You don't need to pay for productivity. Many excellent tools offer generous free tiers that cover most needs. We tested 20+ free productivity tools to find which actually help you get more done without spending a dime.
| Tool | Free Limits | Primary Use | Mobile App | Cloud Sync | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notion | Unlimited personal | All-in-one | Yes | Yes | 9.5/10 |
| Todoist | 5 projects | Tasks | Yes | Yes | 9.3/10 |
| Google Calendar | Unlimited | Calendar | Yes | Yes | 9.2/10 |
| Toggl Track | Unlimited tracking | Time | Yes | Yes | 9.0/10 |
| Forest | Core features | Focus | Yes | Yes | 8.7/10 |
| Obsidian | All features | Notes | Yes | Paid | 9.1/10 |
| Clockify | Truly unlimited | Team time | Yes | Yes | 8.8/10 |
Notion's free personal plan is remarkably complete. Notes, tasks, databases, and docs in one workspace. The only limit is no team features - perfect for individuals.
Todoist's free tier gives you 5 projects with all core task features. Natural language input, due dates, and priorities. Clean and fast across all devices.
Google Calendar is completely free with no limits. Scheduling, reminders, shared calendars, and excellent integrations. The calendar that just works.
Toggl Track's free tier includes unlimited time tracking with basic reports. One-click timer, project tracking, and simple interface. Great for freelancers.
Forest gamifies focus with tree planting. Stay focused and grow virtual trees - get distracted and they die. Actually plants real trees through partnership.
Obsidian is completely free for personal use with all features. Local-first notes with powerful linking and plugins. Your notes are markdown files you own.
Clockify is the rare tool that's truly 100% free for unlimited users and time tracking. Teams can track time together without paying. Reports included.
We evaluated free tiers on genuine usability.
Notion (workspace) + Todoist (tasks) + Google Calendar + Toggl (time) + Forest (focus). Complete productivity at $0/month.
When free limits become real constraints: Todoist 5 projects isn't enough, you need team features, or you want Obsidian sync. Most individuals never need to pay.
Notion for flexibility and all-in-one. Obsidian for privacy, power, and ownership. Notion is easier, Obsidian is more powerful.
