Most companies and schools are still following work or study from home arrangements. While this saves everyone a lot of time and energy on travel, a lot of people are still having a hard time managing work, school, and home responsibilities.
But don’t fret. Here’s a list of productivity apps (free and premium versions) to help keep you on track and accomplish all your most important tasks of the day.
The free versions are already packed with a lot of features. But if you want the full and upgraded version, there are different subscription plans that will suit any budget, too.
| Application | Platform | Price |
| 1Password | iOS, Android, Mac OS, and Windows |
|
| Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader | iOS, Android, Mac OS, and Windows |
|
| AppBlock | Android devices |
|
| Evernote | iOS, Android, Mac OS, and Windows |
|
| Google Workspace | iOS, Android, Mac OS, and Windows |
|
| Grammarly | iOS, Android, Mac OS, and Windows |
|
| Be Focused — Focus Timer | iOS and Mac OS |
|
| Seven | iOS and Android |
|
| ToDoist | iOS, Android, Mac OS, and Windows |
|
| Trello | iOS, Android, Mac OS, and Windows |
|
1Password
1Password lets you manage all passwords in a single app with ease. Store your existing passwords or generate strong ones without the need to write them down on paper and hide them in a vault.
For example, if you’re logging into your organization’s website, it will prompt you to save the username and password in its browser extension app. Since it stores the data you saved, you can sign in to the same site using its auto-fill feature.
On top of that, 1Password lets you share login credentials with other users securely. It also uses two-factor authentication for an added layer of security and protection.
- Available on iOS, Android, Mac OS, and Windows devices
- Available for free or subscribe to the Pro version starting at $2.99 (approximately P145) per month, billed annually
Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader
Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader lets you read, view, and sign PDF files in your computer or mobile device.
From ebooks to case studies and reports, this app is super handy as you can access files across different devices, thanks to its Adobe Document Integration.
- Available on iOS, Android, Mac OS, and Windows devices
- Available for free or subscribe to Adobe Acrobat DC to unlock advanced editing features and cloud services starting at P747 per month, billed annually
AppBlock
Do you find it hard to get rid of distractions while working from home? AppBlock might save the day for Android users.
AppBlock helps you stay focused while working or studying by selecting the applications and websites that distract you most. Set a specific time, for instance, from 8 AM to 5PM, and AppBlock will block the apps and sites temporarily.
Aside from limiting your screen time, AppBlock lets you monitor real-time data of your browsing habits.
- Available on Android devices only (as of this writing)
- Available for free or subscribe to the Premium version starting at P145/monthly or P890 billed annually
Evernote
Whether you’re looking for a note-taking app or an app that will manage your saved pages from the web, Evernote does it swiftly across several devices.
Evernote also lets you organize your notes via notebooks, tags, and groups. On top of that, you can also access all your notes across your devices.
For clipping pages, install the extension on your browser and start saving articles for your research and references.
The free version offers 25MB space for notes and 60MB for saved web pages. But if you want to unlock other features, such as accessing notes offline and making PDF annotations, the Premium subscription is enough. It has 200MB storage for notes and a 10GB monthly upload limit for your files.
- Available on iOS, Android, Mac OS, and Windows devices
Available for free or subscribe to Premium version to unlock advanced features starting at P130 billed every month - Students are entitled to 50% off for a full year on Premium subscription
Google Workspace
Formerly known as GSuite, Google Workspace is Google’s cloud-based platform ideal for collaborative projects. Think of it as your Microsoft Office in the cloud. But it’s free, and you can brainstorm, write, and edit with other members of your team.
Google Workspace is comprised of Gmail, Google Docs, Calendar, Meet, Drive, to name a few. You can access all these with your Google Account.
Send email, share, edit, view files using Google Docs, and store them in the Drive folder. Enjoy all these features and work in the cloud without installing software or saving files on your computer.
They’re available for all users who have a Google account for personal use.
- Available on iOS, Android, Mac OS, and Windows devices
- Available for free for Gmail users. For Business accounts, monthly plans start at $4.20 (approx. P202) with a custom email address, 100 participants for video meetings, and 30 GB cloud storage.
Grammarly
Grammarly checks your documents for spelling and grammatical errors and suggests the right words to make your writing more readable and engaging.
It can spot more than 250 types of grammar mistakes and suggests other words and styles to improve your writing.
Grammarly works best if you install an extension on your browser.
Write documents, emails, and even captions on social media, with more confidence. You can also install the app on your mobile device or integrate it with Microsoft Word.
The free version is enough for basic proofreading. However, the premium version has more features that can improve your writing style and make it more impactful.
- Available on iOS, Android, Mac OS, and Windows devices
- Available for free or subscribe to the Premium version starting at $11.66 (approx P562) per month, billed annually
Be Focused — Focus Timer
Stay focused as you work or study with Be Focused — Focus Timer. With this app, you can get things done by breaking up each task.
Start a task and set 25 minutes to work on it continuously, and the app will pause for you to take a 5-minute break. You can also set a notification every 25 minutes for whenever you finish a task or end your break.
With Be Focused, you can customize the work interval and break duration (25-5 = 25 minutes for work and 5 minutes for break) so you won’t be overwhelmed with your tasks.
This app also lets you set deadlines and track your progress with its built-in analytics.
- Available on iOS and Mac OS devices
- Available for free on iOS; Pro Version at $2.99 (approx P145) for iOS and $4.99 (approx P240) for Mac OS, a one-time fee.
Seven
Make sure you still have time to take a break when working. Seven is here to help you squeeze in a 7-minute workout every day.
The workouts are designed to provide maximum benefits in the shortest time. They are tailored-made to help you reach your exercise goal and motivate you to move.
Work can be overwhelming and there may be a ton of things to do around the house. But 7 minutes can be enough for a workout each day. It’s quick, doable, and convenient.
As you progress, you can gradually increase your time. The workouts don’t require equipment, plus you can compete with friends to stay accountable and motivated. You can even schedule your workout or create your own.
- Available on iOS and Android devices
- The free version is enough to access basic workouts. To unlock other features, the monthly subscription is P499 billed every month.
- Save 50% if you pay P2,999 (P249.17 per month) billed annually
ToDoist
Overwhelmed by your to-do list? With ToDoist, it’s easier to organize your tasks, plan your day, and set reminders to stay on top of everything.
If there’s a random task that pops in your head, include it in the list, set a deadline, and a reminder.
Mark your tasks by priorities. And if you want to start a habit of taking down all your activities, you can set recurring reminders. It has Boards that lets you list down the task and categorize them as ‘To do’, ‘Doing’ and ‘Done.’
What’s more, ToDoist lets you track your progress and connect other tools like Gmail, GCalendar, Slack, and so much more.
- Available on iOS, Android, Mac OS, and Windows devices
- Available for free or subscribe to Premium for professional use at $3 (approx P145) per month, billed annually; $4 (approx P193) per month, billed monthly
Trello
Trello helps you manage small and big projects virtually using boards and cards. Collaboration and monitoring progress become more efficient, whether for work, school, or personal activities.
You can create boards, lists, and cards. Include details and due dates. Categorize them by colors and labels.
For teams, you may track the progress of a project that you assign to a member.
Trello is ideal for people working remotely. It’s an indispensable tool for companies and handy for students working on group projects.
- Available on iOS, Android, Mac OS, and Windows devices
- The free version is enough for your project management needs. To unlock the advanced features for business use, subscribe for $9.99 (approx P482) per month/user.
So which among these apps are you currently using? Which one do you think helps you to stay focused? Let us know in the comments below.