With that in mind, here are the top 15 productivity tools to try in 2026 that will help you actually do your work better, without getting in the way.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"2026_ptoductivity_apps__cover\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/2026_ptoductivity_apps__cover.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhy trust us?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The apps we talk about are selected, tested, and written about by human reviewers who follow strict review and editorial guidelines. We pick solutions that are practical, purposeful, and can offer real value for the specific use case or business context we\u2019re covering \u2014 while also being justified in their pricing. Our methodology is transparent, clear, and available to everyone:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more about our review methodology here \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Effective communication is essential for a productive team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are 3 team communication apps that will help you keep your team connected and productive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nothing boosts team collaboration and productivity like communication, and Pumble \u2014 a <\/strong>comprehensive team collaboration tool<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 keeps teams of all sizes connected. Pumble supports both synchronous and asynchronous communication, with messaging and calls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros of using Pumble:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n My teammates and I communicate primarily through Pumble, which allows us to eliminate the use of email and other instant messaging apps<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This has freed up my time for more relevant tasks, and the software keeps communication straightforward with features like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These features give me and my coworkers multiple options for sharing files<\/strong><\/a> and updates through a centralized platform<\/strong>, making Pumble by CAKE.com one of the best productivity apps for the workplace.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The search filters<\/strong> have been particularly helpful, and I use them to retrieve past:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Couple this with the unlimited messaging history<\/strong>, and there\u2019s no way you\u2019ll lose sight of any important info.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Improve collaboration and cut down on emails by moving your team communication to Pumble.<\/p>\n\n Cons of using Pumble: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are currently no read receipts in the app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s new in Pumble: <\/strong>Meeting reactions are the latest feature that makes virtual calls more engaging and interactive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Available for:<\/strong> Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pricing: <\/strong>Free plan available; paid plans start at $2.49 per user per month<\/p>\n\n\n\n Try Pumble by CAKE.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For a list of best collaboration tools for your team, check out our blog post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Google Chat offers essential messaging and call features, and it integrates well with other software in the Google Workspace ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros of using Google Chat:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The messaging options in Google Chat are extensive \u2014 I could communicate using:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The in-line threads<\/strong> refined my conversations, as I could reply to specific messages without disrupting the main discussion.<\/p>\n\n\n Although some may find the user interface bland, the minimalistic approach eliminates distractions during video calls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To get the most out of Google Chat, I recommend integrating it with tools like Zendesk or Asana for better work and process management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons of using Google Chat:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The interface gets the job done, but many other productivity apps and Google Chat alternatives<\/a> have a more appealing design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, its focus on basic messaging and virtual calls may put off users looking for robust internal communication software<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s new in Google Chat: <\/strong>Users of the <\/strong>Workspace Business and Enterprise plans can access AI-powered features in Chat to create backgrounds and add studio lighting during meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Available for: <\/strong>Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS, Web, iOS, and Android<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pricing: <\/strong>Free plan available; paid plans start at $6 per user per month<\/p>\n\n\n\n Teams could be a top productivity app for current Microsoft 365 users who want a tool that brings together meetings and team chat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros of using Microsoft Teams:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019ve used Teams to schedule and host meetings without difficulty, but the features I find most helpful are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I also appreciate the multifactor authentication<\/strong>, which is important for businesses using Teams to handle sensitive information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, Teams integrates smoothly with other Microsoft tools<\/strong> like OneNote, PowerPoint, and Excel. So, if you already use Microsoft apps for your to-dos, Teams could become one of your most frequently used apps for productivity and collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons of using Microsoft Teams:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Teams reserves advanced features \u2014 like automatic malware filtering and ample cloud storage \u2014 for its higher-priced plans. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Plus, the search function often highlighted files and conversations unrelated to my keywords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Search is reliable in Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s new in Teams: <\/strong>Users can now schedule channel messages as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Available for<\/strong>: Windows, Mac, Linux, Web, Android, and iOS<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pricing<\/strong>: Free plan available; paid plans from $4 per user per month<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not an active user of the Microsoft 365 suite, some of the best apps for productivity double as Microsoft Teams alternatives. Check out the full list here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Managing projects effectively is a core need for productive teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These project and task management tools will help you: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Plaky is a team productivity tool designed to streamline workflows and help you stay on top of daily tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros of using Plaky:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Plaky is easy to use, so I don\u2019t stray from it when organizing my workflow. It\u2019s also great for teamwork, and my colleagues and I use it to stay on the same page when working together on projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The virtual workplace is divided into Plaky boards<\/strong>, where you can view items<\/strong> (your tasks and subtasks) for greater transparency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My days at work are a lot simpler with the app, since I can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, the fields are customizable, giving me even more control over my daily planning. Personally, I like to break down large tasks into subitems so that no detail gets overlooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although