For most, striving for balance and peace of mind feels like preparing for war. Parabellum instead of equilibrium.
It’s tough to strike a balance between your work and free time, but no one can function properly when feeling overwhelmed. Don’t let your schedule control you.
We all know that we waste a lot of time doing stuff that can wait till after we finished our work. If you’re tired of all that wasted time, start keeping track of how you use your time.
Time management is a skill; there are methods and techniques for keeping to deadlines. What if we could outsource that to free time management apps?
There are time management apps for college students and professionals — something for everyone. And most are useful for anyone.
Let’s take a break, use a time planner app and have a closer look at the best free time management apps in this article created by our team at Trafft.
Using Apps for Time Management
Technologies that decrease stress and gain time are everywhere. You just need to pick the ones that suit you.
With a good app, you can get more work done without feeling exhausted. You can deliver quality work easier and will be left with plenty of much needed free time.
Applications and platforms that appeal to your sense of time are crossover software. In a way, they are comparable with multimedia artists.
Work management platforms, project management tools, and time management apps work as a team. Free time management apps aren’t just a random bunch of productivity apps or time management apps.
It’s unfair to squeeze them into boxes. Time management apps are multitaskers and have multiple functions. To save you time, we organized the best apps into a list.
The Best Free Time Management Apps
Harvest
With Harvest, you set up an account and focus on time tracking. You can connect the time tracking feature of Harvest and other work management platforms. This way your team automatically knows how long they are working on their tasks. Being able to see the way you’ve been spending your time in a comprehensive graph will show you what you have to improve on.
Even development platforms such as GitHub (a software builder and coders’ nirvana) see the usefulness of the Harvest app.
Next to time tracking, Harvest takes care of your invoicing – Hence, harvesting. You can easily connect it to your PayPal so that accepting and recording payments don’t cost you extra time.
RescueTime
RescueTime is another application to track time that shows you what you did online and for how long.
Reports tell you which websites you visited and what tasks you completed.
We lose lots of time checking and replying to emails. More time goes into online meetings than we expect. Basically, we spend time on numerous activities that interfere with our productivity.
RescueTime’s distraction blocking software fixes that problem for you.
You learn how to rescue your time by enrolling in their 4-week productivity training program. They use your data for teaching you how to get productive instead of being constantly busy. On top of that, you receive a personalized schedule for daily use.
Clockify
Amongst free time management apps, Clockify claims to be the only truly 100% free time tracker/time management app for teams. The free plan indeed offers many functions, such as unlimited tracking for multiple users.
Clockify makes some good points that sell. You can prove to clients how long you have worked on their project, so you can bill them without too much resistance. At a single glance, you see what team members are doing (or did) and when.
This time tracker & timesheet app works across projects and devices. Compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Freelancers and entrepreneurs who handle several clients at the same time will no doubt appreciate this app.
Everhour
Everhour promotes accurate time tracking for quick invoicing and payroll based on timesheets. Plus, it integrates with the tools you’re already using. They call it real integration because you don’t need to switch tabs to track time.
The time recording controls come with a start timer button that allows you to clock-in, clock-out, and take breaks. It appears inside the Asana, Trello, Basecamp, Jira, or ClickUp interface.
It’s very useful when your trusted tool hasn’t got its own native time tracking functionality or only a limited one.
Timecamp
A remote-working-made-easy app. Working from home doesn’t mean that you don’t want to stay in touch with your team. Timecamp will keep everyone updated with each other. Clarity is what’s crucial here.
Timecamp is an add-on app, meaning it’s added to and integrated with existing project management software. This app fits with Chrome extension, Dropbox Paper, Evernote, Githup, Salesforce, Trello, Toggle, and some less common ones.
Clients recorded over 500 million billable hours with accurate invoicing as a result. Save time and money with timesheets, automatic or one-click time tracking and integrated calendars.
Timeneye
If you are looking for a time tracker app that focuses exclusively on timing your projects, Timeneye is the app for you. Because there is no invoicing aspect, more effort was invested in developing work organization functions.
Projects are divided into phases, just as in the real business world of project and product managing.
The app looks like a calendar with an informative graphic pie chart on the side. At one glance you know exactly how the different tasks of your project relate timewise. It’s simple and efficient.
Toggl
Even if you don’t take the time to remind yourself to start up this time tracker, the Toggl app works with a tracking reminder. Toggl also detects your unproductive time, so it’s no drama if you forget to stop the timer.
On the dashboard, you can insert manual time entries if needed. Your projects can be compared on how well they are evolving over time. Your calendar events become time entries.
Assigning billable rates to your tasks assures you of getting paid for all of your work.
Another great thing about Toggl is that your data is synced between your devices. You can start the timer on one device and stop it on another.
TMetric
This time tracking app is a 24/7 solution. Not only working time but break time is also followed up. And no need to manually add time entries. In the My Time timeline section, a personalized oversight of your actual working time informs you of exactly what you did.
