Looking for the best productivity tools to make 2024 your most organized, efficient, and goal-crushing year yet? You are in the right place!
In this article, we will dive into the best productivity apps from innovative AI-powered task managers to gamified habit trackers, and more.
So, whether you are a student, a professional, or just looking to stay on top of daily tasks, this article caters to everyone.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Best Productivity Apps
Here is a quick overview of the best productivity apps.
Name | Best For | Links | Read More |
---|---|---|---|
Finch | Mood tracking and habit building | Android, iOS | Read More |
Atoms | Workflow automation | Android, iOS | Read More |
One Sec | Reducing screen time | Android, iOS | Read More |
Habit Tracker | Building new habits | Android, iOS | Read More |
Notion | Project management & note-taking | Android, iOS | Read More |
TickTick | Task management & scheduling | Android, iOS | Read More |
Saving articles for later | Android, iOS | Read More | |
Grammarly | Grammar and spell-checking | Android, iOS | Read More |
Reflect | Journaling and mental clarity | Reflect.app | Read More |
Taskade | Collaborative task management | Android, iOS | Read More |
Akiflow | Calendar and task integration | Android, iOS | Read More |
Focuster | Automated focus scheduling | Web, iOS | Read More |
Sunsama | Daily planning and time-blocking | Android, iOS | Read More |
Zentask | Mindfulness and productivity | Zentask.ai | Read More |
Otter.ai | Transcribing audio to text | Android, iOS | Read More |
LastPass | Password management | Android, iOS | Read More |
Forest | Staying focused and reducing phone use | Android, iOS | Read More |
IFTTT | Automating tasks between apps | Android, iOS | Read More |
Habitica | Gamified habit building | Android, iOS | Read More |
Focus@Will | Improving focus with music | Android, iOS | Read More |
Let’s dive deeper into the details!
1. Finch
Download Links: Android, iOS, Web
Finch is one of the innovative productive apps that blends task tracking with mental wellness in a unique, gamified format. The app has a customizable virtual pet that grows when you care for it by completing daily self-care tasks, setting goals, and tracking personal progress.
When you start using Finch, you are asked multiple questions to make goals more customizable according to your needs. However, you can always add new goals anytime you want.
Key Features of Finch
- Virtual pet as a wellness buddy.
- Goal setting and habit tracking.
- Mood and emotion tracking.
- Daily prompts and Check-ins.
- Progressive rewards and customization.
Pros of Finch
- Personalized self-care companion.
- Encourages mindfulness and reflection.
- Customizable and engaging.
- Diverse wellness tools like breathing exercises, meditations, etc.
- Flexible goal tracking.
Cons of Finch
- Limited features in the free version.
- Not ideal for complex task management.
- Limited social interaction.
- Minimal progress analysis.
Pricing
Finch offers a basic free version with essential features of goal-tracking and self-care practices. But, you can switch to Finch Plus starting at $5.99 per month to unlock features like daily deals, unlimited exercises, completely ad-free, rewards, and support to their mission.
Plus, Finch offers a 7-day free trial so you can try it before you decide to pay for it.
2. Atoms
Download Links: Android, iOS, Web
Atoms is another productivity app that focuses on creating atomic habits – small, incremental changes that build up slowly to create lasting results.
Furthermore, Atoms simplify complex tasks into simpler actions that can done regularly. When you define your goals in this app, it will ask you to select your habits, time, and type of person you want to become that will fit into the pre-built sentence, “I will habit, time/location so that I can become type of person I want to be.”
Key Features of Atoms
- Atomic habit tracking.
- Progressive goal building.
- Daily reminders and notifications.
- Personalized habit library.
Pros of Atoms
- Focus on achievable actions.
- Prevents overwhelm.
- Builds consistency.
- Perfect for habit building.
Cons of Atoms
- Not suitable for complex task management.
- Lacks deep analytics.
Pricing
You can try Atoms for free with limited functionality. However, if you want to use premium features of the app such as mindset content access, daily lessons, etc., it requires a subscription to Atoms Pro. And the pricing for its Pro version ranges from $5.93 per month to $47.40 per year.
