15 Must-Have Work from Home Apps in 2024

When I first started working from home, I realized staying productive wasn’t as easy as it seemed.

At some point, I felt repeatedly disconnected and could barely meet the deadlines.

Then, I discovered how the right work-from-home apps can make all the difference.

But how did I choose the right app?

In my experience of balancing work and home life, I've found many apps that have made a difference. In this article, I’ve shared:

• The most useful work-from-home apps
• Key features of these apps
• Pros and cons with a detailed comparison
• How they increase productivity

Let's start!

Quick Comparison Table of Top Work from Home Softwares

I know how difficult it is to find the right work-from-home apps to keep you focused and organized. That's why I've listed my 15 favorite work-from-home apps. These apps have been my lifesavers for a long time now!

Top 15 Work from Home Apps for Everyday Productivity

With so many apps promising to increase productivity, it can be confusing.

While choosing these apps, I considered things like how easy they are to use, their features, and how much they cost.

I focused on apps that are great for managing time, communicating with others, organizing projects, and keeping tasks in order.

Here, I've put together a list of apps that I think can really make a difference:

1. Apploye: Best for Tracking Work Hours & Productivity

Apploye is time-tracking software designed for desk-based and remote teams. It improves productivity and efficiency by tracking time spent on tasks, projects, and overall work hours. Apploye helps businesses use resources wisely, manage projects better, and streamline payroll.

How does Apploye Help with Time Tracking?

Time is our most precious resource. In today's world, it's easy to lose track of how many hours we spend on different tasks. That's where Apploye comes in. It monitors your employees and records workday and productivity.

I know how hard it is to manage many projects without a proper time-tracking system. It felt like I was trying yet struggling to meet the deadlines.

But, when my HR introduced me to Apploye, everything changed. I could finally see where my time was going and make changes to increase my productivity.

This app gives you control over your time. You can break down projects into smaller tasks, set deadlines, and monitor progress. The detailed reports also show where and how you spend your time.

Key Features:

• Record time spent on tasks and projects on desktop, mobile, and web platforms.
• Create detailed daily, weekly, monthly, and custom timesheets for effective time management.
• Track employee attendance and work hours easily.
• Use GPS to monitor field staff locations and job site activities.
• Improve productivity and accountability with remote tracking features.

Who Can Use Apploye?

Apploye is suitable for many different types of businesses and people, such as:

• Small and medium-sized companies
• Remote teams and freelancers
• Field service businesses
• Agencies and professional services firms
• Organizations who are looking for time tracking and productivity monitoring

Advantages of Apploye:

• Increases productivity 20%
• Easy-to-use interface
• Detailed productivity reports
• Value for money

Drawbacks of Apploye:

• Users may need short training

How Much Does Apploye Cost?

2. Claap: Best Video Recording Tool

Claap is an AI tool that helps make post-meeting tasks easier and finds important insights from any important talks.

With this work-from-home app for Android, you don't have to do tedious chores yourself. It provides insights to help you and your sales team work better and achieve more.

How does Claap Automate the Regular Meetings?

Claap helps you focus on what really matters. It automates the boring parts of meetings. Do you know how much time you spend writing meeting notes, sending follow-up emails, and updating your CRM?

Claap takes care of all that for you. This can save you up to 30 minutes after each meeting!

It also automatically records and transcribes your meetings in 99 languages. It’s perfect for teams working across different countries.

Another fantastic feature is that it looks at your conversations and CRM data to find patterns and give you valuable tips. This can help you improve your sales and conversion rates.

Key Features:

• You can automatically record and transcribe meetings in 99 languages
• Summarize your meetings using customizable templates
• Create the perfect follow-up emails with just one click
• Keep your CRM updated automatically
• Get detailed reports on objections and feature requests

Who Can Use Claap?

Claap is designed for different teams in many industries, including:

• Sales teams can use Claap to automate tasks after meetings
• Product teams can use it to capture and share ideas from meetings
• For training and onboarding while hiring new employees
• Remote and hybrid companies can use it to collaborate

Advantages of Clapp:

• AI featured meeting summaries
• Screen recording availability
• Integration with other apps
• Customizable templates for quick design

Drawbacks of Clapp:

• The advanced plan isn’t suitable for all

How Much Does Clapp Cost?

