A lot of individuals find themselves in a constant battle with work deadlines, appointments, projects, and personal aspirations in their daily routines. If your routine involves racing from one meeting to another, using reminder sticky notes, and sending yourself voice or text prompts, it might be the right moment to explore an application or tool that can truly assist you in achieving better time management.
Although time management applications can’t magically increase the hours in your day, several of them can set up a structured system, monitor various deadlines for both personal and work projects, and generally simplify your life.
Here, we explore some of the top time management applications and software solutions that can help keep you on track.
Which are the finest time management apps and tools?
1. Scoro
Scoro is a comprehensive work management solution designed to assist users in effectively organizing their time and meeting project deadlines. With Scoro’s time tracking functionality, you can keep tabs on your sales pipeline, create quotes, and bill clients. It also features robust reporting tools for business oversight, alongside task lists, task assignments, calendar management, file organization, and project tracking functionalities.
Cost: Starting at $26 per user monthly (minimum of five users)
Available on: iOS and Android apps, web browsers
2. ClickUp
ClickUp offers another solution for time tracking that promotes collaboration among individuals and teams. It provides time-tracking tools, messaging capabilities, a goal-setting dashboard, and notes to handle extensive to-do lists. ClickUp can sync with Google Calendar for those seeking a time management solution that benefits both their personal and professional lives.
Cost: Free for individual use, $7-$12 per user per month for teams.
Available on: Desktop, iOS and Android apps, web browsers
3. Serene
Hoping to enhance your concentration? Consider using Serene, a macOS-exclusive time management app. It enables users to concentrate on managing their schedules and prioritizing their crucial tasks. Serene assists in day-to-day planning by identifying goals and developing to-do lists while also minimizing distractions from devices and websites, helping you avoid mindless browsing. The app offers music and countdown timers to maintain focus on your initiatives.
Cost: 10 working hours for free, then $4 per month, paid annually
Available on: macOS app
4. Habitica
If you find standard habit or time tracking apps tedious, Habitica might be the solution you’re looking for. Differentiating itself from typical time management tools, Habitica turns personal productivity and habit tracking into a game, offering rewards that make achievements more tangible. Although it’s not tailored for work teams, you can form an in-app party with friends and family to tackle challenges together, customize rewards, and set task reminders. Additionally, you can join other Habitica users on quests for support and bonus points.
Cost: $9 a month, along with $3 per member for a monthly subscription
Available on: iOS and Android apps
5. Asana
Asana ranks among the more widely used time management tools available for larger teams and organizations. It supports time management and collaboration, offering task tracking, project management, and collaborative features, including Gantt charts for extended projects. Team leaders can allocate work to a task manager and set processes for repetition, while team members can receive updates on projects, assess milestones, and track their development.
Cost: Free basic account for up to 15 individuals; Premium plans begin at $10.99 per person per month, billed annually
Available on: Desktop, iOS and Android apps, web browsers
6. Focus@Will
For those who excel with background music, the Focus@Will app available on iOS and Android could be beneficial. This application streams various music styles developed in collaboration with neuroscience research designed to boost productivity. You can select from an array of channels, such as Bach Beats, The Deep, Symphonica, and Tranquility. With thousands of exclusive tracks, Focus@Will could assist in limiting distractions and enhancing concentrated work.
Cost: Free one-week trial, followed by plans starting at $7.49 monthly
Available on: iOS and Android apps
7. 1Password
Though not directly a time management tool, if you’ve ever faced the frustration of forgetting a password, you’ll appreciate how a password manager can save time. With various options available, you might consider 1Password, which safely stores your passwords and allows for the secure storage of documents and notes. The Watchtower security feature aids in selecting strong passwords and notifies you of compromised accounts. Additionally, 1Password can assist with data recovery in the event of a crash or power outage.
Cost: 14-day free trial; plans start at $2.99 per month for individuals or $7.99 per month for businesses when billed annually
Available on: Desktop, iOS and Android apps, web browsers
8. Focus Keeper
If you enjoy using a traditional kitchen timer for focus, Focus Keeper might be a perfect choice. This app allows you to concentrate on significant projects by applying the popular Pomodoro technique, splitting your work into 25-minute intervals with 5-minute breaks. After completing four sessions, you can take a more extended break of 15 to 30 minutes for rejuvenation. Unlike other productivity apps, Focus Keeper boasts a sleek, user-friendly design that enables you to set goals, track progress, and choose various ringtones for break notifications.
Cost: Free, though in-app purchases unlock additional features
Available on: Desktop, iOS, and Android apps
9. OmniFocus
If you find it challenging to manage shifting tasks throughout a hectic day, OmniFocus can assist you in prioritizing your responsibilities. As you input tasks, due dates, and notes into the app, OmniFocus organizes your week with priorities, indicating the optimal task for your next focus. Utilize the weekly review and forecasting features to prepare for upcoming commitments and break larger tasks into manageable steps.
Cost: 14-day free trial; $9.99 per month or one-time purchases of $49.99 for a standard license or $99.99 for a professional license
Available on: iOS and Mac desktop and web browser
10. Forest
If you struggle to stay focused and desire motivation to direct your attention toward your work and away from your phone, consider the Forest app. Unlike traditional time management tools that act merely as timers, Forest allows you to nurture a digital tree that grows as you focus. If you exit the app before your timer expires, your tree dies. Completing tasks without checking your phone helps your tree flourish and can create a thriving digital forest.
Cost: $3.99 on the app store, with in-app purchases available
Available on: iOS and Android apps
Conclusion
Effectively managing your time and discovering the appropriate tools to achieve your objectives is a noteworthy accomplishment. Just be cautious not to let your self-esteem be tied to your to-do list; remember to take time for rest and rejuvenation. Leverage these applications and tools to maximize your time management efforts, while also scheduling moments for unplugging.
