A productivity app can help you and your team keep track of schedules, hours worked, and tasks and projects. We review the 7 best productivity apps for Mac in 2023.
As a manager, a reliable productivity app allows you to set and manage your workforce’s schedules, monitor their progress on tasks and projects, and see their tracked hours.
Your employees can record their hours, chat with you and their coworkers, and more. Plus, these apps keep all relevant company information in one place, so your team can easily stay informed.
There are many productivity apps out there, including ones specifically for Mac users. Mac productivity apps offer access across the major Mac devices—iPhones, iPads, Macbooks, and iMac computers—so you and your team can use them anywhere.
In this article, we look at the 6 best productivity apps for Mac and outline the key features you should look for when selecting the best one for you.
If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.
Our Top Picks
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Best all-in-one productivity app for Mac
Learn more -
Good for calendar and task management
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Good for mind mapping and brainstorming
What To Look For In a Productivity App for Mac
Organization apps for Mac should help, not hinder, your team’s day-to-day workflows. The best apps will be easy to use, affordable, customizable, and scalable to grow as your business does.
In addition to those basics, here are some other key features to look for:
- Task management: Prioritize apps that offer real-time updates on tasks, recurring task and subtask creation, tags, and a central dashboard to view task statuses and due dates. Connecteam offers these features and more.
- Knowledge base: Store and access passwords, employee forms, project notes, and other important documents in a central, secure location. Customizable user access permissions add an extra layer of security.
- Time tracking: Apps with time tracking features take productivity one step further. Look for solutions that include mobile clock-in, real-time location tracking, and automatic reports on hours and productivity.
- Scheduling: Features like a drag-and-drop scheduling interface and the ability to automate shift scheduling based on qualifications and preferences make planning a breeze.
- Automations: The best productivity apps let you “set it and forget it,” with automated workflows handling busy work. Connecteam, for instance, offers automated timesheet generation and the ability to set employee schedules and tasks to recur automatically.
- Communication and collaboration features: Search for an app that allows your team to work together and stay on task. Teams should be able to share and edit documents and notes and communicate in real-time about tasks and other work-related topics. Connecteam, for instance, has a built-in work chat and allows multiple workers to edit documents simultaneously.
- Integrations: Streamline your workflows and organizational processes by syncing your productivity app with other software. Connecteam integrates with Google Calendar, Google Drive, Dropbox, Gusto, QuickBooks Online, and more.
The 7 Best Mac Productivity Apps of 2023
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Connecteam — Best all-in-one productivity app for Mac
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Connecteam is the best all-in-one productivity solution for Mac, offering user-friendly tools for scheduling, task management, communication, and more.
Connecteam is ideal for Mac users, as it’s accessible from any web browser and offers apps for iOS devices. (It’s also great for those who don’t use Macs, as it has an Android app and can be used on PCs.)
Let’s take a closer look at Connecteam’s top features.
Task management features to keep teams on track
Connecteam’s task management features make it simple to keep your teams and projects on track. You can create and assign tasks to employees in seconds and set common tasks to recur at regular intervals. Add due dates, notes, images, files, and descriptions to tasks to ensure your workers have all the information they need to get the job done successfully.
Further boost your team’s productivity by breaking tasks into subtasks and receiving notifications as employees complete them. You’re also able to send reminders to employees to complete tasks and request real-time updates on their progress.
Plus, a sleek central dashboard lets you easily view all tasks, deadlines, status updates, and assignees every step of the way.
Create, publish, and manage employee schedules from anywhere
Connecteam’s drag-and-drop scheduling tool enables you to create and publish schedules hassle-free. Use handy templates or build custom schedules and assign shifts automatically based on employee preferences, availability, and qualifications. Employees can claim open shifts or request to swap shifts as needed with just one touch or click of their device.
Workers can check their schedules instantly and receive notifications when their schedules have been updated. Plus, you can quickly view and approve schedule change requests, see employees’ availability, and redeploy workers in seconds.
