20 Best Free Apps to Boost Your Productivity

Best for Time Management

Struggling to figure out where your time goes? RescueTime helps you uncover how you’re spending your day by tracking and analyzing your activities.

You may think you only scroll through social media briefly, but the app’s detailed reports might reveal otherwise.

The app provides insights into time-wasting habits and highlights opportunities to streamline or delegate low-value tasks.

For example, if cutting and pasting between tools takes up too much time, RescueTime might prompt you to automate those actions.

With its ability to block distracting websites, set productivity goals, and track your progress, RescueTime empowers you to make meaningful changes in your daily routine.

Key Features:

• Tracks time spent on tasks and websites
• Blocks distracting sites
• Offers daily productivity scores
• Generates detailed goals and reports

Cost: Free plan available; premium plans start at $6.50/month.
Available For: Web browsers, macOS, Windows, Android

Best for Blocking Online Distractions

Do you lose track of time browsing social media or news sites? The StayFocusd Chrome extension keeps your wandering clicks in check.

You can specify how long you want to spend on distracting sites daily. For example, if 15 minutes of Twitter scrolling is your limit, StayFocusd will block access once the time is up.

This app also has a “nuclear” feature, which blocks all websites—or permits access only to specific ones—when you need absolute focus. It’s the perfect solution for staying disciplined when self-control falters.

Cost: Free
Available For: Chrome

Best for Managing Email Distractions

Email notifications can be a major productivity killer. Boomerang offers tools to control your inbox, such as the “Inbox Pause” feature, which halts the arrival of new emails until you’re ready to check them.

Need to stay accessible for specific contacts? Boomerang allows you to whitelist certain addresses so their emails come through even when your inbox is paused.

You can also send automatic responses to inform others of a delay and suggest alternative contact methods for urgent issues.

Key Features:

• “Inbox Pause” to manage interruptions
• Auto-responses for delayed replies
• Email scheduling and read receipts

Cost: Free plan available; premium plans start at $4.98/month.
Available For: Web browsers, iOS, Android, Windows phones

Best for Task Management

For those who thrive on organized to-do lists, Todoist is a must-have.

With its intuitive interface, you can quickly jot down tasks, categorize them, and check them off as you complete them.

Todoist’s free version allows up to 80 projects, enabling you to create distinct lists for work, home, errands, or even long-term goals. Whether you’re tackling team assignments or personal chores, Todoist keeps everything in one place for easy access.

Key Features:

• Real-time sync across devices
• Project templates and visual task tracking
• Notifications and reminders for deadlines

Cost: Free plan available; premium plans start at $4/month (billed annually).
Available For: Web browsers, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Apple Watch

Best for Note-Taking and Organization

Evernote helps you centralize your ideas, documents, and notes, reducing the chaos of scattered information across various platforms.

From jotting down quick thoughts to saving detailed meeting notes, Evernote ensures everything is stored in one searchable location.

The app also integrates with Google Drive, Gmail, and Outlook, allowing you to save emails and files seamlessly. Its web clipper feature lets you save entire webpages, making it easy to reference research or articles later.

Key Features:

• Syncs notes across devices
• Supports voice and text note-taking
• Integrates with Gmail and Google Drive
• Web clipper for saving online content

Cost: Free plan available; premium plans start at $7.99/month.
Available For: Web browsers, Android, iOS

Best Free Productivity App for Automating Tasks

Zapier bridges the gap between different apps, making it easy to transfer data and automate repetitive tasks without any programming skills.

With over 5,000 integrations, it helps streamline workflows and save time on manual processes.

For instance, Zapier can sync new Shopify orders with your spreadsheet, send customer details to your email marketing platform, and even schedule tasks in your project management software.

These automated workflows ensure important tasks are completed while freeing you to focus on higher-value activities.

Key Features:

• Transfers data across apps effortlessly
• Supports over 5,000 app integrations
• Easy-to-set-up automations, known as "Zaps"
• Enables multi-step workflows
• Offers customizable triggers and actions
• Tracks task history for easy monitoring

Cost: Free; paid plans start at $19.99/month (billed annually).
Available For: Web browsers.

Best Free Productivity App for Workflow Management

Trello is the perfect tool for projects requiring collaboration across multiple steps or teams.

Its intuitive Kanban board system enables seamless task organization and progress tracking. Each board is divided into columns representing different project stages.

Tasks (or cards) can be moved from one column to another, making it easy to visualize the status of each task. Trello works exceptionally well for processes like content creation, recruitment, and event planning.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop task management
• Labels and tags for better categorization
• Attach files and documents to tasks
• Activity log for tracking changes
• Mobile app access for on-the-go updates

Cost: Free; paid plans start at $5/month per user (billed annually).
Available For: Web browsers, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS.