3. Plaky: Best Task Management Software

Plaky is free task management software that makes project planning easier. With its simple layout and easy-to-use features, it's great for getting things done together. It is a popular tool for business owners to keep everything organized and teamwork smooth.

How does Plaky Help with Project Management?

Plaky has served me really well as one of the best project management tools. It’s easy to use and perfect for teams of all sizes.

You can create, assign, and track tasks using this tool. This helps you focus on what's important and get things done efficiently.

Plaky also makes team collaboration smooth. It also helps with real-time updates on project statuses. Plus, Plaky is mobile-friendly, so you can manage tasks and keep up with projects with your phone.

Key Features:

• You can easily create, assign, and keep track of tasks.
• Customize fields and use different colors to organize your tasks the way you like.
• You can track your project progress
• Use mobile apps to manage tasks and get updates on the move.

Who Can Use Plaky?

• Remote workers to stay organized and productive.
• Freelancers to manage multiple projects and clients.
• Small business owners to keep track of tasks, deadlines, and team collaboration.
• Project managers oversee projects and coordinate tasks among team members.

Advantages of Plaky:

• Unlimited users, projects, and tasks for free.
• Easy-to-use interface
• Access your tasks anywhere

Drawbacks of Plaky:

• Basic collaboration features

How Much Does Plaky Cost?

Similar read: How to Monitor Your Remote Employees?

4. Spark: Best for Filtering Emails

You want to find important emails quickly, right? Spark helps you do that by putting the most important ones at the top.

This app works on your computer, your phone, and even your watch! So, no matter where you are, you can manage your emails easily.

How does Spark Help with Filtering Emails?

Spark increases productivity by filtering your inbox. Its smart inbox feature automatically categorizes emails into priority and non-priority sections. So you don't get distracted by less urgent ones.

The app also offers collaboration among teams. You can communicate and manage tasks using this app. You can customize your email with features such as customizable email templates.

Plus, Spark protects your data and privacy. This multipurpose app also supports cross-platform functionality. It is one of the best tools for maximizing efficiency.

Key Features:

• Manages multiple email accounts in one place.
• Filters emails using natural language search.
• Organizes non-priority emails into separate folders.
• Quickly blocks unwanted email sources.
• Keeps related emails together in threads.

Who Can Use Spark?

• Individual can manage their emails
• Small business for efficient email management
• Teams and projects to organize tasks and share emails
• Freelancers and remote workers

Advantages of Spark:

• User-friendly interface
• Comprehensive email management tools.
• Cross-platform tool
• Prioritizes security and privacy measures.

Drawbacks of Spark:

• No web version is available

How Much Does Spark Cost?

5. Remember the Milk: Best To-do-list App

Remember the Milk is a web and mobile app for managing tasks and time, like a to-do list.

It sends you reminders before important tasks so you don't miss anything. Like any manual to-do list, you can put a thick line after completing a task.

How does Remember the Milk Help with Planning Daily Tasks?

Remember Milk is perfect for managing tasks. You can use it on your computer (Mac, Windows, Linux), phone (Android, iOS), or online.

It's easy to use, even if you're new to productivity apps. This app organizes tasks easily and works well with other tools, too, so you can work more efficiently.

Key Features:

• Cross-platform tool to work on any device you use
• Keeps your to-do list updated in real-time
• Intuitive interface makes task management easy
• Advanced options like prioritizing tasks
• It can be used with other tools

Who Can Use Remember the Milk?

• Students can manage their assignments and study schedules.
• Professionals can juggle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Homemakers to organize household tasks and shopping lists.
• Small business owners to track tasks and team assignments.

Advantages of Remember the Milk:

• Easy-to-use interface
• Collaboration option in the free version
• Advanced task management
• Works offline when there’s no internet

Drawbacks of Remember the Milk:

• The pro version is expensive
• No location-based reminders

How Much Does Remember the Milk Cost?

