7 Best Productivity Apps in 2023

Robert_Stark

You want to get more done in less time in 2023. From time management to focus, these top 7 productivity apps will help you optimize your workflow, increase productivity, and achieve your goals.

Whether you're a busy professional, student, or entrepreneur, these tools will help you stay organized, focused, and on top of your game. So, let's dive in and discover the best productivity tools to help you stay ahead of the curve in 2023.

1) Best Distraction Blocker: Freedom 

In the digital age, distractions are everywhere. From the constant buzz of notifications to the allure of social media, staying focused on the task at hand can be difficult. Enter Freedom, the ultimate distraction-blocking tool.

With Freedom, you can take control of your digital distractions and reclaim your productivity. The Freedom app blocks distracting websites and apps across all your devices, so you can't simply switch from your laptop to your phone when the urge to procrastinate strikes.

But Freedom isn't just a one-size-fits-all solution. The app allows you to schedule your focused time, create multiple block lists, and set timers for each. With the free version, you get 7 sessions on unlimited devices, allowing you to customize your experience to your needs.

And the results speak for themselves. Freedom users report gaining 2.5 hours of productive time each day. It's no wonder that over 2 million people have turned to Freedom to boost their productivity and regain control of their time. So, if you're ready to take the first step in conquering digital distractions, try Freedom.

Cost: $3.33/Annually 

Devices: Windows, Android, iOS

2) Best Free Tool for Mastering Time Management: Pomofocus 

In today's fast-paced world, time management is more critical than ever. Having a lot of different things to do can be overwhelming, and feeling overwhelmed makes it easy for procrastination to step in. With so many distractions popping into our minds and vying for our attention, it can be challenging to stay focused and get work done. Enter Pomofocus, the productivity website that will change the way you work.

PomoFocus is based on the Pomodoro Technique, a proven method for boosting productivity. The technique involves breaking your work into tasks that you specifically focus on for 25-minute sessions, with short breaks in between. You'll accomplish more by timeboxing and breaking your larger tasks into smaller ones.

Each session is known as a Pomodoro, the Italian word for tomato after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer. The countdown timer instills a sense of urgency to help keep you focused on your task rather than squandering time on distractions.

Using PomoFocus is easy. The website will start a timer, so you can focus on your task without worrying about the time. Choose a time frame for your work session and how long you want your break. You can also schedule a task to-do list.

With PomoFocus, you'll get more done in less time without feeling overwhelmed. So if you're looking to boost your productivity and take control of your time, give PomoFocus a try.

Cost: Free 

Devices: Windows, Android, iOS

3) Best To-Do List to Organize: Todoist 

In today's digital age, staying organized and on top of your tasks can seem impossible. But with Todoist, the world's #1 task manager and to-do list app, achieving focus, organization, and calm has never been easier.

Todoist is the perfect tool for managing your to-do lists. The app allows you to record and group tasks together based on projects, making it an upgraded version of your traditional to-do list. And with the ability to collaborate with others by sharing and assigning tasks, Todoist makes it easy to stay on top of your work and life.

With over 300,000 5-star reviews, Todoist has proven to be a favorite. The app is simple to use, with the ability to:

• Add tasks 
• Assign due dates 
• Schedule reminders 
• Assign priority levels

And with the ability to be installed on virtually any device, your to-do list is always at your fingertips.

But Todoist offers more than just basic task management. The app also allows you to:

• Sort tasks by project 
• View a project using a Kanban board

Plus, it includes advanced features such as filters and a 1-week activity history.

If you're ready to take control of your tasks and achieve focus, organization, and calm, give Todoist a try. The free version includes 5 active projects, 5 collaborators per project, 5 MB file uploads, and 3 filters. It's a great starting point for anyone needing a comprehensive to-do list app.

Cost: Free for the basic version; the Premium version is $3.99 monthly or $35.99 annually. 

Devices: Windows, Android, iOS 

4) The Best Productivity Coach: Rescue Time 

RescueTime measures and tracks your computer and mobile device activity to give you intelligent insight into how you spend your time and coach you to stay on track. The app analyzes your focus and meeting schedule to provide real-time insights and nudges to help you stay focused and productive. You'll receive an end-of-day summary that clarifies how your day went.

What sets RescueTime apart from other productivity apps is its ability to measure your focus. The app works seamlessly and quietly in the background to track your work and uses that data to give insight into your focus habits, which lets you know where your time is spent. RescueTime gives you a daily focus work goal and alerts you of losing focus or taking on too many tasks.