Ultra-accurate time clock with payroll integrations
Connecteam’s time clock lets employees clock in and out directly in the app and records time to the second. Workers can track time by task, job, client, and location. As a manager, you have the option to set daily time limits, overtime rates, and auto-clock out.
The time clock is also GPS-enabled. GPS location tracking and geofencing functionalities help you make sure your team is where they need to be. Verify employees’ locations while they’re on the clock and create virtual borders around job sites to restrict clock-in and clock-out to those locations.
Connecteam collects time data and automatically generates digital timesheets, which can be exported to your preferred payroll system. You can also take advantage of Connecteam’s direct integrations with Gusto and QuickBooks Online for payroll.
Collect and organize information with digital forms and checklists
With Connecteam’s digital forms and checklists feature, you can create fillable forms from templates or from scratch. Use forms to gather employee signatures on policy documents, for example, and set deadlines for completion. Connecteam will even notify you when workers have filled out a form. Pull up forms in an instant by using the search bar, and easily export forms into PDF or Excel files.
Additionally, you can create customized checklists for any process and distribute them instantly to your employees. For example, checklists for safety or open/close procedures ensure your team knows and follows important rules.
Built-in team chat and newsfeed for improved communication
Connecteam’s communication tools enable you and your employees to communicate securely in real-time, wherever they are.
The built-in chat allows teams to connect one-on-one or in group conversations. You and other users with admin status have full control over chat permissions and can delete any inappropriate content. There are options to favorite conversations, mute chats, and share audio notes, images, and other files within messages. There’s also a task-specific communication channel to keep conversations focused.
Connecteam has a social media-style newsfeed as well. Easily share important announcements with your entire team (or just certain groups) at once, schedule posts, and track who has viewed and interacted with your updates.
Store and share important information with cloud-based document management
Using Connecteam’s document management feature, you can create a digital filing cabinet for your company. All files are centrally located and accessible at any time.
You can request documents from employees with a single touch or click, which they can upload directly from their mobile phones. Plus, you can set expiration dates on documents, and Connecteam will flag the documents when they need to be updated.
Customized privacy settings let you dictate who has access to documents, and there’s unlimited storage you can take advantage of.
Free for small businesses and affordable for all
Connecteam is free for life for businesses with 10 or fewer employees. For larger businesses, pricing begins at just $29 per month for up to 30 employees. Each additional user costs only $0.50 per month.
Connecteam also offers a free for life plan – Get Started Now!
Key Features
Pros
All-in-one productivity solution
Mobile app enables on-the-go use
User-friendly design
Notifications keep everyone in the loop
Cons
Doesn’t yet offer video conferencing features
Pricing
Free-for-life plan availablePremium plans start at $29/month for 30 users
14-day free trial, no credit card required
Start your free trial -
Things — Good for calendar and task management
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Mac
Things is a personal task management app that helps users manage projects, achieve goals, and plan out their days. Part of the suite of Mac productivity apps for over a decade, it was recently updated with a modern design and functionality. Things is part calendar and part task manager: It gives users the ability to keep tabs on their schedule, keep track of deadlines, and break down project work into manageable pieces.
A major drawback is the lack of collaboration features. The ability to collaborate is one of the key features of productivity apps, but unfortunately, Things doesn’t afford users the ability to work with others or share information.
Learn more about ThingsKey Features
- Calendar events and to-do lists
- Upcoming agenda view includes tasks, deadlines, and scheduling appointments
- Break down projects by using headings
- Create checklists for smaller projects or task lists
Pros
- No subscription required (one-time cost)
- Easy-to-use UI
Cons
- Relatively expensive, and different features must be purchased separately
- No collaboration features
Pricing
Starts at $49.99 Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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MindNode — Good for mind mapping and brainstorming
Available on
- iOS
- Mac
MindNode is a mind map management app that lets users capture their ideas and brainstorming sessions in real time. It’s available on MacOS and iOS, and can sync with iCloud and other Mac productivity apps like Apple Reminders.
As a replacement for pen-and-paper mind mapping, MindNode offers options for brainstorming, including standard mind maps, note taking, and outlining. Features like Focus Mode enable users to see only the matter at hand.