3. One Sec
Download Links: Android, iOS, Web
Do you want to break the endless scrolling cycle but just can’t seem to do it? Don’t worry! If you think your phone is controlling your day, the One Sec app is here to help.
One Sec is one of the productivity tools designed to help you break the cycle of mindless scrolling and regain control of your time.
Once you have downloaded this app on your device, it will prompt you to take a quick one-second pause and rethink your decision whenever you go to open a social media app such as Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook.
Key Features of One Sec
- Pause before you scroll.
- Customizable triggers.
- Track your phone usage.
- Non-judgemental approach.
Pros of One Sec
- Mindful digital breaks.
- Unique approach to habit change.
- Personalized triggers.
- Increases awareness.
- Prevents instant gratification.
Cons of One Sec
- Limited to certain apps.
- Short duration of the pause.
- No full app blocking.
- Too easy to bypass.
Pricing
The free version of One Sec includes the core functionality of breathing exercises only. Rest, all other features including intentional app switching, unlimited apps, time tracking, and intervention customization require a subscription to its Pro version which costs around $3.44 per month.
4. Habit Tracker
Habit Tracker is another productivity software with which you can monitor, track, and improve your daily habits. The goal is not to do more than your limits but to take small steps, stay consistent, celebrate small wins, and be productive.
To get started, you simply need to set goals, track your progress, analyze patterns, and receive reminders to complete your habits.
Key Features of Habit Tracker
- Combination of habit tracking and journaling.
- Progress tracking.
- Visual progress indicators.
- Reminders and notifications.
- Rewards and challenges.
Pros of Habit Tracker
- Personalized insights.
- Increased accountability and consistency.
- Improved motivation.
- Encourages self-discipline.
- Insights and reports
Cons of Habit Tracker
- Limited free features.
- No social sharing.
Pricing
Habit Tracker allows you to track up to a limited number of habits and a basic daily log with ads for free.
On the other hand, its premium version unlocks all features including an unlimited number of habits, no ads, and a journey designed by experts, costing around $12.44/year.
5. Notion
Download Links: Android, iOS, Web
Notion is one of the popular productivity tools that combines note-taking, task management, databases, and collaboration features, everything in a single place. Whether you want to create detailed notes or custom databases, Notion has got it all.
Notion also offers a wide variety of pre-designed templates like project databases, personal journals, etc, but if you prefer to start fresh, you can easily customize your workspace from scratch.
Key Features of Notion
- All-in-One workspace.
- Highly customizable.
- Pre-designed templates.
- Powerful databases.
- Real-time collaboration.
- Markdown support.
- Cross-platform syncing.
Pros of Notion
- Visual flexibility.
- All-in-one solution.
- Collaborative tools.
- Free plan available.
Cons of Notion
- Learning curve.
- Performance issues with large databases.
- Limited offline access.
- Limited features for free plan.
Pricing
If you want to use Notion for personal projects with limited features, it is completely free of cost. However, if you need additional features, here are the other subscription plans available:
- Pro: $10 per seat/month
- Business: $15 per seat/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
6. TickTick
Download Links: Android, iOS, Web
TickTick is another productive app that helps you manage your time and stay focused by organizing your tasks effectively. In short, it is a task manager and to-do list app.
But wait, it doesn’t stop here! TickTick also includes various tools for habit tracking, goal setting, calendar view, and more.
Key Features of TickTick
- Task and to-do list management.
- Calendar view.
- Habit tracking.
- Pomodoro timer.
- Voice inputs and smart lists.
- Set recurring tasks.
Pros of TickTick
- User-friendly interface.
- Collaboration and sharing features.
- Cross-plaatform flexibiity.
- Customizable reminders and notifications.
Cons of TickTick
- Free plan limitations.
- Limited advanced features in the free tier.
- Learning curve.
- Pomodoro timer needs advancement.
Pricing
While you can use the basic features of the TickTick app for free, its premium plan is priced at $35.99 for a year. The premium version gives access to the full calendar functionality, customized filters, and many more.
