The Ultimate Collection of Digital Minimalism Tools & Apps
So, maybe you are digitally overwhelmed but ready to reclaim your time from the endless vortex of apps, notifications, and emails…
If yes, and you’re nodding faster than a bobblehead doll on a dirt road, you’ve landed at the right spot.
Because today’s article will give you a tour through the land of digital minimalism with the ultimate collection of digital minimalism tools and apps, where less is more.
I will discuss…
- Time management tools and apps
- Email management apps
- Productivity tools
- Social media and browsing control apps
- Automation tools
- As a bonus, minimalist simple phones
So let’s dive in…
Time Management Tools & Apps
There’s this saying, “what gets measured gets managed,” and it’s particularly true with screen time.
And time management tools and apps can provide insights into your digital habits, making it easier to understand where your time goes and where adjustments might be needed.
Here are seven I found in my research…
1) Rescue Time
This time-tracking tool runs quietly in the background, logging your time on different applications and websites.
It provides insightful reports to help you understand where your time is going.
Other features are…
- Assistance in achieving a daily focus work goal
- Coaching to keep you on track
- Focus sessions
- Distraction blocking
Rescue Time offers a freemium pricing model, so you can try a basic feature version for free. The paid version is $12 monthly.
Here you can learn more about it.
2) Forest
Forest is a fun app that encourages you not to use your phone.
You plant a virtual tree, which grows over a set period, but dies if you leave the app to use your phone.
This gamification of blocking out distractions and changing your habits is a great way to keep yourself focused and off your phone.
In addition to virtual trees, Forest has an environmental non-profit program where real trees are planted.
The app is free to use, and you can check it out here.
3) toggl
This app lets you record how much time you spend on different tasks.
It’s a useful tool to visualize where your day goes, helping you to manage your time more efficiently.
While the app is rather addressed at freelancers to track billable minutes and hours, it also comes in handy to make yourself aware of where your screen time goes.
Toggle is free for up to five users with basic functionality (enough to help you become more aware of your screen time).
However, as a freelancer, you may need the paid version starting a $9 monthly since you get extra features, such as “billable rates.”
Here you can learn more about toggle.
4) Focus Booster
Based on the Pomodoro Technique, this app breaks your work into 25-minute sessions followed by a short break. It helps increase productivity and maintain focus.
And here are all its current core features:
- Pomodoro timer
- Completed task tracking of the day
- Dashboard reports for insights about the most productive moments
- Billable hours (if you are a freelancer)
- Time entries
- Offline Pomodoro session tracking
- Session replay
You can use it for free if you don’t surpass 20 Pomodoro sessions monthly. Otherwise, it’s $4.99 monthly.
You can check Focus Booster out here.
5) Freedom
This app blocks distracting websites and apps across all your devices. You can schedule block sessions, making it easier to focus on essential tasks.
Here are all its core features:
- Website blocking
- App blocking
- Internet blocking
- Sync across devices
- Block session scheduling
- Blocklists
- Locked mode to prevent you from ending a Freedom session
- Browser extensions
- Ambient noise
- Progress tracking
- Session history
Freedom offers a free version and a paid version at $8.99 monthly.
Here you can learn more about it.
6) TimeTree
TimeTree is a shared calendar app designed to keep your plans organized and to communicate more effectively with others.
It’s perfect for families, couples, and close-knit teams.
You can also use separate calendars for family, friends, and colleagues.
TimeTree has a free version (with ads) and a paid one at $4.49 monthly (billed annually at $44.99)
You can check it out here.
7) Apple Screen Time/Google Digital Wellbeing
Theoretically, you don’t need additional apps to help with essential time management and tracking screen time.
Why?
iOS and Android already provide built-in features offering detailed reports about how you use your device, set app limits, and schedule downtime.
However, to take it up a notch and achieve a behavioral change, you may need one of the earlier-mentioned ones.
Email Management Tools & Apps
Email management can be a massive step towards digital minimalism, freeing up mental space and time.
The purpose of tools in this category is to help you declutter your inbox, reducing distractions and time spent managing emails.
So the aim is to make email a tool that works for you, not against you.