Best Free Productivity App for Small Teams

Asana stands out as a flexible project management tool for small teams.

Whether your team prefers Kanban boards, traditional to-do lists, or calendar views, Asana adapts to their workflow style.

The free version allows you to manage multiple projects from a unified dashboard, assign tasks to team members, and track progress. However, note that Asana's free plan is limited to 15 users, making it ideal for startups and small organizations.

Key Features:

• Multiple task views (list, board, calendar)
• Centralized project management
• Subtask creation for detailed planning
• Customizable reminders and notifications
• Easy integration with email and other tools

Cost: Free; paid plans start at $10/month per user (billed annually).
Available For: Web browsers, iOS, Android.

Best Free Productivity App for Team Knowledge Sharing

Notion excels at helping teams centralize their knowledge and resources.

Its robust customization features allow you to create and share workspaces tailored to each department's needs. From marketing plans to customer service FAQs, Notion simplifies access to crucial information.

The free plan includes unlimited users and up to 1,000 content blocks, making it a great option for startups wanting to document processes and foster collaboration.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive document storage
• Real-time team collaboration
• Templates for streamlined workflows
• Drag-and-drop functionality for customization
• Multi-departmental knowledge base creation

Cost: Free; paid plans start at $4/month per user (billed annually).
Available For: Web browsers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.

Best Free Productivity App for Financial Management

Wave is a powerful accounting platform designed for small businesses.

It simplifies expense tracking, invoicing, and payroll management without the hefty price tag of traditional accounting software.

Wave allows users to connect unlimited bank accounts, generate professional invoices, and scan receipts on the go. Its integration with payroll and tax tools ensures you stay compliant while saving time.

Key Features:

• Invoicing and payment tracking
• Receipt scanning via mobile app
• Payroll and tax management
• Yearly expense reports
• Seamless integration with credit cards and banks

Cost: Free; additional features like payroll start at $20/month.
Available For: Web browsers, iOS.

Best Free Productivity App for Time Management

Focus Booster is based on the Pomodoro Technique, a proven method for boosting productivity by breaking work into intervals (typically 25 minutes) followed by short breaks.

This app is perfect for professionals and students seeking to manage their time effectively and prevent burnout.

Focus Booster tracks your sessions, helping you visualize how you spend your time and improve efficiency. The free version provides up to 20 sessions per month, making it ideal for light users.

Key Features:

• Customizable work and break intervals
• Session tracking and analytics
• Simple, distraction-free interface
• Syncs across devices
• Time logs for self-assessment

Cost: Free; paid plans start at $4.99/month.
Available For: Web browsers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.

Best Free Productivity App for Staying Focused

Forest uses gamification to encourage focus and minimize distractions.

When you start a task, you plant a virtual tree, which grows as long as you stay focused. Leaving the app or using your phone interrupts the process and kills your tree.

This app is especially effective for people who need extra motivation to stay off their devices during work or study sessions. Over time, you can build an entire virtual forest, reflecting your focus efforts.

Key Features:

• Gamified focus sessions
• Customizable timers for tasks
• Virtual tree-planting rewards
• Tracks productivity trends
• Encourages eco-friendliness by planting real trees through partner programs

Cost: Free; optional in-app purchases available.
Available For: iOS, Android.

Best Free Productivity App for Habit Building

Habitica gamifies your to-do lists and habit-tracking by turning your tasks into a role-playing game.

Completing tasks earns you experience points and rewards, while procrastination or failing to follow through can weaken your character.

This app is particularly appealing to gamers and anyone motivated by tangible rewards and progress tracking. It’s perfect for fostering long-term habits like exercising, studying, or developing new skills.

Key Features:

• Gamified task and habit tracking
• Customizable avatars and quests
• Daily and long-term goal-setting tools
• Social features for team challenges
• Analytics to monitor progress

Cost: Free; optional in-app purchases and subscriptions for additional perks.
Available For: Web browsers, iOS, Android.

Best Free Productivity App for Writing Assistance

Grammarly is a must-have for anyone writing emails, reports, or documents.

This app analyzes your text for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and clarity, offering suggestions to improve tone and readability.

The free version is sufficient for catching basic errors, making it an excellent tool for students, professionals, and writers. Grammarly integrates seamlessly with browsers, email clients, and word processors for on-the-go editing.