I stick to the table view for reviewing my responsibilities<\/strong>, you can also switch to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons of using Plaky: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Plaky doesn\u2019t offer any exporting options yet, but the app\u2019s roadmap<\/a> indicates this feature will soon be introduced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s new in Plaky: <\/strong>Replies and reactions are the latest additions that make collaborative work<\/a> more engaging. Plaky also recently introduced workflow automation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Available for: <\/strong>Web, iOS, and Android<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pricing:<\/strong> Free plan available; paid plans start at $3.99 per seat per month<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to boost your productivity<\/a>, a simple task manager like Todoist can come in handy to organize your daily schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros of using Todoist:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While testing the free version of Todoist, I found it was great for organizing personal tasks and appointments<\/strong>. It gave me the options to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I appreciated the email reminders for overdue tasks<\/strong>, which helped ensure no appointment went unnoticed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ability to switch between board view<\/strong> and list layout<\/strong> is another feature I liked. For days without pressing issues, I stuck to lists. But, as soon as my activity log began to grow, the kanban-style boards<\/strong> were easier to navigate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons of using Todoist: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The app\u2019s no-cost version limits you to 5 personal projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, you don\u2019t get access to the calendar view, which provides a deeper insight into your schedule. As a personal productivity app, though, Todoist can be a great choice when managing non-work obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s new in Todoist: <\/strong>Paid users can add deadlines to tasks and prevent their responsibilities from slipping through the cracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Available for: <\/strong>Linux, Mac, Windows, Web, iOS, and Android<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pricing: <\/strong>Free plan available; paid plans start at $4 per user per month<\/p>\n\n\n\n Asana is a project management app that helped me organize tasks, deadlines, and projects all in one place. I mainly tested it as a personal task manager to keep track of my own work, as well as personal tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros of using Asana<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Asana is great for visualizing work. I liked being able to switch between list view, board view, and timeline. It works especially well when juggling multiple projects with overlapping deadlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Asana, I could:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having comments under tasks is especially helpful for fast team communication and collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also see the history of each task, with who created it and when they made changes to the card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons of using Asana<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As I\u2019ve already used Asana in the past, I was familiar with its user interface, and had no problems. However, I can see how it could be confusing and a bit overwhelming for a first-time user, because of the many features and options it offers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, many of the advanced features are locked behind a paywall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s new in Asana<\/strong>: Asana has expanded its automation features and AI capabilities, with AI-assisted task summaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Available for<\/strong>: Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pricing<\/strong>: Free plan available; paid plans start at $10.99 per user per month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accurately tracking time and creating focused work blocks is vital for productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few apps that can help you better manage your time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best productivity apps help us become better at timekeeping and tracking progress. Clockify, a widely used time tracker, fits the bill and includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros of using Clockify:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, I get distracted, and small tasks slip through the cracks. For this reason, I use Clockify to keep track of time spent on breaks and work and see where I can do better<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On simple days when I only focus on one project, I tap \u201cStart\u201d when I begin my day and press \u201cStop\u201d when I need to log out.<\/p>\n\n\n But, when my routine changes, Clockify has the features to follow suit. If I have a busy day, I use the auto tracker to monitor time spent across sites and apps without inputting data manually<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WithClockify\u2019s Calendar<\/strong>, combating distractions is easy, too. I block off dedicated time blocks for deep work<\/a>, which has done wonders for my schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I also frequently use Clockify\u2019s Pomodoro timer to help me stay focused on my tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons of using Clockify: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Although freelancers can use Clockify to organize business hours, you\u2019ll unlock the app\u2019s full capabilities when using it with a team or organization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s new in Clockify: <\/strong>Users can now apply item-based taxes during invoicing and make sure only relevant items are up for taxation.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBest communication and collaboration apps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pumble<\/a> by CAKE.com<\/a>\u2014 Best for overall team communication and collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Record](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Record-voice-and-video-messages-in-Pumble0D0A0D0A0D0A-1.png\")
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![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/templates@2x.png)
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Google Chat<\/a> \u2014 Best for simple messaging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Connect](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Connect-with-friends-and-coworkers-in-Google-Chat0D0A0D0A-1.png\")
Microsoft Teams<\/a> \u2014 Best for Microsoft 365 users<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Emphasise](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Emphasise-important-messages-in-Microsoft-Teams0D0A0D0A-1.png\")
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Best project and task management tools<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Plaky<\/a> \u2014 Best for comprehensive task management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Combat](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Combat-disorganization-with-Plaky0D0A0D0A-1.png\")
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Todoist<\/a> \u2014 Best for organizing personal tasks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Todoist](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/to-do-ist.png\")
Asana<\/a> \u2014 Best for advanced project management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Asana](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/asana.png\")
Best time tracking and focus apps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Clockify<\/a> \u2014 Best for time tracking and detailed reporting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Become](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Become-more-productive-with-Clockify0D0A0D0A-1.png\")