Smartphones can be great tools for productivity…and a good distraction. Having an app won’t necessarily help you stay more focused or get more done, but if you want to use your phone for productive purposes, that’s a good first step.
With that in mind, you might want to check out some of these 10 essential productivity apps for iPhone and Android:
[Video via YouTube]
Task Management
Task management can be a big deal for people. Tom recommends Asana and Wunderlist. Check out our roundup post for more options.
Calendar
I also use Tom’s calendar of choice (Fantastical) on iOS for exactly the same reasons. On Android, Google calendar adds some nice options and I believe has similar natural language capabilities.
Habit Tracking
Habit tracking apps can really help. Check out Habitica, Habit Bull and Momentum (on iOS).
Notes
I used Evernote for a long time but more recently have switch to using either Dropbox or Apple Notes. I’d love to check out Tom’s other recommendation of OneNote some more as I know it has some very cool features (and is cross platform compatible).
Scanning
I love the ability to quickly scan something with my phone (I use it for invoices and expenses all the time) and Toms suggestions of Scanable and Scanbot are both worth checking out.
Focus
As I said at the start, phones can be distracting so forest can stop you from interacting with your phone.
Pomodoro
I love the pomodoro method and regularly use it in a few different ways. We’ve also features some suggested Pomodoro apps and Tom recommends Focus keeper and Clear Focus.
Workout
Staying fit and doing some exercise can really help get the blood pumping and stay productive. Tom recommends 7 minute workout for a quick burst of energy.
Eric Dye says
Hmm…gotta check some of these out…
Blessing Mpofu says
Have seen fantastical in action from a friend. Interested in it but I’m not sure I want to spend that much on it to discover that I don’t like it. Haven’t tried the list but will be checking them out soon… Thanks Chris.
Chris Wilson says
I think the Google calendar app is better than the Tom mentions. I believe it can parse natural language so I think it’s worth checking out as an alternative. I really like the natural language entry though. You just don’t have to think about the correct way to write.