Being a student these days can be really tough, you know?
You’ll be juggling assignments, extracurriculars, exams, homework, and on top of that, you’ve got your personal life to manage as well. Of course!
So it’s really important for students to manage their time well and stay productive with everything they take on.
Productivity is super crucial for any student aiming to succeed academically. It’s kind of like a key that opens the door to getting great grades and learning effectively.
In our guide about managing time and boosting productivity, we’ve already talked about ways students can step up their game and really see some progress in their academic journey.
The key thing here is to keep being productive and get your work done effectively and perfectly.
No need to stress!
Luckily, there are tons of tech tools out there that can help you keep track of your time, organize your tasks, and stay on point.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the best productivity apps for students, categorized by the specific types of productivity they support. Whether you’re looking to improve your time management or collaborate better on group projects, there’s something for everyone.
Why Use Productivity Apps?
Productivity apps can make student life much more manageable by:
- Organizing tasks and deadlines.
- Helping you stay focused.
- Improving collaboration on group assignments.
- Enhancing time management.
- Creating a balanced academic and personal life.
Let’s examine the top rated productivity apps by need.
1. Time Management Apps
Time management is essential for students who need to balance study time, social life, and relaxation.
It helps students prioritize tasks, set goals, and track progress to ensure they are making the most of their time.
Best Time Management Apps for Students
Toggl
Toggl is a powerful time tracker that helps you understand where your time goes. With its simple interface, you can create tasks, set timers, and review reports on your productivity.
Key Features: Task tracking, idle detection, detailed time reports.
RescueTime
RescueTime runs in the background, tracking how you spend your time online. It gives insights into how much time you spend on productive vs. distracting activities.
Key Features: Tracks app/website usage, productivity score, goal setting.
MyStudyLife
Specifically designed for students, MyStudyLife helps manage timetables, exams, and assignments. It’s perfect for keeping everything in one place.
Key Features: Timetable scheduling, exam tracker, cross-device syncing.
TimeStream
Based on the Pomodoro Technique, TimeStream helps you work in intervals, improving concentration while avoiding burnout.
Key Features: Pomodoro timer, session history, productivity reporting.
Clockify
Similar to Toggl, Clockify is another excellent time-tracking app, but with a focus on flexibility. It’s perfect for students who balance multiple responsibilities.
Key Features: Task management, project tracking, time analytics.
Be Focused
Be Focused breaks up tasks into intervals, helping you focus for short periods and take regular breaks, which is perfect for studying.
Key Features: Pomodoro timer, task management, daily/weekly reports.
| App Name | Pricing | Android | iOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toggl | Free (with paid premium features) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| RescueTime | Free (with paid premium features) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| MyStudyLife | Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Focus Booster | Free (with paid premium plan) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Clockify | Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Be Focused | Free (with paid premium features) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
2. Task Management & To-Do List Apps
Having a good task management system is crucial for staying on top of deadlines and assignments. It can help you prioritize tasks, set reminders, and keep track of progress.
These to-do list apps will ensure you never miss a deadline.
Best Task Management Apps for Students
Todoist
Todoist is a simple yet effective to-do list app. It allows you to create projects, set priorities, and keep track of deadlines.
Key Features: Task lists, due dates, priority levels.
Microsoft To-Do
With Microsoft To-Do, you can organize your tasks, set reminders, and integrate seamlessly with Microsoft tools like OneNote and Outlook.
Key Features: Task lists, reminders, Microsoft integration.
Any.do
Any.do app combines a task manager with a calendar, so you can see everything in one place. It’s perfect for students who want to visualize their to-do list alongside their schedule.
Key Features: Task lists, calendar sync, voice task creation.
TickTick
TickTick is a versatile to-do list and task manager that supports time blocking, Pomodoro timers, and habit tracking.
Key Features: Task lists, Pomodoro timer, time-blocking.
Wunderlist (now part of Microsoft To-Do)
Previously a separate app, Wunderlist has now merged with Microsoft To-Do. It’s still a fantastic tool for managing group tasks and setting reminders.
Key Features: Task sharing, reminders, cross-device syncing.
Remember the Milk
A quirky, easy-to-use task manager that integrates with Google Calendar. Remember the Milk is perfect for busy students who want a lightweight but effective task management system.
Key Features: Task lists, due dates, Google Calendar integration.
| App Name | Pricing | Android | iOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Todoist | Free (with paid premium features) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Microsoft To-Do | Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Any.do | Free (with paid premium features) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| TickTick | Free (with paid premium features) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Wunderlist | Now part of Microsoft To-Do (Free) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Remember the Milk | Free (with paid premium features) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
3. Note-Taking Apps
Putting your notes in order is a key part of studying effectively. It is important to have a reliable note-taking app that allows you to organize your thoughts and ideas in a clear and efficient manner.
Best Note-Taking Apps for Students
Evernote
Evernote is one of the most popular note-taking apps, allowing you to organize your notes into notebooks, include multimedia, and sync across devices.
Key Features: Notebook organization, multimedia support, cross-device sync.
