be reflected on the calendar.  

Although, once the event is created, it doesn’t appear on your todo like other tasks. 

BeforeSunset AI

BeforeSunset keeps it much more simple with a less cluttered workspace. That’s why, I was able to jot down all the tasks quickly and set priority for each. But unlike Sunsama’s AI, BeforeSunset won’t automatically categorize your tasks under channels or projects.  

Setting up task priority and adding it to a list, takes just a few seconds. If you have a bunch of assigned projects, you can schedule them in advance right from the Todos tab.  

At times, your task list might feel all over the place, making it hard to get started. That’s when sorting and grouping come in handy. You can even use filters to organize tasks by lists, priority, schedule, due date, or completion status. 

Like Sunsama, you can click anywhere on the timestamps for the current day and schedule an event. 

But if you have a big project you can’t seem to break into chunks, try the Create My Tasks feature. Just enter the targets and BeforeSunset’s AI will smartly turn them into several time-bound tasks. 

When BeforeSunset’s AI creates subtasks, your targets fall into a single task. In simple words, it analyzes a single task and then creates subtasks accordingly. 

Most of the subtasks aligned with my needs, but some were fluff and I had to get rid of them manually. This is something anyone short on time might dislike. 

My Pick

While BeforeSunset keeps it simple, Sunsama’s AI and task management features give it a slight edge. I’d recommend Sunsama if you are more about intricacies and details. I loved the flexible time views, and how you can add notes, images, and comments, and even set recurring events. 

BeforeSunset, on the other hand, keeps things minimal with a clutter-free workspace. Go with it if you like quick task jotting and prioritization. It lacks auto-categorization but makes up for it with solid sorting and grouping options. Plus, the Create My Tasks feature helps you break down large projects, which despite a few drawbacks is pretty useful. 

3. Daily Planning and Scheduling

Sunsama

When I say Sunsama takes daily planning to the next level, I mean it. 

It’s a five-step process. 

To get started, head over to the tabular menu on the left side of the main dashboard. Then, simply click on Daily Planning. This section also features your Daily Tasklist, Daily Shutdown, and Daily highlights.

In the first step, you get to review your previous day. I loved this feature since you also get a glimpse of tasks you worked on and the ones you missed. 

Plus, a pie chart depicts the number of hours you worked for. 

Next, just enter your tasks for the day. 

And if you’ve missed something, you can have a look at your due tasks by simply clicking on the box icon beside the calendar. 

This is the most interesting part of Sunsama’s daily planning. 

First, Sunsama estimates the total time it would take you to wrap up your tasks. This even includes tasks with unpredictability which can potentially take more or less than the estimated time. 

Then you get the option to drag-and-drop unimportant tasks to the Tomorrow and Next Week section. Just prioritize what matters most to you at the moment. 

Plus, to avoid burnout, you can even plan your daily shutdown time. And, you can auto-schedule a task by hovering over it and hitting X on your keyboard. 

And that’s it. 

Now, instead of a dedicated scheduling section, Sunsama has a Weekly Planning tab.

Without much hassle, I was quickly able to jot down the upcoming tasks I already knew about. You can also drag and drop a task to any day of the week. Everything about Sunsama’s weekly planning is simple.  

BeforeSunset

If we go through the classic approach, you can create tasks on the to-do list or by heading over to the Planning section on the left tabular menu. But for someone who likes automation and struggles with manual planning, BeforeSunset makes organizing your day a breeze.

And while it isn’t as detail-oriented as Sunsama, it still stands out with the Plan My Day feature. Let’s go over it one by one.

Before diving into these methods, make sure you’ve listed everything out. Once your priorities and deadlines are set, you can pick from the following options:

• First up is Brian Tracy’s popular Eat the Frog method. The AI rearranges your toughest tasks first so you can tackle the easier ones later.
• A bit opposite to it, the Quick Wins method prioritises smaller tasks first, giving you an instant sense of progress. People suffering from procrastination can use this method to get started.
• The Batch Similar method groups all the related tasks together. This way, you can knock out work-related commitments first before shifting gears.
• For a more structured approach, Smart Balance keeps everything in check by planning your day based on priority, duration, and workload.
• Lastly, there’s Task Variety, which mixes up your tasks based on type, priority, and schedule, making your day feel more dynamic.