7. Pocket
Download Links: Android, iOS, Web
Pocket is yet another tool that lets you save articles, videos, and other content for later viewing. To do this, you have multiple options including using a browser extension, the dedicated Pocket app, or direct sharing.
Plus, any content that you have saved using Pocket can be watched even without an internet connection. This way you can catch up on reading during breaks, making your time more productive.
Key Features of Pocket
- Save content for later.
- Offline accessibility.
- Text-to-speech.
- Content organization.
- Personalized recommendations.
- Highlighting.
- Platform flexibility.
Pros of Pocket
- Easy content creation.
- Offline reading.
- Text-to-speech flexibility.
- Seamless syncing across devices.
- Personalized Discover feed.
Cons of Pocket
- Limited features in the free version.
- Text-to-speech quality.
- Ads in the free version.
- No collaboration features.
- Dependency on the internet for syncing.
Pricing
Most of Pocket’s features are available for free to use. But, it also provides a premium plan that unlocks more powerful features like a permanent library of everything you have saved, suggested tags, full-text search, unlimited highlights, and premium fonts.
And the pricing starts from $4.99 per month to $44.99 for a year.
8. Grammarly
Download Links: Android, iOS, Web
If you are searching for the best productivity apps to improve your writing skills and streamline your communication, your search ends here with Grammarly. It is a tool that identifies and corrects grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.
Not only this but it also helps you adjust and rephrase your writing style. Grammarly also uses generative AI to quickly create drafts, replies, and rewrite your text. Moreover, its integration with popular apps like Gmail, YouTube, Instagram, and more eliminates the need for tab-hopping.
Key Features of Grammarly
- Real-time grammar and spell check.
- Tone and style suggestions.
- Plagiarism detection.
- Advanced vocabulary suggestions.
- Cross-platform availability.
- Personalized goals.
Pros of Grammarly
- Instant feedback.
- Enhanced writing clarity.
- Consistency in writing style.
- Accessibility across devices.
- Time saving.
Cons of Grammarly
- Limited functionality in the free version.
- Over-reliance.
- Occasional contextual errors.
- Costly premium version.
Pricing
If you want to use Grammarly only to correct spelling and grammar mistakes, generate text with AI prompts, etc., it’s completely free to use. Other than this, the following are the pricing details for its subscription plans with more advanced features:
- Pro: $12/month for a member
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Also Read: Grammarly Review
9. Reflect
Link: Web
Reflect is another powerful note-taking and personal knowledge management app that uses AI assistants like GPT-4 and Whisper to enhance user productivity.
It combines these AI-driven tools with core functionality such as bi-directional linking which connects notes in an optimized manner.
Additionally, you can generate article outlines, list key takeaways, fix grammar, and save your custom prompts using Reflect AI.
Key Features of Reflect
- Bi-directional linking.
- Daily notes and journaling.
- Privacy-focused.
- Calendar integartion.
- Mobile and desktop syncing.
Pros of Reflect
- Enhanced knowledge retention.
- Seamless organization.
- Daily workflow integration.
- Privacy and security.
Cons of Reflect
- Learning curve for Bi-Directional linking.
- Limited customization.
- Not available for free.
- Less robust for task management.
Pricing
Reflect is a paid productive software with a pricing model that starts at $10 per month. But, before committing to a subscription, you can try its 14-day free trial to see if it suits your needs or not.
10. Taskade
Download Links: Android, iOS, Web
Taskade is one of the best productivity apps that combines all productivity and collaboration tools in a single place. With Taskade, you can create structured lists, and mind maps, set tasks, and collaborate with other team members in real time.
Additionally, It takes productivity to the next level by incorporating AI-powered features that allow you to create an AI team, automate tasks, collaborate seamlessly, and redefine your workflow.
Key Features of Taskade
- Flexible task management.
- Real-time collaboration.
- Templates library.
- Detailed notes and documentation.
- Integrated chat and video calls.
- Multi-platform syncing.
- Customizable workspace.
Pros of Taskade
- User-friendly interface.
- Highly visual organization.
- Built-in communication tools.
