What is it that lets you stay productive throughout the day and complete all the planned tasks successfully? If your answer is effective time management, you’re undoubtedly right!
When you use your time wisely, it’s easier to stay concentrated on the important stuff and fulfill your objectives on schedule. This is true both in the business world and your personal life – if you have any goal to achieve, you just can’t get away from time management. And the best time management tools reviewed in this post are sure to help you organize your time much better and attain the results you want.
Check them out!
Best Free Time Management Tools and Apps
Looking for smart time management tools and apps? A smart time management tool that you don’t have to pay for!
Here are some of the best free tools for time management available on the market today:
1. actiTIME
Key features:
- Weekly timesheets
- One-click timer
- Progress tracking
- Insightful reports
actiTIME is online time management software with extensive project tracking functionality. It lets you manage time and money not only by controlling their use but also through efficient work planning and in-depth data analysis.
With its remarkable set of features and benefits, actiTIME may easily be the best app for time management:
- Work scope planning allows you to outline projects efficiently, set deadlines and estimates for tasks, and allocate workloads to employees.
- The manual-entry timesheets are a breeze to use, while the fully automated browser extension turns time tracking into an integral part of your daily browsing experience – effortless, unintrusive, and 100% hands-free.
- The Kanban board visualizes your workflow and enables you to track tasks through various stages of completion without a hitch.
- Real-time widgets give you a snapshot of your ongoing use of time and help to stay on top of what’s going on in your team.
- Automated invoicing simplifies financial processes and eliminates errors in client billing.
- With actiPLANS integration, you can streamline leave tracking, enhance work scheduling, and take resource management to a whole new level.
Pricing:
- If you work in a team of up to three members, you have a chance to implement the basic version of actiTIME at absolutely no cost!
- As for the larger teams, they can enjoy a free 30-day online trial and then use this excellent time management tool starting from $5 per user a month.
Pros:
- Browser extension for fully automated time tracking.
- User-friendly interface.
- Flexibility.
- Easy to integrate.
- Great customer support.
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version.
- Limited support for non-English languages.
Best for:
All kinds of teams and businesses that value efficient tools for time management and aim to increase productivity and profitability.
Now we can better predict future project requirements
Our company needed a simple way of tracking time used on multiple projects – and actiTIME fit the need. Its interface is simple and easy to maintain. We use the application for time management, task estimation, and also to communicate deadline information to our team members. Now having actiTIME, we can better predict future project requirements!
2. RescueTime
Key features:
- Distraction blocking
- Activity tracking
- Smart notifications
- Reports
If you easily fall into the procrastination trap, RescueTime is your savior. This time management software will not only help you to identify your time-wasting habits but also keep you accountable for your work hours.
With RescueTime, you can see your progress in real time, which can become a great motivation to stay on track. It’s like having a personal productivity coach that gently but firmly nudges you in the right direction.
Detailed reports and analytics may give you a whole new perspective on how you spend your time. Plus, with features like goal-setting and focus mode, you can take control of your productivity once and for all.
Pricing:
- Paid plans start at $6.50 a month.
Pros:
- Provides detailed breakdown of your activities.
- Promotes enhanced focus thanks to distraction-blocking.
- Easy to use.
Cons:
- Privacy concerns due to all-around activity monitoring.
- Not suitable for team management.
Best for:
Busy users who want to track their digital behaviors and optimize their time management, as it offers features like activity logging, goal setting, and detailed reports.
3. Evernote
Key features:
- Notes
- To-do lists
- Calendar
- Templates
If you ever feel like your disorganization is costing you time, you are not alone. Evernote is here to help you get control of your time by helping you write notes and organize these notes all in one place.
You can create to-do lists and projects within the app. Plus, if there is an article that you need to save as part of the research for a project, the web clipper feature allows you to save it as part of the note. Evernote even allows you to search your notes to find exactly what you are looking for.
Pricing:
- Evernote Personal costs at least $10.83 a month.
- The price for Evernote Professional starts at $14.17 a month.
- Evernote Teams costs $19.99 per user a month.
Pros:
- Cross-platform syncing.
- Organizational features, including tags, notebooks, and stacks.
- Collaboration capabilities.
- Integration with other apps.
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for new users.
- Cluttered interface.
- Free version comes with limited storage and features.
- Expensive premium plans.
Best for:
Users who crave organization, productivity, and flexibility in their personal and professional lives.