Let’s take a look at three email management apps that can help simplify your inbox:
1) Unroll.Me
This app allows you to mass unsubscribe from newsletters and promotional emails. I have been using it for several years.
It also provides a feature to ‘roll up’ subscriptions you still want into a daily digest email.
The app is free to use and available on iOS and Android.
Here you can learn more about Unroll.me.
2) SaneBox
SaneBox is another tool I have been using, and it really keeps your inbox clean.
It uses artificial intelligence to filter your inbox, moving non-priority emails into a separate folder for you to review later.
It also has features like one-click unsubscribe and tracking of responses.
Sanebox offers three pricing plans.
The “Snack” plan (one email account) starts at $7 monthly, the “Lunch” plan (2 email accounts) is $12 monthly, and the “Dinner” plan (4 email accounts) is $36 monthly.
You can check it out here.
3) Spark
Spark is a smart email app that helps manage multiple accounts,
It allows you to filter and group emails, set reminders, schedule emails to be sent later, and even collaborate with teams.
It’s designed to make your inbox more efficient, and you could consider it as SaneBox’s big brother.
All core features:
- Separate priority emails from non-priority email
- Priority contact highlighting
- Workflow assistance
- Work collaboration
- AI-powered email composing
Spark has free to use version with limited features, and the paid plans start at $4.99 monthly (billed annually at $59.99)
Check it out here.
Productivity Tools & Apps
The following productivity apps and tools can assist in streamlining your work, reducing digital clutter, and increasing your productivity.
The aim is to create a digital environment that serves you and your goals rather than distracting you from them.
1) Todoist
This task management app enables you to keep track of everything in one place. It’s simple, intuitive, and can be synced across all devices.
You can set reminders, prioritize tasks, delegate tasks to others, and visualize your productivity trends.
Here are its core features:
- Natural language recognition and recurring dates to help users quickly ad tasks
- Sorts to-do lists automatically into today, upcoming, and custom filter views
- Syncs across several devices
- Project templates
- Linkable with calendars, voice assistants, and over 70 additional tools
- Personal productivity recommendations
Todoist offers a free version for up to five projects. The paid version starts at $5 monthly (billed monthly)
Here you can learn more about it.
2) Notion
Notion is a versatile productivity app.
It is an all-in-one workspace where you can write, plan, collaborate, and organize.
It effectively replaces several other apps you might be using for notes, tasks, databases, and more.
Notion promotes digital minimalism by reducing the number of apps needed to stay productive, and these are its core features:
- Knowledge centralization
- Next-generation docs for efficient communication
- Project management without the need for a separate system
- AI-powered workspace
- Building blocks for visualizing, filtering, and sorting information
- Multiple-language support
It offers a free version with limited features. The paid plans start at $10 monthly.
You can check Notion out here.
3) TextExpander
TextExpander is a popular text replacement and shortcut app for businesses and individuals.
A team can use customizable and shareable text snippets to increase productivity and automate repetitive tasks.
It works online or offline across any system, device, and app; top users can save more than 31 hours per month with it.
Monthly pricing starts at $4.16 for an individual user.
Here you can learn more about TextExpander.
Digital File Organizers
Decluttering digital files is a breeze with tools like Dropbox or Google Drive. Not only do they help in organizing your files, but they also facilitate easy access and sharing.
They can be a game changer in adopting digital minimalism.
So, here are three crucial apps:
1) Evernote
Evernote is an app designed to help you keep organized in a digital environment.
You can store notes, images, and even audio recordings; everything is searchable.
It can replace a cluttered array of separate digital documents, helping streamline your digital files.
Here is an overview of its core features:
- Task feature to create to-dos, adding due dates
- Connectable with Google Calendar
- Note syncing across devices
- Note search including PDFs and images
- Note templates
- Integrates with Google Drive, Slack, and Microsoft Teams
Evernote has a free version with limited features, and the monthly pricing starts at $14.99 for the personal plan.
You can check it out here.
2) Google Drive
Google Drive likely doesn’t need much of an introduction.
This cloud-based platform allows you to store all your files in one accessible-from-anywhere location.
It also allows you to create, edit, and share documents, spreadsheets, and slideshows, making it a multi-functional tool for digital minimalism.
