There are tons of various apps for freelancers on the market, so it may be laborious to separate the nice ones from the dangerous ones.
I’ve been freelancing full-time since 2019 and have been freelancing as a aspect hustle for lots longer than that. With out a few of these useful apps for freelancers, my enterprise actually wouldn’t be what it’s at present.
25 Greatest Apps for Freelancers in 2023 (Free and Paid)
Among the best methods for freelancers to handle their time is by using free and paid digital functions to assist them run their enterprise extra easily.
I’ve divided this listing of finest freelancer apps into these classes: time administration and productiveness apps, well being apps, invoicing apps, communication apps, and group apps.
Whether or not you’re simply beginning in your small business otherwise you’ve been doing it for some time now, make sure to look intently via this listing of apps for freelance work. They’ll assist your small business run extra easily and effectively.
Listed below are the most effective 25 apps for freelancers this 12 months.
Greatest Time Administration and Productiveness Apps for Freelancers
First up on this listing are a few of the finest apps for freelancers who wish to handle their time and productiveness. These are a few of the most vital apps that I at the moment use or have tried in my enterprise. In case you solely strive one part of apps on this put up, make it these!
1. Clockify
Clockify is a time monitoring software that’s excellent whether or not you cost hourly or not. I’ve used it for fairly just a few hourly tasks, however I nonetheless discover myself monitoring time only for myself since switching to project-based pricing.
That is important so to see for those who’re charging the fitting value in your work.
If one thing is taking you manner longer than you initially thought it might, it could be time to lift your charges. There may be each a paid and free model of Clockify, however as a freelancer, the free model is all you’ll want to trace time.
2. ClickUp
Subsequent up: ClickUp. In case you wrestle with staying on prime of all of your tasks, then that is the app for you.
You’ll be able to create separate workspaces for every a part of your small business or maintain all of them collectively. I’ve discovered that having a unique calendar for every of my shoppers appears to work finest for my very own productiveness.
What makes ClickUp higher than different productiveness and venture administration apps out there may be which you can get far more out of the free model than different apps. You’ll almost definitely by no means want the paid model until you begin rising your staff and want so as to add extra customers.
3. Todoist
Todoist is a extra easy productiveness app that many freelancers use and closely depend on. It really works so much just like the reminders or note-taking app in your cellphone, so it’s so much simpler to make use of for those who don’t have time to be taught a brand new app.
Todoist was launched again in 2007 however has constantly remained a favorite for process administration. There’s no higher solution to enhance your productiveness as a freelancer than by guaranteeing the whole lot it’s important to do for the day is clearly outlined and written out someplace.
4. Asana
Asana is among the hottest productiveness instruments amongst freelancers, which is why it deserves a spot on this listing of finest apps for freelancers.
It’s easy to make use of, and you’ll add some customers or visitors totally free, which will be nice if you should talk with shoppers or staff members.
They’re at all times updating the app, with new options rolling out virtually each different month. The free model is ideal for freelancers. In case you’re a social media supervisor, Asana is a superb software that can assist you plan out content material months prematurely in your shoppers.
5. Toggl
Toggl, though it’s Clockify’s largest rival, continues to be value mentioning on this listing. They basically do the identical factor: monitor your time.
You’ll be able to add tasks and shopper names, and on the finish of the week, you may test the charts to see simply how a lot time you spent on every venture. That is nice so that you can reassess and consider the place your time is being spent.
In case you’re searching for a time monitoring app, I counsel spending one week on Toggl and one week on Clockify to see which interface you like. As soon as once more, the free model is all you want as a freelancer.
☞ SEE ALSO: 20 Greatest Time Administration Ideas and Instruments For Freelancers
Greatest Well being Apps
As a freelancer, well being is extremely vital. You now not have a commute to work the place you may get in some further steps, and also you’ll almost definitely be working from residence, which will be difficult with the fridge close by.
Listed below are a few of the prime apps for freelancers that can assist you keep wholesome whereas working from residence.
6. Nike Coaching Membership
Try Nike Coaching Membership for those who hate arising with your personal exercise routines and would moderately somebody simply let you know exactly what to do.
I’ve been utilizing this app for greater than ten years now, and it’s stuffed with tons of various trainings.
The free model is all you’ll have to work out from residence. What’s so nice about it’s that there are some exercises the place all you want is your self — no tools crucial. Though, there may be an possibility for workouts with weights and different tools as nicely.