- Real-time sync and collaboration.
- Diverse templates.
Cons of Taskade
- Limited customization for advanced users.
- No offline mode.
- Overwhelming for simple tasks.
- Limited integration with external apps.
Pricing
Taskade offers two plans: Free and Taskade Pro with varied features to accommodate diverse user requirements.
The free plan includes basic features including 1 AI Agent, 1 workspace, 5 AI requests/day, and more. On the other hand, Taskade’s Pro version unlocks features like unlimited projects, team permissions, and more, and is billed at $10/month.
11. Akiflow
Download Links: Android, iOS, Web
Akiflow is another notable tool among the best productivity apps which is also called Time Blocking Calendar. This app helps you streamline task management and scheduling by integrating with various tools like Gmail, Slack, Notion, and more.
In simpler words, it merges to-do lists, calendars, and notifications from different platforms in one centralized space. Using this app, you can view all pending work and deadlines in one place, eliminating the need to juggle between multiple apps.
Key Features of Akiflow
- Unified task and calendar management.
- Quick task capture.
- Task prioritization and time blocking.
- Integrations with popular apps.
- Focus mode.
Pros of Akiflow
- Centralized task management.
- Effective time blocking.
- Reduces app-switching fatigue.
- Customizable notifications.
- Clean, user-friendly interface.
Cons of Akiflow
- Limited free features.
- Learning curve for new users.
- Relatively high cost.
- Lack of extensive customization.
- Primarily web-based.
Pricing
Akiflow offers a premium subscription plan that costs $9.5 per month if billed yearly and $34 per month if billed monthly. This premium plan includes access to unlimited integrations, unlimited tasks, unlimited meetings, and many more.
In addition, it also offers a 7-day free trial to experience Akiflow’s features before committing to a paid subscription.
12. Focuster
If you find yourself confused by an endless to-do list, Focuster might be the best productivity app you have been looking for.
Focuster is a productivity software that will help you maximize your focus and efficiency by automating task scheduling and prioritization. It not only manages the user’s tasks on the calendar but also adjusts them dynamically based on progress, deadlines, and priorities.
Key Features of Focuster
- Automatic task scheduling.
- Smart prioritization.
- Focus mode.
- Integration with Google Calendar.
- Real-time task adjustments.
- Progress tracking and reports.
Pros of Focuster
- Efficient time management.
- Reduces decision fatigue.
- Enhanced focus with focus mode.
- Keeps momentum on track.
- Insightful productivity insights.
Cons of Focuster
- Limited customization for advanced users.
- Relies heavily on Google Calendar.
- Potential learning curve.
- No mobile app for Android users.
- Relatively high priced.
Pricing
Focuster provides two different plans to suit different productivity needs:
- Basic starts at $7.99 per month with a single Google calendar sync.
- Pro starts at $14.99 per month with more advanced features like Calendar sync, Trello integration, Time blocking, etc.
However, you can try Focuster with a 14-day free trial to see the benefits of this productivity software before subscribing.
13. Sunsama
Download Links: Android, iOS, Web
Sunsama is another productivity app that is designed to help you plan your daily work digitally and stay focused. It provides various features including focus mode, auto-scheduling, weekly review, keyboard shortcut, and analytics to streamline your workdays.
Not only this, but you can also easily drag and drop tasks from your project and other task tools like Asana, Github, Jira, Monday, etc.
Key Features of Sunsama
- Daily planning and task prioritization.
- Seamless integration with productivity tools like Slack, Gmail, Trello, etc.
- Timeboxing and focused word blocks.
- Progress tracking and weekly reflection.
- Platform flexibility.
Pros of Sunsama
- Builds a balanced workflow.
- Customizable task prioritization.
- Weekly reviews.
- Centralized hub for task management.
- Minimize interruptions.
Cons of Sunsama
- No free tier.
- Daily planning requirement.
- Optimized for professional tasks.
- Limited customization for advanced users.
Pricing
While Sunsama is a subscription-based platform, you can access its features for free with its 14-day free trial. Moving further, here are the pricing details of its Subscription plan:
- $16/month, billed annually
- $20/month, billed monthly
14. Zentask
Do you love AI-powered productivity but are spoiled for choices? Simply, choose them all!