This helps you to evaluate your productivity and to determine if any improvements are recommendable.
You can finally put all your focus back on your job and working with your team efficiently, while TMetric manages your time. TMetric seamlessly integrates with your favorite project management system.
Collaborative Work Management Platforms
Asana
Asana is a work management platform and an application for team organization. It tracks your team’s work so that everyone collaborates fluently.
Their moto “Keep your team organized and connected” says it all. When organized, you will use your time more efficiently. That’s a no-brainer. So, with Asana, all logged-in remote team members will be productively working on their assigned tasks, finishing projects by taking on one task at a time.
Meanwhile, both Asana and the integrated Harvest time tracker keep an eye on your business’ ideal work schedule.
Wrike
In the same team spirit, Wrike’s collaborative work management platform unites remote team members to work as one. Through centralized communication, each member collaborates smoothly.
This connecting feature drives to better time management and synced productivity.
Organizing remote workers into one oiled team is a new challenge for businesses. Benjamin Franklin’s ‘time is money’ couldn’t be truer in this time and age. Time is a limited commodity and we better spend it beneficially. That’s why platforms like Wrike are so valuable.
Trello
Trello is a well-known task manager. It’s a web-based list-making application. The tasks are shown as cards in what looks a lot like a game of solitaire.
Each team member works on a task independently. Once finished, and when the status of the task changes within the project, your team switches tasks between boards.
This way of working has several advantages. You’re able to oversee your entire project on one easy to understand screen. Right away you can see who is busy with what and how their progress is.
Trello allows you to attach documents from Google Drive or Dropbox, which makes it easy to upload files. Feedback on pending tasks and notifications of new assignments keep the pace in your workflow.
nTask
Some applications are a combination of task/project management software and time tracking. nTask is one of those.
As an online collaboration platform, nTask concentrates on faster teamwork, not overlooking quality. It has a Kanban board, a timeline, risk management, and more.
The dashboard is made up of categories: content writing, Black box testing, bug fixing, user interface design, and so on. Every task is linked, and milestones prioritize important events.
The latest version now has a time tracker software and timesheet feature.
To-Do Apps
Todoist
Sometimes it happens that we can’t see the wood for the trees, and not only when looking for the best free time management apps. Todoist helps you to oversee how to get from A to B and schedule different tasks from one place.
Todoist’s keyword is Organize. First things first — each activity can be notated and gets a priority mark.
It works like a task manager — keeping your mind clear so you have room for other important things in your life. You can fall back on your digital to-do list that, in a way, functions as your mental USB-stick. Plus, Todoist runs on all devices.
For teams, Todoist Business assists you with timely planning projects and assignments.
Remember The Milk
It doesn’t matter if you don’t remember the milk, because this to-do app will remember it for you. It sends you reminders through email, text, IM, and Twitter, among others. And it doesn’t matter where you are, the app will be in sync on all your devices.
The Smart Add feature lets you add tasks fast and easy. One line of text is sufficient to include due date, priority, repeat, and tags.
Limitless lists of tasks and subtasks that can be shared to get work done faster are commonplace with this app. You can attach documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and photos to your tasks and can even connect to Google Drive or Dropbox.
The app works with Gmail, Google Calendar, Twitter, Evernote, IFTTT, you name it. 100+ themes give your app a personal touch.
135List
A to-do app that introduces your to-do list to the proven 1-3-5 method. This rule was illustrated and documented widely and now made available in an app. It’s all about prioritization.
The theory goes by the principle that since your time is limited, you can only accomplish a limited number of things per day. In one day, you can accomplish one big thing, three medium things, and five small things.
The 135List app is designed to make you identify the task you should do first and which tasks you should leave for later.
This is one of the free time management apps that work on any browser or Chrome extension.
Shortcut App
Workflow
Getting more done because of a better workflow makes sense. Smoother workflow relies on cutting down and minimizing basic but often complicated tasks. That’s why delegating those annoying jobs is a real time-saver.
You can now leave the footwork to the Workflow app that combines all the steps across apps in one single tap.
Do you want to know how you can finish work asap so you can go home? Are you longing for a cappuccino at the nearest coffee shop? Need something from a convenience store nearby? Do you need to upload your last made pic on Dropbox?
No problem. With a single tap, the shortcuts on your phone’s home screen get what you need without you having to do anything yourself.
Calendar App
Calendar
What a puzzle a calendar can be. The busier you get, the more difficult it becomes to fit in your appointments and meetings and cope with scheduling changes.
Time is ticking away as you are struggling to avoid double bookings. It can leave you wondering if it’s possible to be in two places at once.
The Calendar app uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to do the planning for you. The app simplifies your scheduling. It analyses and finds free time for you.