While MindNode is available only on Apple’s operating systems, documents can be exported in numerous formats, although design and formatting can pose a challenge.
Learn more about MindNodeKey Features
- Multiple options for brainstorming
- Tags and categories
- Focus Mode
- Syncs with Apple Reminders
Pros
- Can export documents and send to any email account
- Customizable
Cons
- When sharing or printing from the app, formatting can shift
- Lack of multi-platform support
Pricing
Starts at $2.49/user/month or $19.99/user/year Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
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Apple Notes
Apple Notes — Good for taking and managing notes
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Mac
Exclusive to Mac, Apple Notes is the standard note-taking app on all Mac devices and easily syncs between them. Features include note-taking, list-making, creating and organizing folders, and the ability to share information with other users.
For basic note taking that transfers between devices, Apple Notes is a solid option. Plus, because it’s part of the overall MacOS and iOS, there’s no additional cost for Mac and iOS users.
Unfortunately, this also means the convenience is limited to Mac users. Those who use both Apple products and PC or Android devices should consider another option.
Learn more about Apple NotesKey Features
- Create, save, and share notes
- Create and organize information in folders
- Able to attach files
- New update allows users to create tags
Pros
- Standard on Apple devices and syncs between iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- No additional cost to use
Cons
- Difficult to use across platforms
- No bells and whistles
Pricing
Free to use Trial: No Free Plan: No
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Zappy by Zapier — Good for taking and sharing screen recordings
Available on
- Mac
Owned by Zapier, Zappy allows users to create screen recordings and share them with colleagues. Users can designate a keyboard shortcut and use it to quickly record their screen, then draw, annotate, or add text.
With a paid Zapier account, Zappy users can upload recordings to the cloud (for free) and share the URL with coworkers. Zappy also connects with other productivity apps like Slack, Teams, Asana, and Google Suite.
Zappy is an app for Mac only, so users who switch between operating systems won’t benefit. While free to use, Zappy does require the user to have a paid Zapier account.
Learn more about Zappy by ZapierKey Features
- Customizable keyboard shortcuts
- Creates screenshots and screen recordings
- Ability to add notes and drawings to screen grabs
- Uploads screen grabs to the cloud, so users don’t have to dig through clipboard history
Pros
- Integrates with most major productivity and communication apps
- Free to use for Zapier users
Cons
- For MacOS only
- Requires a Zapier account
Pricing
Free to use for those with a Zapier account Trial: No Free Plan: No
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1Password — Good for creating, saving, and sharing passwords securely
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
1Password is a subscription-based password manager that lets users create and store secure passwords across devices. Additionally, the tool can be used to save other types of information, including personal documents and software licenses. Using an encrypted virtual “vault,” 1Password keeps track of a user’s information in one place. Information can include notes, credit card information, and personal details in addition to passwords.
Although it’s available on most platforms and web browsers, 1Password requires users to have administrative rights on a given device in order to use its browser extension. Additionally, 1Password doesn’t allow users to change all passwords at once.
Learn more about 1PasswordKey Features
- Can edit passwords and information
- Securely share passwords with family and colleagues
- Two-factor authentication
- Securely store important documents
Pros
- Syncs between devices
- Strong security for more than just passwords
Cons
- No free plan beyond the 14-day trial
- Doesn’t offer one-click updates across all passwords
Pricing
Starts at $2.99/month, for personal plan Trial: Yes — 14-day Free Plan: No
Compare the Best Mac Productivity Apps
Topic |
|
|
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Apple Notes |
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Reviews |
4.8
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4.9
|
4.8
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
4.7
|
Pricing |
Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users
|
Starts at $49.99
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Starts at $2.49/user/month or $19.99/user/year
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Free to use
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Free to use for those with a Zapier account
|
Starts at $2.99/month, for personal plan
|
Free Trial |
yes
14-day
|
yes
|
yes
|
no
|
no
|
yes
14-day
|
Free Plan |
yes
Free Up to 10 users
|
no
|
yes
|
no
|
no
|
no
|
What Are Productivity Apps?
