Buying a new planner gives an endorphin rush like no other, whether it’s for a new school semester, work year, or just a much needed fresh start. A good one should help you stay on track without overwhelming you.
Here at WIRED, our Gear team prefers paper planners over digital tools—nothing beats the feeling of pen against a brand-new sheet of paper, plus writing things down helps us remember them—however, this time around we have included one digital tool that we think can add to (not replace) your analog setup.
We didn’t recommend one best planner because everyone has different preferences, types of tasks, and willingness to scribble and organize. I grilled the WIRED staff for their favorites and have tried a ton on my own. Once you’ve found something that works for you, check out our guides to working from home, the best webcams, or the best gear for starting a podcast.
Updated July 2022: We’ve added Class Tracker, and we’ve also updated links throughout to the newest versions.
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Photograph: The Happy Planner
The Nearly Perfect Planner
The Happy Planner
The Happy Planner is a good place to start if you aren’t sure what kind of planner you need. It’s the preferred planner for a few WIRED writers. There are a few frilly bells and whistles, but not enough for it to feel overwhelming, as WIRED writer Louryn Strampe says. The divider tabs are cute and sometimes include phrases and quotes, but they aren’t unbearably corny.
The Happy Planner is almost infinitely customizable. Choose between horizontal and vertical layouts—I prefer vertical—Classic, Mini, or Big sizes, dated or undated pages. Each planner has monthly calendars plus weekly layouts with margins made for note-taking and to-do lists. You can get extension packs to add a few more months or to keep track of things like your budget and fitness goals. If you need it, the Happy Planner probably has it. —Medea Giordano
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Photograph: Class Tracker
Ideal for Students
Class Tracker Ultimate Student Planner
I still have nightmares of being in school with no idea what my next class is, or showing up having missed the last six weeks because I didn’t know where the classroom was. Class Tracker’s first three pages are designated for outlining your semester schedule from Monday to Sunday, 6 am to midnight. Hopefully, I’ll be dreaming of that from now on.
Like most planners, there are monthly calendars, but the weekly pages shine. Each day gets a section for things to remember, tests, papers, or projects due that day, and larger spots for assignments and a daily plan. There’s a “Self-Care Corner” for non-school things you should focus on, and a countdown box for something you’re looking forward to. The only thing I’d change is adding tabs for easily sifting through months.
The planner pictured here is the college version, but there are middle school and high school options, too, though any can work depending on your needs. —Medea Giordano
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Photograph: Erin Condren
An Investment Worth Making
Erin Condren Coiled Weekly LifePlanner
The Erin Condren LifePlanner (ECLP for short) is the Rolex of paper planners. With tight coil binding, three size options, three layout options—horizontal, vertical, or hourly—and more bonus features than are really necessary, the ECLP is one of the most popular planners for weekly-spread enthusiasts. The layouts are gorgeous—I especially like the vertical weekly—and there’s room all over the place to jot down notes or doodle.
You can personalize your planner with monogrammed covers, special sections for goals, and more. There are extra touches, like a storage pocket and snap-in ruler. Together, these features aren’t cheap (or lightweight), but I’ve used an ECLP for the past three years. It’s my favorite system of them all. —Louryn Strampe