5 Amazing Smartphone Apps for Productivity and Work in 2025
If you’re anything like me, you know how overwhelming life can get, especially if you’re juggling a full-time job, a side hustle, or multiple projects. And on top of that, you have to make time for family and friends.
Things can easily spiral out of control, but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be that way. That’s why I’ve put together a collection of apps that help me stay focused and organized, no matter what I’m working on—whether it’s my 9-to-5 job, side projects, or even tasks around the house.
Out of the many apps I’ve tried, these five have become my go-to tools for staying on track. Whether it’s remembering to attend a meeting or managing my time effectively, these apps have helped me tackle even the most demanding tasks.
Without further delay, here are 5 smartphone apps I use to boost productivity:
1. Endel
I have to start with Endel, which I’m currently using while writing this article. This app has truly improved my focus and productivity.
Endel creates personalized soundscapes using artificial intelligence, which help improve focus, enhance sleep, and energize you for activities. I use it most often when I need to focus on a project or task. Plus, it features a timer to keep me on track, including a Pomodoro timer to maximize productivity.
It’s also great for my commute to the office, helping me mentally prepare for a busy day ahead. And, on my lunch break, it helps me reset for the afternoon. I use the premium version, but there is also a free version available.
2. Microsoft To-Do & Things
For organizing my tasks, I rely heavily on To-Do list apps. I keep separate lists for my day job and side hustle. This helps me stay organized and avoid mixing work and personal projects.
I use Microsoft To-Do on my work devices, and it’s a game-changer. Simple, intuitive, and effective, it’s one of the best productivity tools out there. Microsoft’s acquisition of Wunderlist has made this app even better.
For my personal and side-hustle tasks, I’ve recently switched from Apple Reminders to Things 3. The app’s interface and design work better for me. A good to-do list app is a must for staying organized—especially when you’re constantly on the go.
3. Galarm
Another app I can’t live without is Galarm, which I use for important reminders that can’t be missed, like meetings and deadlines. It’s a social alarm app that ensures I stay on top of time-sensitive tasks, especially when I’m away from my desk.
Galarm allows me to set pre-alarms and even share alarms with others. So, if there’s an urgent meeting, I can set an alarm for my team as well. It’s perfect for those working remotely or constantly on the move.
4. Session Pomodoro Timer
While Endel offers a built-in Pomodoro timer, I prefer using Session for this technique. The Pomodoro method involves working in 25-minute intervals, followed by short breaks. It helps me stay focused, and I’ve used it successfully throughout both of my university degrees.
What I love about Session is its ability to sync with my calendar, so I can track my time and keep my projects organized. It’s a perfect app for boosting productivity when I’m learning new skills or working on creative tasks.
5. BusyCal
Finally, I use BusyCal as my default calendar app. I don’t use it for my work calendar, but I find it incredibly useful for managing my personal schedule, including shifts, appointments, and events.
I sync my Google Calendar with BusyCal, and it’s perfect for planning time for things like writing blog posts or recording videos. The customization options and features make it an ideal tool for anyone looking to stay organized and on top of their schedule.
Final Thoughts
These 5 apps (technically 6, if you count Microsoft To-Do and Things) are essential to my productivity toolkit. While I haven’t included communication apps like email or chat apps, I find that they tend to be more distracting than helpful when I need to focus. But for reference, my main email app is Spark, and I use Outlook for work.
To summarize, each of these apps serves a unique purpose and helps me stay productive, especially when I’m away from my desk. They’re all available on my phone, making it easy to stay on track no matter where I am.
Most of these apps have premium versions, which I subscribe to, except for the Microsoft apps provided by my employer and Things 3, which has no subscription model.