When it comes to scheduling, things get manual again. When you click on any timestamp to schedule an event, you’ll see the difference in how the task appears on your list. Unlike the regular tasks, your planned event has a calendar icon with them.

According to your needs, you can also switch the unified view of your projects from monthly to weekly anytime.

My Pick

I’d say, Sunsama is a better choice for detailed daily planning. It’s a five-step process that includes reviewing past tasks, setting shutdown time, and even estimating time for new ones. It’s great for those who need a clear overview of their day. Likewise, the Weekly Planning tab is straightforward and keeps planning smooth. BeforeSunset, while less detail-oriented, stands out with automation features like Eat the Frog and Quick Wins. So, you can choose from different planning styles and get your work done. It’s more flexible but requires manual scheduling.

4. Focus and Distraction Management

Sunsama

Sunsama’s Focus mode shares a similar aesthetic with Akiflow. Both have a minimalist and neat interface, which makes it easy to use. However, I found both lacking in features within their focus modes and this gives BeforeSunset an upper hand.

Now, to start Sunsama’s focus mode, head over to the left tabular menu and click on Focus. Then you’ll be redirected to a separate space.

And yes, this is Sunsama’s Focus Mode. You have your task on the screen, alongside the subtasks, and the option to add notes. 

If you’re familiar with the Pomodoro timer, you can switch from the Focus Mode and use it from the same space. Just go to the top-left side of the screen and click on Pomodoro to get started.

You can also increase or decrease the length of your Pomodoro session, by the interval of 5 minutes.

BeforeSunset

Unlike Sunsama, BeforeSunset has a dedicated focus mode for a reason. It’s packed with engaging tools and you have a lot of control over the features as well.   

To launch the focus mode, head over to the bottom of your Todo list. Here, tap Focus with Oasis to get started.

Now, simply enter a prompt to set the ambiance. This step is similar to the initial setup so it won’t take much time.  

Once your AI-generated background loads, your workspace is good to go. The bottom tab lets you access all the tools and quickly check your to-do list for the day.

I liked this setup. Since, once I got into the flow, I kept going and in a single session, I easily finished 2-3 tasks. 

Inbuilt timers are another reason why I was able to complete tasks back-to-back. In Oasis, aside from your regular Pomodoro, there’s a classic timer too. You can set it up for work sessions for up to 3 hours. 

Plus, BeforeSunset makes sure you don’t sway away during the breaks. That’s why there’s a break timer that alerts you about how long you’ve been sitting idle.

Since we’re talking about breaks, you should know that BeforeSunset’s Pomodoro timer is completely customizable. This means you can set manual time for the timer, the short break, and the long breaks. You can even set distinct bell sounds (Magical, Orchestral, and Pleasant) to know when to stop.    

You can also tweak the ambiance without leaving Oasis mode. Just hover over the bottom tab and hit the Ambience Generator button for a fresh prompt.

And it doesn’t end there. 

You can take notes, click on the Daily Manifestation button for an inspiring quote to flash on your screen, and even play music. Yes, there’s an option to tune in to nature sounds like rain, fireplace, bird, forest, white noise, and more. 

If you need background music while working, you can choose from options like Jazz, Lofi, and Deep House. Plus, with Spotify integration on the way, it’s only getting better.

My Pick

Sunsama’s Focus mode, while minimalistic and user-friendly, falls short on features. If a Pomodoro timer and your tasklist on a black screen are enough for you, cool. But if you want more features, BeforeSunset is the better pick.

The Oasis mode stands out with its engaging tools and customization. It includes adjustable timers, break alerts, your to-do, and even notes. Music lovers like me will love the built-in playback feature too.

