10 Best Apps for Productivity

Struggling to stay productive? You aren’t alone. But there’s great news, you can turn your phone into a productivity manager that will help you reach your goals and deadlines and check off all the things on your to-do list. That’s why we created this list of the 10 best apps for productivity.

Yes, that’s right. Your phone can become your personal PA with just the help of a few apps. In fact, some of these apps even combine online calendars, to-do lists and task trackers all into one app, making them super useful and still easy to use.

So, without taking up any more of your valuable time, here are the 10 best apps for productivity.

1. Any.do: To-do List and Calendar

If you’re looking for one app that does it all look no further. This app by Any.DO does it all. From making to-do lists to setting reminders and everything in between this app will have you feeling more productive in no time.

The app includes a to-do list, a calendar, planner and the opportunity for users to set reminders on important tasks. If you’re someone that would forget their own head if it wasn’t attached to their body then you definitely need to get this app.

Its interface is smooth and easy to use. But as far as using space effectively this app lacks in that department. Its widgets can’t be adjusted and most of the time you’ll have to use it in full screen mode. 

Cost: Free

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2. Habitica: Gamified Task Manager

Do you get a rush out of winning games? Then this app by HabitRPG Inc. is for you. It uses the idea of role playing games and reverses it to turn your daily tasks into fun games where you challenge yourself to win.

The game itself is easy enough to use and when you get the hang of it you’ll learn to form new habits that aren’t just good for you, it will also help you become more productive and get things done more efficiently.

How it works is that you get to create your own avatar to use in the app to complete a list of tasks and goals you set for yourself. The more you get done the more cool stuff you unlock as you level up in the game.

Cost: Free

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3. Things 3

Things is one of the best to-do list and calendar apps out there. Why? Well because of how easy it is to use and how good it looks. If style is an issue for you this is the app to get. It’s sleek and stylish and even won the Apple Design Award in 2017.

Years later and it’s time to try out Things 3. This updated version of the app is so much better than the original version but maintains the same style and ease of use as the first version.

The only downside to this app is that it’s only available to iPhone users, there is no Android version available. Another downside is that it costs $9.99 once off. So on the bright side you only have to pay once and you get all the brilliant time management features this app has to offer.

Cost: $9.99

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4. Toggl Track: Hours and Time Log

Toggl is a time tracking app that’s designed to help you manage your tasks more efficiently. It tracks how much time you spend on certain activities. The idea being that the more aware you are of how much time you’re spending on a single task the more you’ll be able to schedule your time efficiently and get more done.

The app itself is pretty simple to use. The best thing about it is that it offers you a lot of statistics and data on the things you spend your time on. So you get an in-depth view at what you should be spending more or less time on.

What’s great about this app is that it offers you the freedom to do your daily tasks just the way you always do them, but with the added benefit of seeing exactly how much time you spend on doing each task.

Cost: Free

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5. Trello: Organize Anything!

Whether you’re a mom that has to organize a family or you’re career driven and you need to work as part of a team Trello is one of the best task tracker apps you’ll find anywhere on any app store.

The app allows you to create boards with card stacks that each have a specific task or project on them. These cards can then be moved by you or other team members to a new stack with its own heading. For example there can be a to-do stack, in progress stack and a done stack.

Cards can also be named, you can add due dates, or even collaborate with team members using the handy comments section. This app really makes life a whole lot easier when it comes to staying on top of multiple projects and tasks.

Cost: Free offers in-app purchases

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6. Freedom - Block Distractions

 Are you easily distracted by the internet and social media while you’re supposed to be productive? Whether you’re at home or at work, this app could be just the answer you’re looking for.

Freedom blocks access to any app or the entire internet on your phone. Luckily it’s only for a set period of time. But if you need something that will keep distractions on your phone at bay while you’re doing more important things this is the app for you.

You get to choose the apps that get blocked and the time that they’re blocked for. So if you need to get something done you’ll be sure that your phone won’t beep or lure you into becoming distracted.

Cost: Free offers in-app purchases

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7. Be Focused - Focus Timer

This iPhone app uses the Pomodoro Method to help you break your day up into smaller intensely productive increments. If you’re the type of person that needs breaks often this app is for you. 

It uses a timer that gives you 25 minutes of focus time with a five minute break in between. That means you get 25 minutes where you sit and focus and a five minute break to make sure you don’t suffer from fatigue.

It’s a great app with a beautiful aesthetic and interface that makes using it a pleasure. You can even set yourself weekly or daily work goals. And if the 25-5 minute interval doesn’t work for you, you’re free to find a timespan that works for you.

Cost: Free offers in-app purchases

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8. Forest - Your Focus Motivation

This productivity app is one of a kind. Not only does it help you, it helps the planet. So the small fee you have to pay to use it is totally worth it. But what does this app do and how does it help you be more productive?

Well it’s quite simple really. The moment you want to start working you plant a seed and set a timer. If you leave the app open on your phone for the full length of time your seed grows into a tree. If you exit the app the tree stops growing.

The more productive you are the more trees you’ll be able to grow and pretty soon you’ll have your very own forest. But how does that help the planet? The developers of the app have contacted Trees of the Future to help plant more trees around the world.

Cost: $1.99

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9. Evernote - Notes Organizer

Are your notes cluttering your workspace? Are you constantly looking for a place to write something down? Well Evernote will solve all your note taking problems. It’s the best note taker there is.

You can use a stylus to write handwritten notes or you can type them out. You can have a clear background or make it lined. You can add notes to your notes. You can add docs to your notes. You can do just about anything note related on this app.

The best thing is that the free version offers enough functionality to make it completely worthwhile. The paid version obviously has more features though. But both versions will help you to take notes and organize your ideas all in one place without wasting any paper.

Cost: Free offers in-app purchases

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10. Todoist: To-Do List and Planner

This all in one to-do list tracker is very handy if you need someone or something to keep reminding you what needs to get done. It’s a must for forgetful people and a blessing to anyone who collaborates on tasks with others.

The app allows you to write a to-do list, add reminders to certain tasks (location based to boot), and even the option to sort your list based on how important the tasks are to get done.

The sleek and easy to use interface is great and the wide range of features makes making a to-do list one of the most fun activities of the day.

Cost: Free offers in app purchases

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