7. Peloton
Freelancers can simply use Peloton’s exercise app if they’ve a motorbike at residence. I’ve not too long ago began utilizing it and I’ve to say that it’s fairly unbelievable.
Not solely does Peloton have cycle exercises, however in addition they have stretching, meditation, and extra. Plus, for those who’re a first-time person of the app, you may get two months totally free while you enroll. In case you resolve it’s a very good match, you may change to the paid model after the trial for simply $12.99.
8. Yoga for Learners
Yoga for Learners is among the top-rated apps for at-home yoga. Each single exercise is free, so that you gained’t be compelled to begin paying or something.
Yoga is the proper solution to begin the day. As a freelancer, I understand how demanding some days will be, particularly if you find yourself with a shopper that’s troublesome to work with. Yoga may help relieve that stress!
You’ll be able to combine Yoga for Learners with Apple Well being if in case you have an iPhone or use an Apple Watch. This fashion, you may maintain all of your health-related info in a single spot.
9. WHOOP
Neglect Fitbit – WHOOP is the brand new child on the block. This health and well being monitoring band will let you know far more about your physiological state than different bands in the marketplace will.
Plus, there are all kinds of straps which you can change out to match no matter temper you’re in that day.
Earlier than paying to grow to be a member, you may have a free one-month trial. This model can also be gaining recognition amongst skilled athletes, so you understand it’s one thing value investing in.
As a freelancer, I like with the ability to test in on how my physique is doing, and WHOOP permits me to take action.
10. My Health Pal
When you’ve most likely heard of My Health Pal, it’s possible you’ll not have realized how useful it may be for freelancers. Since freelancers are at all times working remotely, it may be difficult to remain wholesome and keep on prime of the meals and components we’re consuming.
That’s why My Health Pal is so useful. You’ll be able to join it to different apps it’s possible you’ll use, just like the Well being app on the iPhone and even Fitbit. It’ll additionally assist you monitor the meals you’re consuming in the course of the day, so you may stick with your most well-liked weight-reduction plan/life-style plan.
☞ SEE ALSO: Easy methods to Keep Wholesome Whereas Working from Dwelling
Greatest Invoicing Apps
As a freelancer, it’s extremely pertinent to remain on prime of invoicing. You want to have the ability to monitor if cost has been made, if it’s late, or if it’s overdue. You additionally want a dependable platform to ship invoices on within the first place.
Listed below are a few of the prime freelance apps for invoicing.
11. HoneyBook
HoneyBook is very rated and is among the finest apps for freelance jobs. Not like Dubsado (under), it has a cellphone software, so you may keep on prime of your entire communication with shoppers as an alternative of getting to test an internet site each day.
HoneyBook lets you arrange recurring invoices for shoppers that will have you ever on retainer, and you’ll customise how a lot every cost is and when it’s due.
Plus, it should routinely ship reminders to your shoppers in your behalf, so that you don’t have to trace funds as intently as you may need to with different invoicing software program.
HoneyBook is what I exploit in my very own enterprise. They at the moment have a deal the place you solely need to pay $1 a month in your first two months with them! It’s a good way to see for those who prefer it.
12. PayPal
PayPal lets you arrange and ship invoices to shoppers, but it surely does take a small proportion of every bill.
This listing of finest apps for freelancers wouldn’t be full with out together with good ol’ PayPal. As a result of PayPal is so trusted by shoppers worldwide (particularly as a result of it’s used on Shopify web sites), shoppers already know tips on how to use it, and so they belief it.
Whereas I exploit HoneyBook for my social media administration and graphic design providers, I exploit PayPal for all my freelance writing gigs. It’s easy, straightforward to make use of, and you’ll ship an bill in minutes.
13. Wave
Wave is a top-rated invoicing app amongst freelancers, particularly those that like to trace the whole lot intently. It sends invoices and is a monetary accounting software program, so if you wish to keep on prime of your numbers, that is the proper app for you.
Many freelancers love Wave as a result of it additionally integrates seamlessly with different apps. You’ll be able to join it with Sq., Stripe, Shopify, QuickBooks, HubSpot, MailChimp, Calendly, Acuity… just about all of the apps that freelancers use ceaselessly.
