Best productivity apps in 2023: 

How to build a complete productivity system

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably looking for ways to get your work done efficiently, effectively, and on time. 
But the problem is: productivity is a wide category. It’s a subjective concept—and everyone wants different features out of their productivity apps.
 

Building the best tech stack for your needs depends on your unique process and workflows. For most people, though, productivity requires a combination of tools to help you manage your time, to-dos, data, and collaboration. 

Building a complete and functional productivity system usually requires a lot of trial and error. But if you want to skip a lot of the headache, you’re in luck—we’ve rounded up our list of the best productivity apps in 2023 in each category. Below, we’ll explore what each type of tool is used for, what to look for in the tool you choose, and our top pick for the best productivity app to get you started.

Element #1: Time management

The first element of productivity is time. Without a reliable and easy way to manage and track your time, it’s easy to waste precious hours.

Calendar and appointment scheduling software make it easy to manage your schedule; gone are the days of paper planners. You can also use time-tracking apps to (as the name implies) track your time. These tools show you how long you spend working and the specific tasks you spend your time on.

How to choose an appointment scheduling app

If time is money, your calendar is a precious resource. When used well, a calendar app helps you manage (and avoid wasting) your time. Not only does a calendar or scheduling tool show you what you plan to do and when, but many of the best also include appointment scheduling as one of their core features. 
Combining simple calendar features with meeting scheduling lets you manage your schedule in one place. Automating meeting and appointment scheduling also benefits your business by helping you avoid scheduling conflicts and sending appointment reminders. 
Some tools focus primarily on your daily agenda, while others also let you schedule meetings and appointments with others. To learn more about the difference between types of scheduling tools, see our in-depth guide to appointment scheduling apps.

When on the hunt for the best calendar app for you, look for the following features:

• Ease of use. The tool shouldn’t take hours to set up and start using. You should be able to navigate the menu, add events, and organize your time without sitting through hours of video tutorials.
• Simplicity. Similarly, you want a scheduling app that doesn’t overload you with unnecessary features. Look for a tool that offers the right features for you, without being bogged down by flashy elements you won’t use.
• Personal booking page. A booking page is an essential element of any good scheduling app. This page—which you can embed on your website or share directly via URL—lets guests and customers book time with you on their own.
• Value for price. Many calendar and appointment scheduling apps have free subscription tiers and reasonable pricing for more advanced features. You should be able to find a powerful tool without paying a fortune.
   

Best scheduling app: Calday

The tool that best meets the requirements above is Calday, a flexible and easy-to-use scheduling app. Even on the free plan, Calday’s powerful features make it a great choice for solopreneurs and mid-sized businesses alike.

Unlike some other scheduling apps, Calday doesn’t overload users with unnecessary features. The streamlined tool is easy to set up, letting you create an account and share a fully functional booking page in just a few minutes. 

But despite its streamlined design, Calday is still a powerful ally in your productivity toolkit. It offers reliable scheduling automation for users and their guests, with unlimited bookings (even on the free plan), integrations with Google Calendar and Zoom, and a variety of event and sub-event types for a customizable booking experience.

And with the upcoming payment processing tool and client database feature, Calday will soon be a powerful one-stop hub for managing your business.

Pricing: Free for unlimited appointments, one event type, and one integration. The Premium plan is $12/month for unlimited integrations and event types, guest notifications, and business reporting.

How to choose a time-tracking app

Like calendar apps, time-tracking tools help you manage, track, and allocate your time effectively. There are many good reasons to track your time, from completing accurate timesheets, to recording billable hours, to planning your week realistically.

It can be difficult to plan your day if you don’t know how long each task will take you. But time-tracking apps give you hard data on how long you’re spending on which task. When you understand how you’re spending your time, you can spot patterns in your work trends and make more informed business decisions.

Look for a time-tracking tool that offers:

• Both manual time entry and a timer. The tool should have a timer component that tracks your time as you work—but you should also be able to add time manually, after the fact. These combined features give you control and flexibility over your time log.
• Reporting features. Being able to export and analyze your timesheet is essential for getting a birds-eye view of how you and your team are spending your time.
• Integrations and multiple access points. The best time-tracking tools are accessible via desktop, web, or mobile device. Many even integrate with other popular apps—like your project management software or calendar—to let you easily start tracking from wherever you’re working.