6. Freedom: Best to Block Distractions

Previously, most of the time, I used to get distracted from work. Even a single beep on the phone would break my focus.

That's when Freedom sorted out my work life. It blocked all the noise from my devices, and I could get my work done on time every time.

How Does Freedom Help with Blocking Distractions?

Nowadays, it’s challenging to stay focused with so many digital distractions. Freedom is here to help you regain control of your time. It blocks distracting websites and apps so you can focus on your work.

You can create your own blocklists based on what distracts you the most. It also has ready-made blocklists that are easy to use so that you can start right away.

Freedom also works across multiple devices. When you start a focus session on your computer, it will block distractions on your phone and tablet, too. This way, you won't be tempted to switch devices and get off track.

Key Features:

• Prevents access to distracting websites and apps
• Extensive and well-organized lists to easily block common distractions.
• Prevents changes to blocklists during sessions.
• Blocks distractions on multiple devices
• Background sounds are available, from natural sounds to office ambiance.

Who Can Use Freedom?

• Students to improve their study session
• Professionals to increase productivity
• Entrepreneurs to maintain concentration on business tasks
• Anyone looking for a digital detox

Advantages of Freedom:

• Customizable blocklists
• Blocks most distracting websites manually
• Works across multiple devices
• Focuses on increasing background sounds

Drawbacks of Freedom:

• Locked mode limits information.
• Initial setup required

How Much Does Freedom Cost?

Further Read: How to Get Rid of Distractions While Working from Home

7. Noizio: Best for Focus Mode

Is it challenging to focus on your work at home because of the noise? Noizio can be the right call to your problem.

This app offers a wonderful range of ambient sounds to help you focus, relax, or set a specific mood.

If you struggle to meet deadlines, Noizio creates the perfect sound environment to get your job done.

How does Noizio Let You Stay Productive?

Noizio is the perfect app to focus in a noisy place or relax at home. It offers different sounds according to your mood. By blocking out distracting noises, Noizio makes it easier for you to be productive and calm.

One of the best things is that you can choose from nature sounds or the lively noise of a coffee shop. You can even custom soundscapes.

Noizio is also very easy to use. It sets a time for work or a relaxation period and creates a peaceful atmosphere to increase productivity during that time.

Key Features:

• A wide selection of sounds is available
• Customizable sound mixtures
• Uses built-in timer for focused work or relaxation sessions

Who Can Use It?

• Professionals to increase productivity
• Anyone who wants to take a relaxing break after deep work
• Remote workers working in a public place

Advantages of Noizio:

• Various sound options are available
• Customizable sound option
• Secured by Apple for safety

Drawbacks of Noizio:

• Limited to Mac users

How Much Does Noizio Cost?

8. Pumble: Best for Team Collaboration

Pumble is an excellent tool for teams. It is easy to use and great for collaborating. The app is totally free and offers some amazing features.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to collaborate, Pumble could be perfect for you.

Why Should You Use Pumble for Team Collaboration?

One of the best things about Pumble is how easy it is to use.

With the free plan, you can send unlimited messages, have private chats, and have group discussions. This is great if your team needs to keep track of everything.

If your team needs more features, Pumble's paid plans will be appropriate. You can do audio and video calls, share screens during meetings, and get more storage. This is perfect if you have a large team.

Pumble gives you great features and support without breaking the bank. It makes communication easier so you can focus on other tasks.

Key Features:

• Messaging to private or grouped conversation
• High quality audio and video call
• Unlimited messages history
• Different plans for different businesses

Who Can Use Pumble?

• Small business for a cost-effective collaboration solution
• Remote teams for seamless communication
• Teams that are concerned about privacy and data

Advantages of Pumble:

• User-friendly interface
• Excellent call and video quality
• Unlimited chat history

Drawbacks of Pumble:

• No free group calls
• Limited sharing on free plan

How Much Does Pumble Cost?

Similar Read: Best Practices for Remote Team Management

9. ClickUp: Best Cloud-based Project Management

ClickUp is a project management and productivity tool. It's designed to make your work easier and help your team work better. This versatile app offers various features to help you stay organized and efficient.