Zentask is one of the best productivity apps that streamline daily task management by integrating all popular AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini Pro at one destination.
So, if you are looking for an AI-powered tool to boost your productivity and save both time and money, Zentask makes it all possible.
While ZenTask is still in its beta version, I can confidently say it holds great promise as one of the best productivity apps available.
Key Features of Zentask
- AI model integration.
- Task automation.
- Seamless workflow.
- Talk to the Zentask tool.
- Custom task creation.
Pros of Zentask
- All-in-one AI solution.
- Time-saving automation.
- Boosts creativity.
- Intuitive interface.
- Affordable pricing.
Cons of Zentask
- Beta version limitations.
- Limited offline functionality.
- Integration limits.
- Limited features in the free version.
Pricing
Zentask provides multiple premium plans with different features as listed below:
- Free version with 100 Signup credits and limited features.
- Start plan: Billed at $9.90/month
- PRO: $199.90/month
- Business: $29.90/month
15. Otter.ai
Download Links: Android, iOS, Web
Otter.ai is one of the top productivity apps for those looking to improve their note-taking, transcription, and collaboration processes. With Otter.ai’s speech-to-text technology, you can generate highly accurate transcriptions of meetings, lectures, and other online voice conversations.
Beyond this, it also offers Otter AI Chat and AI Channels to get answers and generate content across all your meetings.
Plus, it provides tailored solutions for various industries, including sales teams, business, recruiting teams, media, and more, catering to their specific needs.
Key Features of Otter.ai
- Real-time transcription.
- Easy collaboration.
- Voice commands and AI integration.
- Audio and Video integration.
- Searchable transcriptions.
- Cross-platform syncing.
- Integration with other tools like Dropbox, Google Drive, Zoom, etc.
Pros of Otter.ai
- Highly accurate transcriptions.
- Time-saving.
- Searchable and shareable notes.
- Multi-language support.
- Affordable.
Cons of Otter.ai
- Works best with clear audio.
- Limited free plan.
- Occasional inaccuracies with complex conversations.
Pricing
Along with its completely free plan that gives access to quite handsome features, the following are the pricing for Otter.ai’s premium plans:
- PRO: $8.33 per user/month
- Business: $20 per user/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
16. LastPass
Download Links: Android, iOS, Web
LastPass is one of the most popular password management tools that lets you store, organize, and manage your passwords efficiently. As a productivity app, it completely reduces the mental load of remembering multiple passwords for various accounts and helps you manage your online security.
In addition to password storage, LastPass can also be used to generate complex passwords and secure password sharing.
Key Features of LastPass
- Complex password generator.
- Password vault.
- Two-factor authentication.
- Encrypted storage.
- Secure sharing.
- Cross-device sync.
Pros of LastPass
- Auto-fill passwords.
- Enhanced security.
- Multi-device access.
- Password sharing.
- User-friendly.
Cons of LastPass
- Pricing for premium features.
- Occasional sync issues.
- Security breach history.
Pricing
You can try LastPass for free if you want to access limited features. However, the pricing details of its premium plans are given below:
- Premium: $1.50/month
- Families: $2.00/month
- Teams: $2.80/month
- Business: $5.60/month
To know more details about LastPass pricing, consider visiting the official website.
17. Forest
Download Links: Android, iOS, Web
If the thought of a green forest and fresh air excites you, then the Forest is one of the best productivity apps to transform your focus game.
It is an innovative tool that helps you stay focused and reduce distractions in a unique, gamified way. In this app, every time you focus on your work, it grows a real tree. But if you get distracted in between or leave the app, the tree will die, encouraging you to keep your motivation alive.
Key Features of Forest
- Pomodoro timer.
- Gamified focus.
- Real-world impact.
- Tracking and progress.
- No distractions.
Pros of Forest
- Super fun and engaging.
- Promotes eco-friendly practices.
- Customizable focus timer.
- Great for habit building.