Wave has a number of cost plan choices, starting from free to a month-to-month price. Relying on what you propose on utilizing inside Wave, you would possibly get away with simply utilizing the free model!
14. QuickBooks
QuickBooks actually the most effective apps for freelancers, and do you know that it additionally has invoicing? You’ll be able to ship invoices on to your clients via it, which is usually a lifesaver for those who’re already paying the QuickBooks price.
It’s easy to ship one and is a bit just like PayPal in that manner.
What’s so nice about QuickBooks is you can too see your bill’s standing at any time. This implies you may monitor whether or not an bill has been seen, unopen, is paid, or overdue.
15. Dubsado
Dubsado is a prevalent invoicing software program amongst designers of all sorts. I’ve used Dubsado myself and have thought-about switching over, however it may be very time-consuming to arrange.
Not like different invoicing software program, you can also make your invoices personalized to your model inside Dubsado, which is why designers adore it a lot.
Much like HoneyBook, Dubsado can also be an all-in-one shopper administration system. You’ll be able to monitor your upcoming session calls, your financials, proposals, and shopper emails multi function place.
Greatest Communication Apps
Staying on prime of shopper communications is among the important elements of getting a contract enterprise. Each freelancer has their very own opinion on tips on how to finest be in contact with shoppers, however these are a few of the finest apps on the market for shopper communication.
16. Voxer
First up: Voxer. This app isn’t well-known however has not too long ago began to make waves within the on-line enterprise group, making it the most effective apps for freelance jobs.
Whereas the corporate opened in 2007, I hadn’t even heard of Voxer till just a few years in the past.
Consider it as sort of like a walkie talkie. You’ll be able to ship voice messages and sort messages out, making it straightforward to remain on prime of shopper communication.
Many freelancers use Voxer to host workplace hours with their shoppers as a result of it’s straightforward to reply with a voice message.
Plus, the non-public plan of Voxer is free! That is the most effective free app for freelancers if you need fast communication.
17. Gmail
Gmail is a basic communication app that shouldn’t be missed. Shoppers are at all times sending emails, generally even a number of inside a day to you, and also you’ll have to just be sure you have some form of mail app to remain on prime of all of it.
The Gmail app is free. The one purpose you’d need to pay is if you need extra storage or want to make use of your area’s electronic mail tackle, making you look much more skilled to your shoppers.
18. Slack
Slack has shortly grow to be one of the vital widespread communication apps as a result of it’s virtually on the spot messaging. It’s higher than texting although since you don’t have to present your shopper your cellphone quantity.
Inside Slack, you may have personal messages together with your shoppers and have group messages for those who’re working with a bigger group.
This may also be useful for those who’ve began rising your staff and you should have one house the place all communication lives.
Slack has completely different pricing tiers, however for those who don’t have a big staff and aren’t constantly working with a excessive variety of shoppers every month, you may get away with simply utilizing the free model.
19. Zoom
Zoom has boomed into recognition the final 12 months, and the freelancing house isn’t any exception.
I exploit Zoom constantly for session calls with new potential shoppers. This fashion, we are able to briefly meet face-to-face for quarter-hour to see if we could be a very good match for one another.
I’ve discovered that communication can occur much more seamlessly when speaking to somebody (moderately than emailing), which is why I like Zoom a lot. You may also combine it with a calendar schedule software that you simply could be utilizing, like Calendly, HoneyBook, or Acuity Scheduling.
20. Loom
Loom is an app which you can connect with Google Chrome and use to ship video tutorials to shoppers. When you can merely ship over a written-out tutorial, I discover that it’s a lot simpler to ship a video tutorial.
As a freelancer, I’m ceaselessly getting requested by shoppers tips on how to do one thing. It will probably even be one thing so simple as including me as an Admin to their Fb Web page in order that I can monitor their analytics from month to month.
Inside Loom, you may report your display screen and your face concurrently, so you may stroll your shoppers via completely something. There’s a paid model, however for those who aren’t making movies longer than 5 minutes, the free model ought to work completely.
Out of the whole lot on this entire listing, Loom is actually the most effective app for freelance work. It’s a hidden gem.
Greatest Group Apps
Time for the most effective group apps. In case you aren’t organized inside your freelance enterprise, there isn’t a manner that you simply’ll achieve success. I’ll be the primary to let you know that!
21. Google Drive
Google Drive is among the finest free apps for freelancers, though you may get extra storage with the paid model.