5. Calendar Integration and Workflow Automation

Sunsama

For calendar-related settings, go to the farthest right corner of your main dashboard and click on your profile picture. Then if you want to connect another calendar click on Add Another Account or else proceed with Manage Accounts.

Next, you’d be redirected to a Calendar Integration page. From here you can simply add or remove your calendar accounts including Gmail, Outlook, and iCloud.

The left tabular menu features over 16 popular integration options including Asana, Jira, Notion, Apple Reminders, MS Teams, and Slack. Unlike BeforeSunset, most of these integrations are available to use and you don’t need to send any request. 

Now when you scroll down, you’ll find even more options. For starters, Sunsama’s Meeting Import lets you sync your calendar events straight into your task list. You can choose to auto-add them daily or review suggestions before importing.

You even get the flexibility to exclude certain event types and auto-complete meetings once they end. Just set it up once, and you won’t have to manually add meetings again.

BeforeSunset

To manage your calendar in BeforeSunset, you can either go to Settings or simply hover over your day’s timestamps and click the Settings button. From there, you’ll see your logged-in accounts and a Manage Calendars option. Just tap it once for more customization.

Once it’s connected, make sure to sync it daily to keep your tasks and events up to date. That way, everything stays fresh and organized without any hassle. 

You can customize default event durations, set your availability status, and even control visibility (private or public). 

My favorite is the Smart Calendar Clearing feature. It automatically frees up time slots once you complete a task. It keeps your schedule clutter-free and more organized. 

Unlike Sunsama, BeforeSunset has a dedicated section to manage your integrations. You can link Google, Outlook, or Slack for smoother planning and task management. 

On the downside, you’ve to request integrations like Notion, Zoom, and Jira, which is something Sunsama won’t trouble you with.  

My Pick

Sunsama is the winner for integrations. It connects easily with many tools like Asana, Zapier, and Jira without any trouble. Plus, you get more options compared to BeforeSunset. 

This makes task management straightforward and improves workflow automation. I feel while BeforeSunset has several limitations, it does have a useful calendar feature to clear up after you finish tasks. 

6. Pricing

Sunsama

Sunsama’s pricing is a breath of fresh air. You get a 14-day free trial with no credit card needed. Just sign up, and you’re good to go. This means you can test all the premium features without any commitment and subscribe after the trial is over. 

Try Sunsama for Free →

The only drawback is the lack of plans to choose from. If you pay the monthly bill, Sunsama costs $20/month, whereas the annual plan saves you $4 every month by charging $16/month.

BeforeSunset

BeforeSunset’s pricing is a bit more complex. They have a Pro plan for $18/month and a Team Pro plan for $20/month for every member. 

So, if you’ve a team to look after, the Team Pro plan might be a perfect fit. It includes everything in the Pro, plus team workspace and flexibility to add unlimited members. There’s also a significant 55% discount if you opt for annual billing. This brings the Team Pro plan down to $12/member/month. 

However, it’s a bit disappointing that BeforeSunset hides their free plan. It’s nowhere visible on the paywall.

My Pick

Sunsama’s straightforward pricing and free trial make it a winner. That too if you are someone who wants to try before they buy.  You might also consider BeforeSunset for its team-friendly features at a competitive price. Especially with their 7-day money-back guarantee.

7. Final Take

After spending time with both Sunsama and BeforeSunset, it’s clear they both have their own pros and cons.

Sunsama keeps things clean and intuitive. Even its simple pricing and two weeks long free trial make it perfect for anyone who just wants to get organized without the hassle. 

BeforeSunset, on the flip side, packs in more automation and team-focused features, but lacks details when you’re planning your day.

So, if you’re after a no-fuss setup with solid integrations and a structured workflow, Sunsama’s got you covered. But if you prefer flexibility, and automation, and don’t mind digging a bit deeper to get the most out of your tool, BeforeSunset is a solid pick. 

At the end of the day, it’s all about what fits your planning style. Give both of them a shot and see what works best for you.