Features as One-Click Scheduling, Time Zone Recognition, and Easy Multi-Person Scheduling reduce your workload. It automates your booking process. All you have to do is share your calendar with everyone who wants to book meeting times.
Sticky Notes App
Evernote
Remember all those sticky notes sticking on your desk, screen, and any other pieces of furniture? And what about those quick scribbles on the back of wrinkled grocery receipts. With all this loose paper hanging around, you better keep the windows closed!
Luckily free time management apps offer a solution for you. Evernote app stores pics of your (handwritten) notes, memos, and images. Nothing gets lost with the inbuilt optical character recognition search option.
Sharing your ideas, web pages, PDFs, and everything you can think of, was never easier. Evernote supports Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and BlackBerry.
Mind Mapping
MindMeister
When you are thinking about an idea, you desperately are trying to get structure into your thoughts. Connecting the dots isn’t easy and it costs time because you’re likely to forget important details. And how will you communicate your idea clearly to others?
That’s why an app is what you need to get you out of trouble. The MindMeister app is in total control. Without having to download or upgrade, the web based MindMeister visualizes your ideas. Access to a browser suffices to brainstorm, plan and share your project.
What you get is an instant real-time collaboration with team members, unhampered by distances. You will reach mutual understanding in no time.
Email Cleaner
Unroll.me
How much of your time goes into sifting the junk from the emails you want to read? Many people start their workday in their inbox, a cup of caffeine in hand. Before you know it, an hour has gone by. Not quite a productive start to your day, is it?.
Endlessly scrolling and deleting is an annoyance from the past. With unroll.me, think Tinder. All you have to do is swipe left on what you don’t want, letting all the important stuff stay. Unroll.me app assists you to unsubscribe from unwelcome newsletters without remorse in one click.
What’s left are the subscriptions that matter to you. You can open your ‘The Rollup’ daily digest stress-free.
Productivity Management Apps
Picture this: you’re working and stumble upon unrelated but interesting articles, videos, and stories. You get the sudden urge to take a quick break and let your mind wander. Bad timing. It happens to the best of us, but with Pocket, it doesn’t have to.
How does the time management application Pocket work? When browsing the net, you click on the installed Pocket button next to the add to favorites button. Or you save via email, by sending a link to add@getpocket.com.
This only takes a sec. Immediately continue working without distractions and let the personal scheduling app do its job.
Focus Booster
A Pomodoro timer that arranges a balance between focused work time and refreshing breaks.
You are the most productive when you concentrate 100%, but that doesn’t last very long. Your mind gets tired quickly and you start making mistakes.
Focus Booster used this knowledge to create an app that rewards you for your efforts. The sessions are recorded so you can look back to learn continuously.
After the 20 free sessions, it will speak for itself that time management apps work for everyone.
The app is compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and the web.
Forest
Finishing tasks to the best of your ability is fulfilling. It’s like planting trees that transform a wasteland into a forest. With this image in mind, Forest provides a playful app that aids you to stay focused.
You are building a forest tree by tree. As long as you stay focused on your task, a tree will grow. Finish as many tasks as you can to complete your forest.
This visual stimulation motivates you to start tasks you would otherwise postpone. Forest partners with Trees for the Future, planting real trees.
Task Manager and Focus Booster App
30/30
With 30/30 you set timers to complete tasks by using their default 30/30 schedule, or by setting your time limits.
The interface looks great and the swipes and gesture controls are practical. You will soon find out how long it takes to do certain things. The app stresses the importance of breaks for higher productivity.
Task Manager Apps With a To-Do List
Nirvana
Enjoying your day and memorizing what you need to do tomorrow never go hand in hand. You are wasting time pondering the future, and the next day will end up being Groundhog Day. A vicious circle indeed.
Apps like Nirvana make it possible to create due date lists, stored in a cloud. Once you added a to-do, you no longer need to think about it. Work and live with the quote “engage with intent” by taking your projects one firm step at a time.
TickTick
Time appears to be ticking less fast if you get things done in less time. A time management watch would come in handy (notice the double entendre?). Instead of, we have TickTick, which is suited for literally all platforms.
TickTick is an Android-orientated app, but you don’t need to search for ‘time management apps iPhone;’ It runs on everything.
Folders, tasks, subtasks, and unlimited lists keep your personal, family, and professional life in balance.
What are the best free time management apps for you? There are plenty of personal time management software to choose from. Just combine the best budget time management tools that work for you.
If you enjoyed reading this article about free time management apps, you should read about why time management is important.
We also wrote about a few related subjects like time management systems, the time management matrix, time management courses, time management quotes, time management strategies, techniques, and time management statistics.
Do you want an even better app for that? We also selected free time management apps for tight budgets, and if you’re looking for a time tracking app, we picked the best of them.
Needless to say, we are really into time management and we don’t like to waste time because we know how poor time management can affect us.