OneNote
As part of Microsoft’s suite, OneNote is a versatile note-taking tool that syncs across devices and integrates with other Microsoft products.
Key Features: Notebook-style interface, multimedia, cross-device sync.
Simplenote
For students who prefer simplicity, Simplenote is a no-frills note-taking app that allows you to focus purely on text.
Key Features: Markdown support, note sharing, lightweight design.
Bear
Bear is a minimalist note-taking app with a focus on writing. It supports rich formatting and Markdown, making it ideal for essays and long-form notes.
Key Features:Markdown, formatting, tagging system.
Notion
Notion is more than just a note-taking app. It’s an all-in-one workspace that combines notes, databases, and collaboration features, making it ideal for project work.
Key Features: Notes, databases, task management, collaboration.
Zoho Notebook
Zoho Notebook is a visually appealing note-taking app that allows you to organize notes as cards, making it easy to navigate through lectures and study materials.
Key Features: Card-based organization, multimedia, cross-device sync.
| App Name | Pricing | Android | iOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evernote | Free (with paid premium features) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Notion | Free (with paid premium features) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| OneNote | Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Simplenote | Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Bear | Free (with paid premium features, iOS only) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Zoho Notebook | Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Also read: Top 7 Time Management Hacks for Students
4. Focus and Distraction-Blocking Apps
It’s easy to get distracted by social media, YouTube, or endless internet browsing. Focus and distraction-blocking apps can help you stay on track by limiting access to these distractions and promoting productivity.
Best Focus and Distraction-Blocking Apps for Students
Forest
Forest helps you stay focused by growing a virtual tree while you work. If you exit the app to check your phone, the tree dies.
Key Features: Focus timer, gamified productivity, social sharing.
Cold Turkey+
Cold Turkey blocks distracting websites and apps, forcing you to stay focused on your work.
Key Features: Website blocker, application blocker, scheduling.
Focus@Will
Focus@Will app provides music scientifically designed to improve focus and concentration. It’s perfect for long study sessions.
Key Features: Focus music, productivity tracking, multiple genres.
StayFocusd
StayFocusd is a Google Chrome extension that limits the amount of time you can spend on distracting websites.
Key Features: Website time limits, custom block lists.
Freedom
Freedom allows you to block websites and apps across all your devices, making it one of the most comprehensive distraction-blocking tools.
Key Features: Multi-device blocking, scheduled blocks, distraction stats.
Serene
Serene helps you break your work into focused sessions while blocking distractions during each session.
Key Features: Focus sessions, distraction blocker, task lists.
| App Name | Pricing | Android | iOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest | Paid (one-time purchase) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Cold Turkey | Free (with paid premium features) | ❌ No | ❌ No (Desktop only) |
| Focus@Will | Paid (subscription-based) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| StayFocusd | Free | ❌ No (Chrome extension only) | ❌ No (Chrome extension only) |
| Freedom | Free (with paid premium features) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Serene | Free (with paid premium features) | ❌ No | ❌ No (Desktop only) |
5. Collaboration and Project Management Apps
Group projects can get messy if not properly organized. These collaboration and project management apps make working with others seamless and efficient.
Best Collaboration and Project Management Apps for Students
Trello
Trello is a visual project management tool that uses boards and cards to organize tasks. It’s perfect for managing group assignments.
Key Features: Task boards, card-based management, team collaboration.
Slack
Slack is a messaging app that allows you to organize conversations by channels. It’s excellent for group assignments and communication.
Key Features: Channels, file sharing, integrations.
Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, etc.)
Google Workspace allows multiple students to work on the same document or presentation in real-time. Its integration with Google Drive makes sharing simple.
Key Features: Real-time collaboration, cloud storage, cross-device sync.
Asana
Asana is a powerful project management tool that helps teams keep track of tasks, deadlines, and progress.
Key Features: Task management, team assignments, deadlines.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams combines messaging, file sharing, and collaboration features. It integrates with Microsoft Office tools, making it ideal for school projects.
Key Features: Team collaboration, Office integration, video meetings.
Basecamp
Basecamp simplifies group projects by combining to-do lists, file storage, and messaging into one easy-to-use platform.
Key Features: Task lists, team collaboration, file storage.
| App Name | Pricing | Android | iOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trello | Free (with paid premium features) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Slack | Free (with paid premium features) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Google Workspace | Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Asana | Free (with paid premium features) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Microsoft Teams | Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Basecamp | Free for students (Basic), paid premium plans | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
6. Calendar & Scheduling Apps
Keeping track of your classes, exams, and study time can get overwhelming. Calendar apps can help you stay on top of your schedule.
Best Calendar & Scheduling Apps for Students
Google Calendar
Google Calendar syncs across all devices, allowing you to schedule classes, study time, and reminders effortlessly.
Key Features: Cross-device sync, reminders, integrations.
Apple Calendar
Apple’s native calendar app is simple but effective. It integrates with other Apple services, making it perfect for students in the Apple ecosystem.
Key Features: Seamless sync with Apple devices, event alerts, integration with reminders.