Cons of Forest
- Limited functionality.
- Requires focus time.
- Limited features in the free version.
Pricing
You can use the basic features of the Forest app for free. But, To unlock its Pro version and access additional features like no ads, custom tags, detailed sta
18. IFTTT
Download Links: Android, iOS, Web
IFTTT is a powerful automation tool that connects different apps, devices, and services to work together in an effective manner.
Using IFTTT, you can create or use pre-build Applets to automate actions between various services. For example, you can create applets to share Happy New Year messages on your Social accounts.
But wait, there’s more! IFTTT doesn’t only work for professional environments but you can also use it to create a smart home experience like turning on the lights in the evening, adjusting the AC temperature when it’s too hot, and much more.
Key Features of IFTTT
- Customizable applets.
- Wide range of integrations.
- Home automation.
- Alerts for important updates.
- Multi-step applets.
Pros of IFTTT
- User-friendly.
- Extensive integration.
- Boosts productivity.
- Highly customizable.
- Smart home integration.
Cons of IFTTT
- Limited control for advanced automation.
- Occasional delays.
- Paid features.
- Dependency on service availability.
Pricing
The following are the pricing details for all of its freemium and premium plans:
- Free plan for limited features.
- IFTTT Pro: $3.49/month (Perfect for home automation and productivity)
- IFTTT Pro+: $14.99/month (Ideal for small business owners)
19. Habitica
Download Links: Android, iOS, Web
Habitica is yet another productivity app designed to help you in habit-building in a gaming way. Haitica motivates you with rewards and punishments to complete your tasks and achieve your goals. The app is built around the idea of making daily activities a game that feels more engaging and enjoyable.
So, whether it’s about hitting the gym or preparing your school projects, Habitica makes everything fun and more achievable.
Key Features of Habitica
- Gamified task management.
- Customizable goals.
- Social motivation.
- Rewards system.
- Reminders and streaks.
Pros of Habitica
- Engaging and motivational.
- Highly customizable.
- Team collaboration.
- Healthy habit formation.
- Completely free.
Cons of Habitica
- Learning curve for RPG format.
- Limited functionality for advanced productivity.
- Require regular usage.
Pricing
Habitica is indeed free to use. However, the app sustains itself through donations from users who want to support Habitica’s mission of gamifying productivity and making habit-building enjoyable.
20. Focus@Will
Download Links: Android, iOS, Web
Rounding out our picks of the best productivity apps with Focus@Will! Focus@Will is a productivity software that will help you improve your focus with music.
Unlike typical music streaming platforms, it specializes in scientifically curated music sounds such as Naturebeat, The Deep, Symphonica, and more. Moreover, when you sign in on the platform, it takes a quiz to determine what suits you the most and then personalize it accordingly.
Key Features of Focus@Will
- Science-based music playlists.
- Personalized recommendations.
- Variety of channels like ambient, nature sounds, electronic, etc.
- Focus timer and session tracking.
- Therapeutic sound elements.
Pros of Focus@Will
- Tailored for productivity.
- Personalized options.
- Sound therapy benefits.
- Diverse music choices.
- Timer functionality.
Cons of Focus@Will
- Subscription-based.
- No offline mode.
- Limited customization.
- Subscription cost over time.
- Niche appeal.
Pricing
Focus@Will operates completely on a subscription model with flexible premium plans, all with a 7-day free trial.
- Monthly: $7.49/month
- Yearly: $52.49/year
- Two Year: $45.00/year
Plus, if you want to use Focus@Will to improve your team’s efficiency, you can try out their Workspace plan which offers a 28-day free trial, starting from $2.75/month for a single user.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s quite challenging to stay productive in today’s dynamic world, but with the right mindset and tools, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming!
Whether you are confused between multiple tasks, managing daily habits, or simply trying to improve your focus, the best productivity apps listed in this article will make your life a lot easier.
Some apps like Notion and TickTick are great for organizing tasks and projects, while others like Focus@Will and Forest will help improve your focus. In short, irrespective of what are your choices and requirements, there is something for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Start optimizing your workflow today!
Related Readings