Does ClickUp Really Help with Your Projects and Workflow?

ClickUp is an all-in-one productivity tool that makes work life easier, more efficient, and even enjoyable. It's great for both individuals and teams. You can organize everything in one single app, so you don't need to juggle between multiple apps.

You can customize task statuses, views, and workflows. You can also track progress and spot any issues early on.

The custom statuses mean your workflow can match your team's processes perfectly, helping everyone work more efficiently and communicate better.

You can comment on tasks, tag team members, and share updates. This keeps everyone in the same flow and the project going.

The automation features can also handle repetitive tasks for you, so you can enjoy and focus on what really matters!

Key Features:

• Organize your work into tasks and break them into smaller one
• Create custom task statuses to match your workflow.
• Track time spent on tasks
• Integrate with over 1,000 other tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Trello.
• Automate repetitive tasks to save time and reduce effort.

Who Can Use ClickUp?

• Project Managers manage their projects and track progress.
• Teams collaborate on projects and communicate with the team members
• Freelancers for managing client projects and deadlines
• Business to increase productivity and reduce mistakes

Advantages of ClickUp:

• Wide range of collaboration tools
• Can integrate with other popular app
• Multiple View options

Drawbacks of ClickUp:

• Limited reporting features

How Much Does ClickUp Cost?

Further Read: ClickUp Time Tracking

10. Calendly: Best for Scheduling Meeting

Are you frustrated managing appointments?

Let Calendly do this work for you. You can send a link to your clients so they can pick a time that works for them.

This saves you from all the back-and-forth messages when scheduling a meeting.

Plus, Calendly handles confirmations and reminders for you, making sure everyone knows about the appointments.

How does Calendly Help with Scheduling Meetings?

Calendly simplifies scheduling, so you don't have to focus on scheduling meetings. It also automates the process.

Once a meeting is set, it sends automatic confirmations and reminders to everyone on the project.

Calendly also integrates with popular calendars like Google Calendar, Outlook, and iCal, so you are always up-to-date and won't get double-booked.

You can personalize your booking page and create different event types according to your business.

If you need more features, you have to pay for premium services like meeting analytics, custom branding, and automated workflows.

Key Features:

• Intuitive user experience. It's simple for both you and your clients to use.
• In the premium version, you can track and optimize your meeting schedules.
• The automated notification notifies you and your clients about confirmations and reminders.
• Calendar syncing works with Google, Outlook, and iCal.

Who Can Use Calendly?

• Consultants to manage client appointments.
• Trainers and coaches can schedule sessions without hassle.
• Service providers to book client appointments and manage schedules.
• Sales teams to schedule meetings with clients.

Advantages of Calendly:

• Customizable features
• Reduces time and effort
• Keeps everyone informed
• Integrates with other calendar apps

Drawbacks of Calendly:

• No email reminders in the free version

How Much Does Calendly Cost?

11. Hubspot: Best for Customer Relationship Management

HubSpot is a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) platform. It is designed to assist businesses of all sizes, as well as analyze business metrics.

It works with B2B and B2C industries across various sectors. HubSpot monitors inbound and outbound leads, automates sales pipelines, and effectively conducts email campaigns.

How does Hubspot Revamp Your Customer Relationship Management?

HubSpot is easy to understand, so even if you're new to using CRM systems, you can start using it right away. This app has great automating tools to make tasks easier.

Another big plus is its analytics and reporting tools. They give you information on how well your sales are doing, how customers respond, and how effective your marketing campaigns are.

HubSpot works well with lots of other apps you might already use, like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. So you can keep all your business info in one place without any hassle.

Key Features:

• Start with CRM functionalities at no cost.
• Connect seamlessly with over 500 popular business apps
• Automates tasks like email campaigns and leads
• Analyzes your business and provides reports on it
• You can access the data using ios and android

Who Can Use Hubspot?

• Small to mid-sized businesses to manage customer relationships and sales
• Sales teams to lead management, tracking, and automate sales processes.
• Businesses to improve efficiency and gain insights into business performance
• Startups for an easy-to-implement CRM solution

Advantages of HubSpot:

• Personalized email options
• The free plan offers a bunch of features to get started.
• Automation for sales and marketing.

