21 Best Apps for Productivity » Alyssa Andreadis

We all know the struggle of juggling multiple tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities while trying to stay on top of our game. Over the years, I’ve tried countless tools and apps to streamline my workflow and boost my productivity. Today, I’m excited to share some of my favorites that have truly made a difference in my daily routine. These are, in my opinion, some of the best apps for productivity and work/life balance. Enjoy!

Task and Project Management Apps

1. Trello

If you’re anything like me, keeping track of tasks and projects can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s where Trello comes in. This intuitive project management tool uses boards, lists, and cards to help you organize and prioritize your tasks. Whether you’re managing a team project or planning your next blog post, Trello makes it easy to visualize your progress and stay on track. It can also help you identify areas that are perfect for delegating!

2. Asana

For those of you managing larger projects or teams, Asana is a fantastic project management tool. It helps you track project progress, assign tasks, set deadlines, and collaborate with team members all in one place. The visual timelines and workload management features are especially useful for keeping everything on track.

Note-taking and Document Management Apps

3. UpNote

For all your note-taking needs, UpNote is a fantastic app that combines the best features of other popular note-taking tools. It offers a sleek and distraction-free interface, allowing you to capture everything from meeting notes to random ideas seamlessly. With its powerful organization features and cross-device sync, UpNote ensures your notes are always at your fingertips. (Also has an import-from-Evernote option which made it painless for me to make the switch!)

4. Google Docs

You probably already know that Google Docs is a powerful word processing tool that offers real-time collaboration features. It’s perfect for creating, editing, and sharing documents with colleagues or clients. The cloud-based system ensures you can access your documents from any device, and the collaboration features make it easy to work on documents together in real-time.

5. Apple Notes

For quick notes and reminders, Apple Notes is incredibly handy. It’s simple, easy to use, and integrates seamlessly with all your Apple devices. Whether you’re jotting down a quick idea or organizing your thoughts, Apple Notes keeps everything synced and accessible. I use these a lot in my personal life to keep the kids and on the same page (i.e., list of chores and a shared grocery store list!).

Time Management and Focus Apps

6. Clockify

Ever wonder where all your time goes? Clockify is an amazing time tracking tool that helps you log your hours and see exactly how you’re spending your time. It’s especially useful for freelancers and anyone who needs to track billable hours. Plus, it’s free and integrates with many other apps, making it a versatile addition to your productivity toolkit. If you’ve done any research on circadian rhythm and productivity, this is a helpful tool to see what time of day you’re most focused and productive.

7. Focus@Will

Maintaining focus throughout the day can be a challenge, especially with all the distractions around us. Focus@Will is an app that provides background music scientifically designed to improve concentration and productivity. Whether you’re working on a complex project or writing your next blog post, the right soundtrack can make all the difference.

8. Due Reminders and Timers

Due is perfect for anyone who needs constant reminders to stay on track. It’s a simple app that sends you persistent reminders for your tasks until they’re done. The timers feature is great for setting countdowns for specific tasks, helping you stay on schedule throughout the day. It’s also a great tool when you’re trying to make new habits stick!

9. Zinnia

If you’re a fan of digital planning like me, Zinnia is a beautiful and intuitive digital planner app. It offers a range of templates and customization options to help you plan your day, set goals, and track your progress. It’s like having a stylish planner right on your iPad. And I love that it syncs across all of your devices.

Communication and Collaboration Apps

10. Slack

Communication is key, especially when you’re working with or leading a team. Slack has revolutionized the way I communicate with my colleagues and clients. It’s not just a messaging app; it’s a hub for collaboration. You can create channels for different projects, share files, and even integrate other tools like Trello and Google Drive. It keeps everything in one place, making teamwork a breeze.

11. Zoom

This one’s a no-brainer! Zoom has become an essential tool for video conferencing. Whether you’re having a quick catch-up with your team or a detailed client meeting, Zoom’s reliability and ease of use make it my go-to for virtual meetings. It’s also great for webinars and virtual events.

12. Calendly

Scheduling meetings can be a hassle, but Calendly simplifies the process. This app allows others to book time with you based on your availability, eliminating the back-and-forth of scheduling. It integrates with your calendar and sends reminders, making it easier to manage your time and appointments efficiently.

Automation and Integration Apps

13. Zapier

Automation can save you tons of time, and Zapier is the ultimate tool for automating repetitive tasks. It connects your favorite apps and creates workflows (called Zaps) that automatically move information between them. For example, you can set up a Zap to automatically add new Trello cards to a Google Sheet. It’s a huge time-saver!

14. IFTTT

IFTTT (If This Then That) is another fantastic automation tool that helps you connect different apps and devices. You can create “applets” that perform specific actions when certain conditions are met. For example, you can set an applet to automatically save your Instagram photos to Dropbox. It’s a powerful way to streamline your workflow and reduce manual tasks.

Utility Tools

15. Bitwarden

Security is crucial, and Bitwarden is an excellent password manager that keeps all your passwords secure and accessible. It’s open-source, highly secure, and easy to use. You can generate strong passwords, store them, and access them from any device. It’s a lifesaver for managing multiple accounts.

16. ScannerPro

Need to scan documents on the go? ScannerPro is a mobile app that turns your smartphone into a powerful scanner. It’s perfect for quickly scanning receipts, contracts, or any other important documents. The app enhances the scan quality and allows you to save or share the documents easily.

17. Buffer

Buffer is a great tool for managing your social media content. You can schedule posts, track performance, and manage multiple social media accounts all in one place. It’s a lifesaver for keeping your social media presence consistent and engaging without having to be online all the time.

Downtime and Personal Time Apps

18. Balance

Balance is a fantastic meditation app that helps you find calm and mindfulness amidst the hustle and bustle. It offers personalized meditation plans and guided sessions that fit your specific needs and schedule. It’s a great way to start or end your day on a peaceful note.

19. Calm

Calm is another excellent app for meditation and relaxation. With a wide range of guided meditations, sleep stories, and breathing exercises, it helps you reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. It’s like having a personal meditation coach in your pocket.

20. Walk at Home

Finding time to exercise can be challenging, especially when you’re traveling or just short on time. The Walk at Home app offers simple, effective workouts that you can do anywhere. It’s perfect for staying active without the need for a gym or special equipment. Most of the workouts are walking-based, but they have options for strength training, resistance training, and more.

21. AutoSleep

Tracking your sleep is crucial for maintaining high productivity levels, and AutoSleep is one of the best apps for this purpose. It automatically tracks your sleep patterns using your Apple Watch and provides detailed insights into your sleep quality, helping you make adjustments for better rest.

There you have it – my 21 best apps for productivity. Give them a try, and let me know which ones work best for you.