5 Free Tools That Help Me Stay Productive While Working Remotely

Working remotely doesn’t have to mean expensive software or complicated systems. Some of the most effective tools I use daily are 100% free. These tools help me stay on track, manage my time, and stay focused no matter where I’m working.

1. Notion

My all-in-one workspace. I use Notion to manage tasks, brainstorm blog content, organize my calendar, and even draft my writing. Its flexibility makes it perfect for remote workers juggling multiple roles or ideas.

Bonus tip: Create a dashboard that includes a to-do list, daily journal, and content planner in one view.

2. Clockify

Time-tracking has helped me understand where my focus actually goes. I use Clockify to track deep work sessions, monitor time spent on content creation, and review my weekly productivity.

Why I love it: It's completely free, and it even breaks down your time by task and project.

3. Pomofocus

This minimal Pomodoro timer helps me break my day into focused sprints. I usually set it for 50 minutes of work followed by a 10-minute break.

How I use it: I’ll do two Pomofocus rounds before switching tasks — it keeps me from drifting off when I’m working alone.

4. Grammarly (Free Version)

Whether I’m writing emails, blog posts, or Instagram captions, Grammarly keeps things clean and readable. The free version is plenty if you’re looking for basic clarity and tone improvements.

Use case: I run everything through Grammarly before posting or sending.

5. Momentum (Chrome Extension)

Every new tab becomes a calming dashboard. It shows a daily quote, a single priority task, and a serene photo — a small touch, but it helps me pause before diving into distractions.

Pro tip: Set your focus of the day each morning to keep your intention front and center.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need fancy software to be productive — just the right systems and habits. These tools help me get more done without spending a dime. If you want to go a step further, check out my Remote Work Toolkit for the physical gear I use every day.

Stay focused. Work smarter.

— Stack & Flow