4. Remember the Milk
Key features:
- To-dos
- Automatic reminders
- Integrations
- Access via multiple devices
This time management program helps to tackle the never-ending list of tasks we all carry about in our heads. It can be accessed via your mobile device or the web and is always ready to remind you of your upcoming to-dos, deadlines, and priorities.
With Remember the Milk, you can:
- Organize tasks into customizable lists, set priorities, due dates, and repeat intervals.
- Get automatic alerts via email, SMS, or Twitter and always be on top of your responsibilities no matter where you are.
- Integrate your account with other tools like Google Calendar, Gmail, and even Alexa to bridge your digital productivity spaces together and never miss a beat.
Pricing:
- An upgrade to the Pro account costs $39.99 a year.
Pros:
- Cross-platform functionality.
- Smart lists with categorization based on a variety of criteria.
- Collaboration capabilities for teams or families.
- Integrates with almost everything.
Cons:
- Limited project management functionality.
- A complex learning curve.
Best for:
Users who are busy, on the go, and need a sophisticated task management system that can be accessed across multiple devices and integrated with other apps
5. Todoist
Key features:
- Task management
- Due date tracking
- Task priorities
- Reminders
Todoist is a dynamic task and time management tool that aims to improve the way individuals and teams organize their personal and professional lives. It allows you to create tasks and subtasks, set deadlines, and prioritize what’s important in a simple and intuitive way.
Karma points are Todoist’s most interesting feature – they serve as a potent motivator and a reflection of your productivity game. Basically, you can regard them as a pat on the back every time you knock a task off your to-do list.
However, this feature is much more than just a feel-good factor. By breaking down your productivity into tangible stats, Todoist encourages you to up your game. Each task completed, each deadline met, and each project finished nudges your Karma score higher, providing a visual cue of your time management and efficiency improvements.
Pricing:
- Individual Pro plan costs $4-5 a month.
- Paid plan for teams costs $6-8 per user a month.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Cross-platform compatibility.
- Basic project management capabilities.
- Partly gamified time management program.
Cons:
- Limited free plan features
- No time tracking (as compared to other similar apps)
- Primarily designed for individual use and has limited collaboration features
Best for:
Task-oriented individuals who strive for productivity and organization in their personal and professional lives.
6. Clockify
Key features:
- Time tracking
- Task calendar
- Time off management
- Client billing
This simple time management software allows you to track progress across various projects and tasks, forming a clear picture of where your time is going.
Here’s how it works:
- The time tracking process starts with a single click, so you can capture every minute of your workday without any hassle.
- Detailed reports give insight into your work patterns, helping you identify areas for improvement.
- Using project management functionality, you can assign tasks, set project budgets, and monitor progress in real time.
- Seamless integration with a multitude of third-party tools enhances Clockify’s utility and makes it indispensable for your productivity toolkit.
Pricing:
- The prices for the paid versions vary from $3.99 per user a month to $14.99 per user a month.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Multiple time tracking methods
Cons:
- Limited features on the free plan
- No fully automatic time tracking
- Inability to invoice directly from the app
Best for:
Time tracking enthusiasts, freelancers, small business owners, and teams who want to streamline their productivity and accurately track billable hours.
7. Toggl
Key features:
- One-click timers
- Jira synchronization
- Activity tracking
- Reports
This app for time management is ridiculously easy to use yet powerful enough to provide insights that can significantly enhance the way you work. It visualizes where your time goes, which lets you identify time sinks, improve your task prioritization, and even delegate work to others more efficiently.
Toggl offers high-quality, user-friendly tools for work planning and time tracking:
- If you need to organize your projects and monitor work progress, then Toggl Plan may be a great solution for you.
- And in case you’re looking for a tool that supports automatic time tracking and can be synced with some other popular apps, Toggl Track is worth your consideration.
Pricing:
- Toggl Plan will cost you at least $8 per user a month.
- Toggl Track is free for small teams of up to five users, and just like the paid versions, it includes such excellent features as idle time detection, Pomodoro timer, and comprehensive reports.
Pros:
- Simple and intuitive interface.
- Wide range of integrations.
- Customizable reports.
Cons:
- Limited project management features.
- No features for invoicing or payment processing.
- Customer support can be hit or miss.
Best for:
Freelancers, small business owners, or creatives with fluctuating workloads who want to track their time and bill clients with ease.