Virtually everybody makes use of Google or its apps each day. Whether or not you’re looking the web or checking your electronic mail, you’re almost definitely utilizing Google.
As a result of so many individuals use Google, I can’t suggest sufficient that you simply make the most of Google Drive for storage. I’ve discovered that shoppers already know tips on how to use it, so if I share one thing with them, they already know tips on how to entry it themselves.
This makes it one of many best organizational instruments on the market for client-facing tasks. Plus, for those who gained’t be utilizing a ton of storage otherwise you’re a newbie, you may simply use the free model of it.
22. Goodnotes
Tou ought to completely make the most of Goodnotes in your small business if in case you have an iPad or one other pill. It’s a note-taking app, but it surely’s nice for graphic designers as a result of you can too attract it.
There are tons of nice planners which you can buy from Etsy, and even make your personal, to save lots of paper and have a digital planner too. I not too long ago began doing this in my very own enterprise, and it’s stored me very up to the mark!
I additionally whip out my Goodnotes app every time I’m in a shopper assembly as a result of it’s simply really easy to take notes.
23. Evernote
Evernote is one other note-taking app that’s excellent for shopper conferences or jotting your concepts down while you’re in a rush. As with the Clockify vs Toggle debate, Evernote and Goodnotes are comparable, but have completely different interfaces.
There are tons of various pens and markers which you can make your Apple Pen seem like, which solely provides to the enjoyable.
There are paid variations, however as a freelancer, you may most likely simply use the free model.
24. Dropbox
I a lot favor Dropbox to Google Drive for organizing my very own paperwork, though Google Drive is superb for client-facing tasks and sharing paperwork with folks you’re working with.
Inside Dropbox, you can too now use Paper Docs, that are just like Google Docs. You’ll be able to write phrase paperwork and hyperlink them to your different Dropbox paperwork, making it nice to make use of for those who’re working with an inside staff.
There are paid variations of Dropbox, however I’ve been simply tremendous utilizing the free model for the previous eight months. The subsequent tier up is barely $9.99 a month and presents you as much as 2 TB of storage, which is a lot.
25. LastPass
LastPass is among the finest apps for freelancers for those who constantly share passwords together with your staff or shoppers. As a social media supervisor, I exploit LastPass to obtain and retailer social media logins from my shoppers safely.
Whereas it may be a bit troublesome in your shoppers to make use of in the event that they haven’t ever used it earlier than, you can also make a fast video utilizing Loom (on this listing!) and educate your shopper tips on how to use it seamlessly.
LastPass is a Google Chrome app and may also be downloaded in your cellphone so to log in to something cellular. Oh, and did I point out it’s free?
Bonus: Greatest Apps for Discovering Freelance Work
One other class of apps for freelance work are those that assist you discover gigs. In case you’re new to freelancing, then take a look at this text I wrote that describes all the most effective freelancer apps for searching for work: 15 Greatest Freelance Web sites for Learners.
Two of the most effective apps for freelancers to search out work are Upwork and Fivver. I wrote an article for every detailing how they operate and who they’re finest for. Test them out right here:
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FAQs In regards to the Greatest Freelancer Apps
Have a query about the most effective apps for freelance work? Learn on for solutions to some ceaselessly requested questions.
Apps which can be helpful for freelancers embody administration and productiveness apps corresponding to Clockify, invoicing apps corresponding to HoneyBook, communication apps corresponding to Voxer, and group apps like Google Drive.
In my view, Upwork is the most effective web site for locating freelance work. Fivver is a detailed second.
Fivver is best for smaller, quicker tasks. As a result of most of my freelance work is extra sophisticated, I personally use and like Upwork extra.
In some methods it’s, however I feel its benefits outweigh the disadvantages. I like the versatile schedule and alternatives for creativity that freelancing offers.
Freelancing can positively be demanding. The most effective apps for freelance work may help with that. Productiveness apps can maintain you on-task, time-management apps can maintain you working effectively, and invoicing apps can maintain your funds organized.
Now You Know the Greatest Apps for Freelancers
It’s crucial for freelancers to remain on prime of the whole lot since you’re working for your self. Oftentimes, freelancers are groups of only one, like me.
There’s no higher solution to keep organized, productive, and talk together with your shoppers than by using the apps and applications on this listing — they’ll change your small business for the higher.
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