It’s free to use up to 30GB of cloud storage space. After that, monthly pricing starts at $6.
Here you can access Google Drive.
3) Dropbox
Dropbox is almost as “famous” as Google Drive and is a user-friendly app that helps you sync and share files across multiple devices.
It’s great for both personal use and collaborative projects.
You can also back up important files, ensuring your digital belongings are safe.
Recently it also added features such as screen recording, video messaging, and digital signatures.
The pricing plan starts at $11.99 monthly for one user, and here you can learn more about Dropbox.
Social Media & Browsing Control Tools
Do you feel like spending too much time scrolling through social media?
Tools like NewsFeed Eradicator can help you manage your social media use, ensuring it doesn’t take over your day.
These tools slightly overlap with the first category of tools for time management I discussed earlier.
So here they are…
1) No Distractions for YouTube
Distracted by YouTube’s recommended videos when you’re trying to focus?
This is where “No Distractions” for YouTube comes in to keep you on track.
It’s built as a Safari App Extension and helps you regain control from those sneaky YouTube algorithms that so love to lure us off task.
This clever little app lets you wave goodbye to video recommendations and other distractions on various pages.
And thumbnails? Consider them gone… The cherry on top? It also sweeps ads from your search results.
By clicking the extension icon, you decide what stays and what goes. To make your choices stick, just hit ‘save settings.’
Need a deterrent from switching those distractions back on? Set a wait time.
This nifty feature makes you wait, say, 5 seconds before the settings pop up.
The app is open-source, respects your privacy by not collecting data, and is free to use.
Here you can learn more about it.
2) NewsFeed Eradicator
The newFeed Eradicator is a free-to-use Google Chrome Browser Extension.
Tired of getting sucked into the social media black hole, only to emerge hours later?
Love to keep in touch but dread the endless scrolling?
If you replied yes to the above questions, then NewsFeed Eradicator can help you.
It can help you turn the noise of your news feed into an oasis of inspiration.
So it replaces the addictive clutter of Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks – the feed – with a motivational quote.
You still enjoy all the other features; the only thing missing is that swirling vortex of distractions.
You can check the extension out here.
Password Managers
Remembering numerous passwords can add unnecessary stress. Password managers like LastPass or 1Password help securely store and organize your passwords.
And as I discussed in my article about the benefits of digital minimalism, managing passwords is part of improving digital privacy.
Here are three indispensable password manager apps that can help you streamline your digital life:
1) LastPass
LastPass securely stores all your passwords in one place and auto-fills them when required.
It also offers password generation and security alerts.
You can sync your passwords across all devices, meaning you only need to remember one master password.
Additional features LastPass offers are the following:
- Business management solutions to protect and secure access to apps and sensitive information
- Storing and auto-filling passwords across devices
- Best-in-class encryption
- Protection against the dark web
- Additional authentication for enhanced security
- Reports, a trust center, and a support center for user assistance
LastPass offers different pricing plans for single users, families, and businesses.
The personal plans start at $0 with limited features, and the premium starts at $3 (billed annually). Team/ family plans start at $4 (billed annually), and business plans at $6 monthly.
Here you can learn more about LastPass.
2) 1Password
You can consider 1Password as a direct competitor of LastPass from earlier.
It is a leading password manager that simplifies and secures your digital life by keeping all your passwords and other sensitive information in one secure, easily accessible location.
Its features include:
- Password Storage: 1Password securely stores your passwords, credit card information, and other sensitive data, encrypting it to protect against hacking attempts.
- Password Generator: The app includes a password generator for creating complex, unique passwords to improve online security.
- Auto-fill: 1Password can automatically fill in your usernames and passwords, making it quicker and easier to log into websites and applications.
- Cross-Platform Syncing: 1Password syncs across all your devices, meaning you can access your passwords using a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
- Two-Factor Authentication: This feature adds an extra layer of security when accessing your vault.
- Secure Sharing: You can safely share passwords with others, perfect for families or work teams.
- Watchtower: This feature monitors the security of your passwords, alerting you to any breaches or issues.
You can test it for free for 14 days. After that, their pricing plans kick in. The individual plan is $2.99 monthly (billed annually), for families, $4.99 (billed annually), and for teams, for up to 10 people, $14.99 monthly (billed annually).