8. Paymo
Key features:
- Time tracking
- Gantt chart
- Scheduling
- Invoicing
People say that “time is money,” and Paymo helps you keep track of both of these vital resources. It is a multifunctional time management software with online timesheets, informative reports, Gantt charts, team collaboration features, and much more!
With Paymo’s time tracking feature, you can effortlessly record time spent on various tasks, ensure more accurate client billing, and get insightful data into how your work hours are distributed.
The task management functionality allows you to create, assign, and track tasks from inception to completion. With its assistance, you can rest assured your team members understand their responsibilities and milestones are met on time.
Resource scheduling provides a visual overview of your team’s workload and availability. It makes workload allocation more effective and helps to avoid overbooking or underutilization of resources.
Pricing:
- The free version of Paymo is meant for personal use.
- If you want to use it as a team, it will cost you starting from $4.95 per user a month.
Pros:
- Intuitive design requires no technical expertise.
- Robust invoicing module.
- Advanced reporting.
Cons:
- Free version has limited functionality and affords just one user.
- Expensive for medium-sized and large businesses.
Best for:
Teams of all sizes (from freelancers to enterprise-level organizations) that need a reliable time management tool with invoicing functionality.
9. Monday.com
Key features:
- Work planning
- Kanban board
- Reports
- File management
Monday.com is an all-in-one productivity and time management program. With its help, you can track time, create to-do lists, and even monitor the status of projects in real time.
With Monday.com, you can:
- Create boards to organize work,
- Use templates to jump-start your projects,
- And automate routine tasks to reduce the time spent on manual inputs.
Its visual timeline views and calendar integrations make it easy to see the big picture at a glance, help to meet deadlines, and follow your priorities.
Pricing:
- The free version of the tool includes merely two seats.
- Paid plans for larger teams cost at least €8 per user a month.
Pros:
- Customizable workflows.
- Robust and extensive features for data visualization.
Cons:
- Requires time to get familiar with.
- Limited features in the free version.
- Expensive paid plans.
Best for:
Highly versatile teams and businesses that want visually appealing, user-friendly tools for time management.
10. Nifty
Key features:
- Time tracking
- Milestones
- Task management
- Discussions
Nifty can be rightly entitled as one of the best time management tools as it streamlines your workflows and enhances productivity. It is all about bringing your projects, tasks, and communications into one place, making it easier for your team to collaborate and hit its goals.
Employees can use Nifty to keep track of their projects as well as billable hours. Moreover, you can get customizable reports based on custom date ranges and export the reports via CVS or PDF to keep track of everything.
Nifty integrates with Zapier to enhance the efficiency of the app as well.
Pricing:
- The prices for paid versions of the tool vary from $5 to $25 per user a month.
Pros:
- Free version for unlimited users.
- Versatile project management features.
- Features a real-time team chat.
- Available in multiple languages.
Cons:
- The interface may seem confusing.
- Paid plans are pricey.
Best for:
Tech-savvy users who value multifunctional and efficient tools for project management.
11. Focus Booster
Key features:
- Pomodoro timer
- Billable time tracking
- Reminders
- Reports
Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro method? It is a technique used while time tracking. You set a timer for 25 minutes and work as hard as you can before you get a short break at the end of time. Focus Booster uses this Pomodoro method to help increase your productivity.
In addition to that, Focus Booster lets you track the time you spend on each task, providing insights into where your day goes (which can be a real eye-opener for anyone struggling to manage their time effectively).
To top it off, Focus Booster offers detailed reports that you can use to evaluate your progress over time and identify areas for improvement. By understanding your work patterns, you can make informed adjustments to your routine and learn to better prioritize tasks that matter.
Pricing:
- As such, Focus Booster has a free version, but it affords only 20 Pomodoro sessions a month and, hence, isn’t suitable for those who want to commit to effective time management wholeheartedly.
- Luckily, the paid version of this software is relatively cheap. It will cost you merely $4.99 per month and provide you with essential time tracking tools with unlimited capacity.
Pros:
- Goal-setting functionality provides motivation.
- Pomodoro sessions can be customized.
Cons:
- Limited features.
- Over-reliant on the Pomodoro technique.
- May cause stress.
- Not suitable for teams.
Best for:
Users who are easily distracted and looking to increase their productivity through the Pomodoro technique.
Paid Online Time Management Tools
The main difference between paid and free time management tools boils down to features and support. Free tools are fantastic for getting the basics down without spending a dime. However, paid time management programs often offer more advanced functionality like detailed analytics, customization options, and integration with other software. Plus, you usually get better customer support and regular updates.