Key Features:

• Real-time grammar and spelling checks
• Suggestions for improving tone and clarity
• Browser and app integrations
• Easy-to-use dashboard for tracking writing progress
• Free browser extension

Cost: Free; premium plans start at $12/month (billed annually).
Available For: Web browsers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.

Best for tracking time spent on specific tasks

Toggl empowers you to optimize your workflow by keeping precise records of how much time you allocate to each task.

With its sleek and user-friendly design, it’s both simple to navigate and packed with robust features that enhance productivity.

Key Features:

• Start and stop timers with a single click
• Pomodoro timer to boost focus
• Generate reports detailing task-specific time usage
• Use tags for better task organization
• Calendar view to manage deadlines effectively
• Seamlessly integrates with tools like Asana, Trello, and Google Calendar

Pricing: Free. Paid plans begin at $9 per user per month.
Availability: Web app, browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox), desktop apps (Windows, Mac), mobile apps (Android, iOS).

Best free software for tracking time

Clockify is a straightforward, no-fuss time-tracking tool that’s free to use. It features a mobile app for on-the-go tracking, making it convenient wherever you are.

Its standout capability lies in its detailed reporting system, which offers insights into how you spend your time on various projects and tasks.

Key Features:

• Simple stopwatch-style tracker
• Manual input and editing of time entries
• Weekly activity timesheets
• Mark hours as billable
• Calendar view to block out tasks visually
• Integrations with tools like Trello, Asana, and QuickBooks

Pricing: Free. Paid plans start at $3.99 per user per month (billed annually).
Availability: Desktop and mobile apps; extensions for Chrome and Firefox; supports Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Top music app for enhancing focus on any activity

Brain.fm uses scientifically-designed music to help you achieve a flow state tailored to your goals—whether you’re working, meditating, or relaxing.

With its unique combination of human-composed tracks and patented technology, this app ensures you can concentrate, unwind, or sleep better.

Key Features:

• Functional music designed for productivity
• Tracks created by human musicians
• Patented neuromodulation technology
• Tested for scientific efficacy
• Supported by the National Science Foundation

Pricing: Free trial available; paid plans start at $6.99 per month.
Availability: Web browser, iOS, Android.

Best for team communication and collaboration

Vowel enhances team productivity by transforming meetings into shareable, searchable resources.

Functioning as an alternative to Zoom, it integrates tools like agendas, live transcriptions, and meeting recaps to make collaboration seamless and efficient.

Key Features:

• Live transcription and recording, even on the free plan
• Interactive video calls with integrated agendas
• Shared meeting notes and actionable recaps
• Talk-time tracking to encourage balanced discussions
• Clips for sharing critical meeting insights

Pricing: Free. Paid plans begin at $8.49 per user per month (billed annually).
Availability: Web browser.

Top app for team brainstorming and collaboration

Mural simplifies brainstorming and idea-sharing through its virtual whiteboards.

Teams can create visual plans, add notes, and collaborate in real-time using over 200 templates tailored for brainstorming, problem-solving, and agile project management.

Key Features:

• Flexible, resizable canvases to match your needs
• Easy-to-create maps, flows, and processes
• Templates that save time and foster team engagement
• Communication options via text, comments, or quick talks
• Sticky notes for organizing ideas and identifying patterns
• Integrations with tools like Airtable, Asana, and Google Drive

Pricing: Free. Paid plans start at $9.99 per user per month (billed annually).
Availability: iOS, Android, macOS, Windows 10.

Best Free Productivity App for Password Management

LastPass helps you securely store and manage passwords across devices, eliminating the frustration of remembering multiple login credentials.

It also generates strong passwords for new accounts, ensuring your online security.

The free plan offers syncing across mobile or desktop (but not both) and autofills login credentials on your apps and websites, saving you time and stress.

Key Features:

• Secure password storage
• Automatic password generation
• Autofill for website and app logins
• Multi-factor authentication support
• Encrypted vault for sensitive information

Cost: Free; paid plans start at $3/month (billed annually).
Available For: Web browsers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.

Productivity is a key component of personal and professional success, and the right tools can make all the difference.

From managing your time and tasks to fostering better habits and streamlining your workflow, the free apps we’ve explored here are designed to empower you to work smarter, not harder.

Whether you need a tool to organize your life (like Notion or Todoist), stay focused (like Forest or Focus Booster), or streamline your writing (like Grammarly), there’s something for everyone. The best part? They won’t cost you a dime to get started.

By integrating these apps into your routine, you can tackle your goals more effectively, reclaim your time, and achieve a better work-life balance. Start exploring these tools today and see how they can transform the way you work and live!