A productivity app is a software application designed to improve users’ efficiency, time management, and overall effectiveness. The best productivity apps include features like calendars, time tracking, note-taking, team collaboration and communication, and reminders. These tools can be used in both professional and personal settings. They help individuals and teams stay on task, optimize their workflows, and improve their organization.
All productivity apps are different. Some—like Connecteam, the best of the best Macbook productivity apps—offer all-in-one solutions, while others offer fewer or more basic features. An all-in-one productivity app mitigates the need to open multiple windows or apps, keeping everything streamlined.
How Do Productivity Apps Work?
Productivity apps work by combining different features to help users streamline and optimize their personal and/or professional lives. Many can be accessed from mobile or desktop apps or via web browsers. Typically, users can open the app with one click or touch. From there, they can find the menu bar and select their desired activity.
For leaders using these apps professionally, this includes managing employee schedules, tracking time, checking the status of tasks, and managing important employee documents. For example, a manager looking to create a task list for an employee might select “create task” and click through to type in the relevant information. They can then share the task with the employee, who can mark it as completed when the work is finished.
On the employee side, a worker can log into the app to communicate with colleagues, ask questions, and find job-related information like their schedule, payroll, or notifications from management.
The Benefits of Productivity Apps
Improved organization
These apps help employees track their tasks and to-dos, stay aware of deadlines, and view their schedules. Keeping everything in one easy-to-use system that can be accessed from anywhere lets your team stay organized and on top of things so nothing gets missed.
Enhanced communication
Using a productivity app with communication tools like a team chat or company newsfeed makes it easier for everyone to stay connected and on the same page.
Increased efficiency
Productivity apps can streamline workflows, automate manual tasks, and provide notifications and reminders to keep tasks and projects moving. This saves time and helps you and your team be more efficient.
More effective team management
Apps with scheduling and time-tracking features ensure you have up-to-date information about who’s working where and when. Plus, apps with task management tools enable you to see at a glance how projects are moving along and which of your employees may have too much on their plate. These features offer you better oversight so you can manage your workers more effectively.
Increased team collaboration
Many productivity apps offer collaboration features so teams can brainstorm, plan, and work together, regardless of location. As a manager, you can delegate tasks to your team, communicate with employees, and receive status updates from your workers.
How Much Do Productivity Apps Cost?
Prices for productivity apps vary, although most are available for free. Some organization apps for Mac can be purchased on a monthly subscription basis, while others require an upfront purchase for permanent use. Many of the less expensive apps offer only a portion of the features you can find in an all-in-one system, meaning you may need multiple apps and ultimately pay more in the long run.
For instance, MindNode charges $2.49 per user, per month but focuses primarily on mind maps. 1Password starts at $2.99 per month for its personal plan, but it doesn’t include additional productivity features like scheduling or team communication.
With Connecteam, you can access a robust suite of features at an affordable price. Our Small Business Plan is 100% free for life for up to 10 users, and premium plans for larger companies start as low as $29 per month for as many as 30 users.
FAQs
How do I maximize productivity on my Macbook?
You can maximize your productivity and efficiency on your Macbook by using a productivity app. Take the time to research the best Macbook productivity apps and select the one that best meets your needs. The best tools, like Connecteam, will sync across your Macbook, iPhone, iPad, and even iMac.
What is the best task manager for Mac?
Connecteam is an excellent task manager for Mac. It offers not just task management but also many other features, including team scheduling, communication, and document management.
What productivity apps should I use?
The best Mac productivity apps depend on your specific needs, but many are limited in their features. Connecteam is the perfect option for those seeking an all-in-one solution.
The Bottom Line on Productivity Apps for Mac
Productivity apps can streamline your business’s operations and help your employees be more productive, efficient, and successful in their roles. With an all-in-one solution, you can set schedules, monitor task progress, track time, collaborate, and keep all information in one place.
Connecteam is the best Mac productivity app for 2023. Our platform makes it simple to manage all aspects of your team’s productivity—from seeing what they’re working on to sharing information to scheduling shifts and more. Plus, you and your employees can access Connecteam anytime, anywhere.