So now, let’s continue our list with the best paid time management tools.
1. Freedom
Key features:
- Website blocking
- Scheduling
- Focus-boosting sounds
- Browser extensions
Freedom minimizes distractions by blocking distracting websites and apps across your devices. It gives you the power to silence the digital noise and focus on what truly matters.
The app lets you schedule distraction-free sessions. This means you can plan your day with periods dedicated solely to work, study, or even undisturbed reading.
Whether you’re working from your computer, scrolling on your tablet, or checking your phone, Freedom syncs your distraction-free sessions across all devices to help you maintain concentration no matter what’s in front of you.
Pricing:
- The prices start from $3.33 a month.
Pros:
- Custom blocklists and scheduling options.
- Multi-platform compatibility.
- Encourages healthy digital habits.
Cons:
- Cost.
- No offline functionality (network issues can cause problems).
Best for:
Users who struggle with self-control and are easily distracted by various digital temptations.
2. Buddy Punch
Key features:
- Time clock
- Time off management
- Overtime tracking
- GPS tracking
Buddy Punch is perfect for those teams that work remotely. This time management software allows you to schedule, monitor, and manage all of your employees.
Buddy Punch makes clocking in and out a breeze for employees while providing managers with real-time visibility into attendance data.
Its standout features include:
- GPS tracking that ensures team members are exactly where they need to be.
- Customizable reports for a deep dive into work patterns and productivity insights.
- Integrations with popular payroll services, streamlining the end-of-month payroll process.
Pricing:
- The prices start from $2.99 per user a month.
Pros:
- Convenient for remote workers
- Provides real-time analytics
- Affordable prices
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
Best for:
Businesses with remote employees who want easy-to-use time management software with clock in functionality.
3. ProofHub
Key features:
- Time tracking
- Task management
- Milestones
- Files and documents
ProofHub is user-friendly time management software with strong project management and team communication features. This cloud-based application is also available as an iOS and Android mobile app.
ProofHub allows you to create time estimates and time reports, which is a great way to keep track of your resources’ productive time spent on tasks and projects.
When it comes to time tracking, you have the option of logging time manually in timesheets or using a timer. These timesheets can also be exported for easy billing and invoicing.
Pricing:
- Unlike its competitors, ProofHub has a flat pricing policy of $89 per month.
- It also offers a free 14-day trial.
Pros:
- Centralized project management.
- Customizable workflows.
- Easy collaboration.
- Mobile app.
Cons:
- Complexity.
- Limited functionality in the essential plan.
- Expensive for small teams.
- Minimal automation.
Best for:
Medium-sized or large teams who want to streamline their workflow and collaboration efforts while staying on top of deadlines and project progress.
4. Focus@Will
Key features:
- Music for focus
- Timed focus sessions
- Custom intensity levels
Do you ever feel like music helps you get more done in your day? Then, Focus@Will is an excellent option for you. This time management program offers an extensive collection of music edited for neurological purposes.
The platform leverages neuroscience to offer a variety of music channels specifically engineered to increase your focus and extend your attention span. With features like timed focus sessions, customizable intensity levels for the music, and a vast library tailored to different cognitive states, Focus@Will sets itself apart.
The real beauty of this time management program lies in its ability to significantly reduce distractions by engaging your brain in a state of flow. This way, it really makes it easier to tackle those to-do lists without the constant battle of losing focus.
Pricing:
- The prices start at $7.49 a month.
Pros:
- Backed by neuroscientific research.
- Personalization.
Cons:
- Limited selection of tracks available.
- Not for everyone.
Best for:
Users who struggle to concentrate while working on tasks.
5. Replicon
Key features:
- Time tracking
- Project management
- Integrations
- Reports
Replicon is an application suite that aims to satisfy businesses’ time tracking needs. It includes features for project tracking, client billing, time off management, and expense control. Besides, it offers robust analytics functionality, plenty of handy software integrations, mobile access, and a user-friendly time clock app.
Replicon combines the ability to capture every billable hour with precision with in-depth insights and analytics that come out of accurate time tracking. By providing a bird’s eye view of how resources are allocated, you get a chance to identify inefficiencies, optimize processes, and ultimately drive profitability.
Pricing:
- The tool has a variety of plans and products to choose from. One of the simplest of them (Expense Quick Start) will cost you merely $5 per user a month.