You can check out 1Password here.
3) Dashlane
Dashlane is a versatile password manager and digital wallet application designed to help you keep your digital life organized and secure.
It includes a wide array of features, such as:
- Password Management: Dashlane securely stores all your passwords and auto-fills them when needed. It’s encrypted, so only you have access.
- Password Generator: The application includes a built-in password generator that helps you create robust, unique passwords to strengthen online security.
- Auto-fill and Auto-login: Dashlane can automatically fill in your online forms and log into your online accounts, saving you time and hassle.
- Cross-Platform Syncing: With Dashlane, your passwords and other information sync across all your devices, ensuring they’re always up to date and available when needed.
- Secure Sharing: Dashlane allows you to safely share passwords and secure notes with others, particularly useful for collaborating in teams or among family members.
- Digital Wallet: Dashlane also serves as a digital wallet, storing your credit cards, IDs, and other payment details for quick and easy access during online transactions.
- VPN: Dashlane offers a built-in VPN to protect your internet connection on insecure networks (available in the premium plan).
- Dark Web Monitoring: Dashlane’s Dark Web Monitoring scans the web and alerts you if your information appears on the dark web following data breaches.
The personal pricing plans start with a free but limited feature version. The advanced plan is $3.49, the Premium plan is $3.99, and the Friends and Family plan is $5.99 monthly.
Here you can learn more about Dashlane.
Automation Tools & Apps
Embracing automation can significantly streamline your digital life, helping reduce clutter and distractions and save time.
Here are two notable automation apps well-suited for digital minimalism:
1) IFTTT (If This Then That)
This powerful automation tool allows you to connect different apps and create chains of simple conditional statements, known as ‘applets’.
For example, you could set up an applet to automatically save email attachments to your Dropbox or to turn on your smart lights at sunset.
The free version lets you connect a limited number of apps. The paid plans start at $2.50 monthly.
Check out IFTTT here.
2) Zapier
Zapier enables you to automate tasks between different web apps.
With Zapier, you can create ‘Zaps,’ automated workflows that connect your apps and services.
A Zap could be like “Save new Gmail attachments to Google Drive” or “Post new Instagram photos to Twitter.” Provided you still use them as a digital minimalist.
Similar to IFTTT, Zapier also offers a free basic version with a limited number of apps you can connect to, and the paid plans start at $29.99 monthly.
Here you can learn more about Zapier.
All Digital Minimalism Tools & Apps at a Glance
| Time Management Tools and Apps | Email Management Apps | Productivity Tools | Social Media and Browsing Control Apps | Password Managers | Automation Tools |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rescue Time | Unroll.Me | Todoist | No Distractions for YouTube | LastPass | IFTTT |
| Forest | SaneBox | Notion | NewsFeed Eradicator | 1Password | Zapier |
| toggle | Sparks | TextExpander | Dashlane | ||
| Focus Booster | Evernote | ||||
| Freedom | Google Drive | ||||
| TimeTree | Dropbox |
Bonus: Minimalist Simple Phones
I will leave you with a little bonus section: simple minimalist phones.
If you use one, you may not even need some of the above apps and tools to reduce screen time because these devices only have the basics.
They are often called “dumb phones” or “feature phones.”
These phones are designed with the philosophy of digital minimalism in mind.
They strip away many of modern smartphones’ advanced and often distracting features to provide a more straightforward, less connected experience.
Here’s what you can typically expect from a minimalist phone:
Basic Functions: Minimalist phones usually support essential functions such as calling, texting, and sometimes simple tools like an alarm clock or calendar. They lack complex features like social media apps, email, and web browsing.
Long Battery Life: Without power-hungry apps and features, minimalist phones often have a significantly longer battery life than smartphones.
Physical Keypad: Many minimalist phones come with a physical keypad rather than a touchscreen, further simplifying the user experience.
Compact Design: Most minimalist phones are smaller and lighter than smartphones, making them more portable and less intrusive.
Cost-effective: Minimalist phones are typically more affordable than smartphones due to their reduced features and functionality.
Here are five you may want to check out:
This article has been reviewed by our editorial team. It has been approved for publication per our editorial policy.