Drawbacks of HubSpot:

• One email per contact in the free plan

How Much Does HubSpot Cost?

12. nTask: Best Project Management Software

Classic paper planners and calendars are too old in today's working environment. That's where nTask comes in.

It offers various features in one app, like team management, task lists, cool Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and even issue tracking. On top of that, it's budget-friendly compared to other options.

Can nTask Keep Your Projects on Track?

nTask is project management software that increases team productivity and collaboration. It is easy to use and has extensive features. It simplifies the project management process and keeps things simple and organized.

nTask is great for team collaboration, too. It has file-sharing and communication features to make working together easy despite the distance.

This app is also affordable and perfect for small—to medium-sized businesses. It offers different plans to fit various team sizes and budgets.

Key Features:

• Manage tasks, set deadlines, and track progress.
• Collaborate team with file sharing and communication
• Monitor team productivity and project timelines
• Identify and mitigate project risks while tracking issues seamlessly.
• Visualize project timelines and workflows for better planning
• Flexible plans according to business type and size

Who Can Use nTask?

• Small to medium-sized businesses for affordable project management solutions.
• Remote teams for virtual collaboration
• Freelancers to organize client projects
• Non-profit organizations coordinate projects with limited resources

Advantages of nTask:

• Affordable plans for various budgets.
• Essential project management tools
• Monitor project timelines and productivity

Drawbacks of nTask:

• Limited automation features
• Limited integration

How Much Does nTask Cost?

Further Read: Project Management Challenges and How to Overcome Them

13. Zoom: Best for Virtual Meeting

In 2020, Zoom changed how we work remotely. We all probably found ourselves using it a lot, right?

Even though it took off during the pandemic, Zoom keeps growing because it's great at video calls and offers many services.

How does Zoom Help with Virtual Meeting?

Zoom has become a key tool for remote work, and there are good reasons why it's so popular.

Firstly, it's great for all kinds of businesses, big or small. You can start with up to 100 people for free. There are paid plans for up to 1,000 participants if you need more.

Secondly, Zoom is super easy to use on any device. It's perfect for working from anywhere and makes it simple to join meetings.

Another reason is how well it works with other apps like Salesforce and Google Calendar.

Key Features:

• Host free meetings with up to 100 participants and up to 1,000 participants in paid plans.
• Unlimited group meetings and one-to-one meetings.
• Record meetings for future needs
• Integrates with other business applications like Salesforce, Google Calendar, and Slack.
• Easy-to-use interface accessible on desktop and mobile devices.

Who Can Use Zoom?

• Small startups use it for meetings, while big companies use it for meetings with up to 1,000 people.
• Teachers and schools also use Zoom a lot.
• Even families and friends can use Zoom to stay connected with loved ones, no matter where they live.

Advantages of Zoom:

• Host up to 100 participants, paid plans up to 1,000.
• Unlimited group and one-to-one meetings.
• Offers extensive features free.

Drawbacks of Zoom:

• Time restrictions in the free plan.
• The mobile version lacks desktop features.

How Much Does Zoom Cost?

Similar Read: Best Virtual Team Communication Tools

14. Zapier: Best Automation App

Zapier connects various web applications for users without any hassle.

This app automates tasks and makes the workflow smoother. Its user-friendly interface makes it much easier for first-time users.

How does Zapier Help with Automating Integrations?

Zapier makes automation easy. You can connect over 2,000 apps without coding. Thus Zapier increases productivity. This frees up your team to focus on important tasks.

Zapier's flexible plans and wide range of app integrations support your needs as you expand.

It's easy to use, and the drag-and-drop editor lets you create custom workflows. Its new updates keep improving with new features and app connections, so you don't lack any new features.

Key Features:

• Connect and automate tasks across over 2,000 apps.
• Integrate with popular tools like Gmail, Slack, Trello, and more.
• User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality
• Automate repetitive tasks
• Customizable according to business needs and workflows.

Who Can Use Zapier?