Pros:
- A comprehensive set of time tracking features.
- Flexible functionality.
Cons:
- May be expensive (depending on the product).
- Steep learning curve.
Best for:
Considering its versatility, Replicon is a perfect match for big companies who want to manage their project, team, and business data in a centralized way.
6. Bill4Time
Key features:
- Time tracking
- Invoice templates
- Billing
- Online payments
Bill4Time has everything you need to track your business’s time and money. It includes automatic timers that let you log your billable hours with exceptional accuracy.
This time management tool streamlines invoicing, lets you keep a precise record of different expenses, and even provides a safe space to accept online payments and process other transactions.
As such, Bill4Time is a good match for anyone who wants to simplify accounting work and boost process efficiency. However, it’s best suitable for law practitioners and enterprises.
Pricing:
- The price for Bill4Time starts at $27 per user a month.
- Two more advanced versions of this software, Legal Pro and Legal Enterprise, will cost you $45 and $80 per user a month, respectively.
Pros:
- Comprehensive billing functionality.
- Customizable invoices.
- Offers specialized features for legal practice.
Cons:
- Pricey.
- Limited integration options.
Best for:
Consultants, freelancers, and lawyers who demand ease of use, robust features, and an intuitive interface for time and expense tracking.
7. Scoro
Key features:
- Work planning
- Team collaboration
- Integrations
- Time and cost tracking
Scoro is a cloud-based work andtime management tool that gives you complete visibility and control over your projects. It helps you to plan, track, and collaborate on all your work in one place. And perhaps most importantly, it gives you the insights you need to manage your time more effectively.
With Scoro, you can see exactly how much time you’re spending on each task and project. This makes it easy to identify where you’re wasting time so that you can make adjustments to your workflow. And because Scoro integrates with all your other business tools, it’s easy to get started and make the most of your time.
Pricing:
- The prices start from $26 per user a month.
Pros:
- All-in-one solution.
- Customizable.
- Insightful analytics.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve.
- Cost.
Best for:
Ambitious and fast-paced businesses that crave efficiency and profitability.
8. Brain.fm
Key features:
- Background music
- Three different listening modes
Brain.fm is an app designed to help you focus and stay on task. Essentially, it uses a variety of different sounds to help your brain focus on the task at hand. In other words, it works as white noise for your brain.
The app has three different modes: focus, relax, and sleep. Each of them has its own unique soundscape. For example, the focus mode is great for helping you stay on task when you need to get work done, and the relax mode is perfect for when you need to take a break and clear your head.
Overall, if you’re looking for a way to improve focus and better manage your time, then Brain.fm is definitely worth checking out.
Pricing:
- A monthly subscription costs $6.99.
- A yearly subscription costs $49.99.
Pros:
- Unique music catalog.
- Evidence-based approach.
Cons:
- Limited music selection.
- No personalized recommendations.
Best for:
Users seeking scientifically backed, personalized, and effective solutions for enhancing focus, relaxation, and sleep.
9. ManicTime
Key features:
- Automated activity tracking
- Integrations
- Timesheets
- Reports
ManicTime is one of the best tools for time management that helps you to better understand how you’re spending your time. It does this by tracking your computer usage and categorizing it into different activities.
With ManicTime, you can see how much time you’ve spent working on a project, browsing the internet, or using different applications. It also allows you to track your progress and beat procrastination.
For instance, if you’re trying to spend less time on social media, you can set a goal, and ManicTime will help you to see if you’re meeting it. In addition, ManicTime can also be used to generate reports, which can be helpful for understanding your time management habits over a period of time.
Pricing:
- ManicTime for single users costs $7-11 a month.
- The business plan costs $10-15 per user a month.
Pros:
- Automation.
- Convenient activity categories.
- Data visualization.
Cons:
- Intrusive activity tracking increases the risk of micromanagement.
- Steep learning curve.
- High price point.
Best for:
Knowledge workers who need to track their time and productivity to optimize their workflow and identify areas of improvement.
Conclusion
In case you want to better manage your time, try out some of the tools and apps from this list. From simple productivity boosters to comprehensive time management software, there’s something here for everyone.
Still unsure where to start? We recommend trying out actiTIME. It’s a user-friendly tool that can help you track time, optimize tasks, and boost work efficiency. Plus, it offers a free trial so you can explore all of its features risk-free.
So what are you waiting for? Start becoming a master of time management today!