When you sign up, RescueTime creates a unique profile based on:

• How you work 
• The type of work you do 
• The setting 
• Your schedule 
• Your goals

This customization makes RescueTime a truly personalized experience for each user.

The app's ability to analyze and track your focus and real-time alerts makes it a powerful tool for controlling your time and boosting productivity.

The free version is sufficient for most people, and the premium version provides a more in-depth analysis.

Cost: Lite (free); the Premium version is $9 monthly or $78 annually. 

Devices: Windows, Android, iOS

5) Best to Gamify Productivity: Habitica 

Do you want to slay monsters as you turn your productivity into a quest? Gamify your life with Habitica, the productivity app that transforms your to-do list into an RPG adventure. With over 4 million users, Habitica is the ultimate tool for achieving your goals and forming good habits.

Create a character, set up real-life tasks, and earn gold and experience as you accomplish them. As you progress, your character levels up, battles monsters, and unlocks in-game rewards. But slip up, and your character will backslide in the game.

Habitica offers a variety of features to help you stay on track, such as the ability to set daily habits, track progress, and set reminders. Plus, the app's social network allows you to compete in guilds and participate in in-game events, making habit-forming more communal. And with the option to customize your character and the game's world, Habitica offers a unique and personalized experience.

If you're looking for an engaging way to form good habits and stay motivated, give Habitica a try.

Cost: Free; monthly $5 or $48 annually. Subscriptions grant you extra rewards. 

Devices: Windows, Android, iOS

6) Best for GTD Productivity: FacileThings 

Simplify your life with FacileThings, the ultimate time management tool that utilizes the GTD (Getting Things Done) method. This robust time management framework helps boost productivity by providing a system for organizing and prioritizing tasks. It gives you the tools to clear your mental clutter, prioritize your responsibilities, and quickly check them off.

FacileThings seamlessly integrates with your existing productivity tools, including:

• Email 
• Google Calendar 
• Outlook Calendar 
• Evernote 
• MS OneDrive 
• Google Drive 
• Dropbox

This makes it simple to stay organized and on top of your tasks, no matter where you are or your device.

The GTD method is a proven system for increasing productivity and reducing stress. FacileThings takes it to the next level by providing a user-friendly interface and powerful features that make it easy to implement GTD in your daily life.

With FacileThings, you can create projects, set goals, and assign tasks while keeping your calendars and files in sync. The app also includes a built-in calendar to easily schedule and prioritize tasks. And with automatic syncing between all your devices, you'll never have to worry about losing track of your progress.

If you're looking to simplify your life and boost your productivity, FacileThings comes with a 30-day free trial.

Cost: monthly $12 or $84 annually. 

Devices: Windows, Android, iOS

7) Best Sleep Tracking App: BetterSleep  

Get the sleep you need to boost productivity with BetterSleep. Adults need between 7-9 hours of daily sleep to function at their best. But sleep deprivation can significantly reduce performance and alertness, with just a 1.5-hour reduction leading to a 32% decrease in daytime alertness. Feeling tired tends to make you eat high-calorie, sugary, or caffeinated foods/drinks that you hope will improve focus. However, this often creates a negative merry-go-round that is hard to get off.

BetterSleep offers a solution to this problem, with over 55 million downloads and a 97% satisfaction rate. The app tracks your sleep patterns and offers personalized solutions to help you achieve the best sleep possible.

The app's unique blend of sounds, binaural beats, and music from its expansive library creates the perfect nocturnal mix to relax and improve sleep. BetterSleep also includes a sleep hypnosis program, a guided technique that helps listeners drift off to sleep with verbal cues and relaxing melodies.

Say goodbye to restless nights and hello to improved productivity with the BetterSleep app. With its personalized solutions and proven effectiveness, BetterSleep is the ultimate tool for achieving better sleep and boosting productivity.

Cost: monthly $9.99 or $59.99 annually. Free 7-day trial. 

Devices: Android, iOS

Productivity is right at your fingertips. With this list, you can optimize your workflow, reduce procrastination, and increase productivity. But be mindful of the temptation to use too many tools at once. The key is to start by trying a few at a time to find the best fit for you.

Take the time to explore them, and don't be afraid to experiment. Once you find the tools that suit your needs and work style, you'll be well on your way to achieving your goals and staying productive in 2023.

*The opinions reflected in this article are the sole opinions of the author and do not reflect any official positions or claims by Acer Inc.

About Robert Stark: Robert is a Taiwan-based writer and digital marketer at iamrobert design. He has a passion for helping people simplify their lives through tech.