Having to deal with a lot of notifications and distractions on multiple platforms makes it much harder to stay on task and do real work. There are some Best Focus Apps that can help you focus, which is good news. Based on reviews, features, and how easy they are to use, we found 11 great apps that can help you stay on task. In alphabetical order, we’ll look at each of them below.
Any.do (IOS & Android)
Cloud-based task management and productivity app Any.do that is great for working together because you can share lists and check on how things are going. PCMag explains how users can combine their task lists, assign tasks to each other, make subtasks, and keep track of each other’s progress. Users can work together on projects in the pro version, and both versions can keep track of progress throughout the day. ($2.99 a month, plus other paid options)
Forest: (IOS & Android)
A focus app that uses the Pomodoro technique and adds a gaming element to keep users on top of their work. When you’re ready to work, you plant a seed and set a timer. The tree will continue expanding until you close the app, at which point the tree dies and the timer commences once more. Through their collaboration with Trees of the Future, an organisation that aims to plant trees and end hunger, Zapier highlights how the app is a unique and effective way to stop people from using their phones too much. ($1.99 on iOS, free version with ads on Android)
Things 3 (IOS)
This sleek interface, which has won awards, makes it easy to get things done. A focus app that can be used as a task manager and calendar to keep track of and organize projects. “Area of focus” lets you tag tasks and put them under the same heading in each project list. The layout gives a clear and complete list of daily tasks to help you plan your time better. ($9.99)
Trello (IOS & Android)
Trello is a list-making app in the style of kanban that makes it easy to keep track of your progress on both individual tasks and group projects. With each board, you can change your workflow and set due dates that go along with it. Usually, a board has three columns: “to do,” “doing,” and “done.” However, you can change the number of columns and the cards based on the project. Tasks are given to team members and given labels with color codes. PCMag points out that these features help people understand their roles and tasks in a collaborative workflow. As people finish tasks, they move their cards to the “done” column so that the rest of the team can see how everyone is doing. (Free version)