TimeTree
TimeTree allows collaborative calendar sharing, making it easy to coordinate group study sessions or meetings.
Key Features: Shared calendars, reminders, color-coded events.
Fantastical
Fantastical takes scheduling to the next level with its natural language input, allowing you to create events just by typing.
Key Features: Natural language input, cross-device syncing, event templates.
My Study Life
My Study Life is a student-focused calendar that integrates your timetable, assignments, and exam schedule into one app.
Key Features: Timetable management, exam tracking, cross-device sync.
Microsoft Outlook Calendar
For students already using Microsoft services, Outlook Calendar is a powerful tool for managing schedules, reminders, and tasks.
Key Features: Calendar and email integration, reminders, scheduling tools.
| App Name | Pricing | Android | iOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Calendar | Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Apple Calendar | Free (iOS only) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| TimeTree | Free (with paid premium features) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Fantastical | Free (with paid premium features, iOS only) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| My Study Life | Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Microsoft Outlook Calendar | Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
7. Habit Tracking & Goal Setting Apps
Building good habits is essential for long-term success, and these apps will help you develop and maintain productive habits.
Best Habit Tracking Apps for Students
Habitica
Habitica turns habit-building into a fun game where you earn rewards for completing tasks. It’s great for students who enjoy gamification.
Key Features: Habit tracking, gamification, task lists.
Streaks
Streaks help you build good habits by tracking how many consecutive days you complete them. It’s perfect for tracking study sessions or exercise.
Key Features: Habit tracking, streaks, reminders.
Done
Done is a simple app that lets you set goals and track your progress over time. It’s especially useful for building study routines or sticking to a reading schedule.
Key Features: Goal setting, progress tracking, reminders.
Way of Life
Way of Life is a habit tracker with a focus on visual data, allowing you to quickly spot trends in your habits.
Key Features: Visual habit tracking, progress reports, reminders.
Loop Habit Tracker
Loop is an open-source habit tracker that provides detailed habit analysis and progress tracking. It’s simple but powerful.
Key Features: Habit tracking, detailed progress, reminders.
Productive
Productive is a beautifully designed app that makes habit-building intuitive and enjoyable. It’s ideal for students looking to build long-term study habits.
Key Features: Habit tracking, goal setting, reminders.
| App Name | Pricing | Android | iOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Habitica | Free (with paid in-app purchases) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Streaks | Paid (one-time purchase) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Done | Free (with paid premium features, iOS only) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Way of Life | Free (with paid premium features) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Loop Habit Tracker | Free | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Productive | Free (with paid premium features) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
8. Mind Mapping & Brainstorming Apps
When it comes to brainstorming for projects or organizing ideas for essays, mind mapping apps can help you visualize your thoughts.
Best Mind Mapping Apps for Students
XMind
XMind is a professional-grade mind-mapping tool that lets you organize ideas visually. It’s perfect for brainstorming essays or group projects.
Key Features: Mind maps, brainstorming templates, cross-device syncing.
MindMeister
MindMeister allows you to create mind maps collaboratively, making it ideal for group brainstorming sessions.
Key Features: Collaborative mind maps, cross-device syncing, templates.
Coggle
Coggle is a web-based tool that allows you to create simple, effective mind maps. It’s lightweight and easy to use.
Key Features: Real-time collaboration, mind maps, task management.
SimpleMind
SimpleMind is a cross-platform mind mapping tool that focuses on flexibility and design. It’s excellent for creating clean, structured mind maps.
Key Features: Mind maps, flexibility, cross-device sync.
Lucidchart
Lucidchart combines diagramming with mind mapping, making it a versatile tool for both brainstorming and project planning.
Key Features: Diagrams, mind maps, team collaboration.
Ayoa (formerly iMindMap)
Ayoa integrates task management and mind mapping, making it a hybrid tool for brainstorming and organizing projects.
Key Features: Mind maps, task management, collaboration.
| App Name | Pricing | Android | iOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| XMind | Free (with paid premium features) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| MindMeister | Free (with paid premium features) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Coggle | Free (with paid premium features, web only) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| SimpleMind | Free (with paid premium features) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Lucidchart | Free (with paid premium features) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Ayoa (formerly iMindMap) | Free (with paid premium features) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
How to Choose the Right Productivity Apps
With so many apps to choose from, here are a few tips to help you pick the right ones for your needs:
- Identify Your Needs: Determine whether you need help with time management, task organization, or collaboration.
- Try a Few Apps: Experiment with a few apps before committing to one.
- Keep it Simple: Don’t overwhelm yourself with too many apps; start with one or two.
- Check for Cross-Device Sync: Make sure the app syncs across all your devices for maximum efficiency.
Conclusion
Productivity apps can be game-changers for students looking to stay organized, manage their time, and achieve their academic goals. But just downloading an app isn’t the end-all-be-all for success, right?
You really need to make it a habit and stick with it to get the most out of what the app offers.
Keep it in mind that being consistent really makes a difference when you’re using productivity apps. It’s all about sticking with it!
Hopefully, these apps will help you get your student life under control!
