There are many completely free tools that make everyday tasks easier and help bring order to your life. As a freelancer, you're always multitasking — you're your own boss, accountant, and assistant. And you can’t forget that life exists outside of work, too. Here’s a list of apps that can really come in handy.
1. Spendee
A finance app for iOS and Android . Unlike standard banking apps, here you classify your expenses and income — not just see money coming and going. After all, money arriving on your card doesn’t always mean profit — maybe you just exchanged cash.
For freelancers, this tool is super convenient — you can clearly see which sources bring in the most income, analyze, and decide to drop some projects in favor of more profitable ones. You’ll also track your business expenses — from online courses to equipment purchases and internet bills.
2. Pushbullet
Advanced device sync features. If you need to transfer files, notes, or keep track of notifications — the Pushbullet app is for you. You can, for example, copy text on your laptop and paste it directly into a message on your phone. It’s fast and super convenient. The benefits might not be obvious at first, but once you try it, you won’t want to go back — it really saves time and stress.
3. Timeular
A modern take on the balance wheel or basic time-tracking — see how much time you spend on work, rest, client meetings, and more. The results clearly show where your time is going. Helps you optimize your schedule, cut unproductive time, or realize it’s time to focus more on hobbies or family. Available for iOS and Android.
4. Time Doctor
A similar app, but this one tracks screen time and shows how long you spend in each program or website. It helps you understand how much time goes to actual work, research, and... how long you spend scrolling social media. With Time Doctor , you can keep procrastination in check and boost productivity.
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5. Mindmeister
Mind maps have become essential for project managers and UX designers — and they’re great for other tasks too. Use Mindmeister to write idea lists, map out implementations, sketch plans, or simply capture thoughts. It helps keep your tasks structured — especially useful when juggling multiple projects. You can also share your map with collaborators on a project.
Many also use it to create a personal professional development plan . Sketch out your goals and how to reach them.
6. Habitica
A great motivator for game lovers. It turns your routine into a quest — you enter your real-life tasks (personal and work), and completing them earns you rewards, leveling up your fantasy character. You can also log habits you’re trying to quit — mess up and you lose points. The app is available for iOS and Android , and has a big community of users — from teens to adults — for you to connect with.
7. LastPass
A password manager app. No more writing passwords in text files or on paper, no more forgotten logins. And you won’t have to risk using the same password for everything. Install LastPass , sync your devices, and manage your logins safely and easily.
8. Twilight
Eye strain from screens — a constant issue. And after work, you’re still on your phone, right? The blue light suppresses your brain, messes with natural sleep cycles, and leaves you with chronic fatigue. So at least in the evening, use Twilight to adjust your screen's color temperature. It’ll cast a warmer, dimmer light — reducing the strain and helping your brain relax.
9. Habit-Bull
A modern habit tracker with powerful features for iOS and Android . It includes sections for different life areas, frequency settings, and achievement planning. You can even add in goals for improving the soft skills freelancers need.
Check your stats, collect rewards for sticking to your plan, adjust goals, and keep growing every day.
10. Todoist
It’s a basic to-do list — but a really handy one. Especially if you’re used to writing in notebooks or Notes apps. And if you don’t write tasks down at all, it’s time to start and unload your brain. The app is available on iOS and Android . Add both personal and work tasks, sort them by category, deadline, priority — you’ll never miss a deadline or forget to defrost chicken for dinner.
You can also share access for collaborative use — perfect for household chores or work projects. There’s a paid version with bonus features like comments, tags, file attachments, reminders, and reports.
11. TickTick
A bit of time management. If you don’t want to pay for Todoist, TickTick has many of the same features. You can set deadlines, use the Pomodoro timer to boost focus, set priorities and reminders, and plan tasks far in advance — like weekly task reviews or monthly bill payments. It also provides stats on time spent and goal progress.
As part of our online premiere “Create Your Own To-Do List in JavaScript” , you can try building an app like this yourself.
12. Perspective
A journaling-style app. You write notes, add photos, and answer reflective questions about your state of mind. How is this helpful for freelancers? You can analyze your thoughts and progress, compare now vs. earlier, log tasks, track course completion, and note challenges. It’s great for personal growth — and helps you notice if you’re stuck or making progress. If nothing’s improved for a while, it might be time to change your strategy.
You’ll also track your emotional wellbeing. Avoiding burnout is key. In the app, you note positive things that happened each day — which helps you see the good and stay grounded in life beyond work. The app is available only on iOS.
More on comfortable freelancing, work organization, and reaching your next milestones — you’ll find in our online coaching program “Freelancer: The Big Game” . The program includes practical advice on freelance communication (with clients and teammates), plus strategies for scaling income and consistently landing top-tier projects. Join the next group now!