• Small businesses to automate tasks
• Entrepreneurs for project management, CRM, and marketing.
• Marketers to automate social media posting, email campaigns, and lead generation processes.
• Content creators to automate content publishing

Advantages of Zapier:

• Simplifies automation of repetitive tasks
• Connects with over 2,000 apps
• Affordable paid plans

Drawbacks of Zapier:

• Limited option for customization
• No mobile apps available

How Much Does Zapier Cost?

15. Google Drive: Best Cloud Storage Solution

Google Drive is one of the best cloud-based storage.

It works as both a backup solution and a collaborative workspace. Users can store, create, edit, and share files across devices.

How does Google Drive Solve File Sharing Issues?

Google Drive is a cloud storage and collaboration app.

With a generous free tier of 15GB, you can store and access the data from anywhere. Moreover, users can create, edit, and collaborate on documents.

Interestingly, you can access the files from various devices.

Not only that, it also features multiple users to work on the same document. You can comment, edit, and access the file which makes teamwork smoother.

Key Features:

• Provides 15GB of free storage space.
• Integrates with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and more.
• Access files from any device with internet access.
• Share files and folders with others and control access permissions.
• Offline access is available.

Who Can Use Google Drive?

• Ideal for personal file storage, backup, and access from any device.
• Business for team collaboration, document sharing, and secure file storage.
• Teachers and students are trained in remote teaching, assignments, and student collaboration.
• Freelancers for file organization, client collaboration, and productivity on the go.

Advantages of Google Drive:

• 15GB of free storage space.
• Integrates with Google's productivity tools
• Accessible from any device.
• Access files offline

Drawbacks of Google Drive:

• No password protection

How Much Does Google Drive Cost?

What are the Benefits of these Work from Home Apps?

Working from home has become the norm for many of us. To work efficiently, finding the right tool is a must. That's where these work-from-home apps come in!

These apps help you stay organized, connected, and productive, no matter where you are.

I love how these apps cut down on the chaos and keep everything in one place. Try them once, and you won't want to go back!

Seamless Communication

Communication is the key to any work-from-home job. What can make communication better than these apps? With a mobile or desktop app, you can take your business anywhere.

You can call and answer them from anywhere. These apps are easy to use and perfect for keeping your business running smoothly while giving your employees the necessary flexibility.

Easy switching between Phone and Desktop

There is a video meeting pending, and you need to go outside now. No worries! You don't need to sit at your desk all the time.

With these work-from-home mobile apps, joining a meeting is easy. You can smoothly switch between your computer and phone without missing anything important.

A Flexible Work Experience

These apps give you the best work experience. You can smoothly do all your tasks while still managing to stay productive.

From scheduling meetings to sending emails, these apps have everything you need as a remote worker.

Similar Read: Why Flexible Work Schedules Improve Team Spirit

Final Words

As I have been working remotely for a long time, I know how important these work-from-home apps are. They can help you stay productive and efficient and keep things organized.

But among all the apps, the best one to keep your work on track is a time-tracking app. While I've tried many apps, Apploye is the best one. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features helped me to be productive.

Trust me, it makes a virtual office that works almost as well as being in person.

FAQs

1. Which app is good for working from home?

Apploye is a great work-from-home app. It’s a time-tracking software designed for desk-based and remote teams. It improves productivity and efficiency by carefully tracking time spent on tasks, projects, and overall work hours.

2. How can I work from home for money?

There are many jobs that pay while you work from home. Two of the top work-from-home job apps are Fiverr and Upwork. Other choices can be online tutors, virtual assistants, or selling online courses. You can also start your own business from home.

3. How do work-from-home apps benefit remote workers?

To work efficiently, finding the right app is a must. These apps help you stay organized, connected, and productive, no matter where you are.

4. How do you choose the right work-from-home app?

When choosing, consider your team size, needs, business type, and budget. Many apps are available in both free and premium versions. Choose the one that best meets your needs.

5. How do you effectively use these apps?

Make sure everyone knows the app's function and how it works. You can train your employees before using any app. Check the progress and see if things are working smoothly.