Compilation – Whitney’s Top 10 Productivity Apps

Overwhelmed by so many app options? Whether looking for your personal or work life, there are way too many choices! As of June 2014, there were over 1,300,000 apps listed with Apple alone, which makes their catchphrase “there’s an app for that” quite apropos. Ask ten people what their favorite app is and you will likely get ten different replies. Everyone has a recommendation and I have tried my fair share as a mom to four very active children and as a business owner.

After installing many of the suggested apps, only to delete most of them after a few months, I have landed on several that have earned a permanent spot on my screen. They help me be more efficient at home, work and play by streamlining my efforts and serving as command central for a busy life.

I am throwing my suggestions in the crowded app ring, too, by sharing some of my faves. And the best part is these are all free apps. So if you install and don’t like or find it’s not for you, at least no money was wasted. Of course, some offer paid upgrades but I have been happy with them as is. Some of the functions within these apps may overlap but they each have specific qualities and tasks that make my day-to-day run a little smoother and allow me to squeeze out a few more productive minutes. I am a list-maker, note-taker, planner and researcher by nature so my selections are geared towards that:

Pocket

My new best friend. Always seeing something I want to read but not time at that given moment. Save it here for a lazy Saturday morning or in between soccer games.

Around Me

Know what’s around you no matter where you are. Coffee shop, cocktail, ATM, gas, bookstore, emergency clinic, church… it’s all here.

Wunderlist

For the note taking and note making nut in me!

Wi-Fi Finder

Enough said.

Dropbox

So convenient to share everything here – easy access to people you invite to share with. We use this a lot at The Southern C.

Remember the Milk

I need all the reminders I can get! And it’s way more sophisticated than a grocery list app. Don’t let the name fool you. Love the different categories.

Genius Scan & Genius Fax

No big, bulky equipment required… no-brainer.

Yelp

Phonebook be gone! If you are going anywhere, and I do mean anywhere, you need this.

Sunrise

I live in my calendar – may as well be pretty and easy to use!

Spotify

After dealing with this all day, who doesn’t need some music to wind down? Create a favorite playlist, discover new music, relax.