What are the best cross-platform productivity tools?

Question

15

Options
Considered

50

User
Recs.

Nov 15, 2020

Last
Updated

Here’s the Deal

10 Options Considered

Best cross-platform productivity tools	Price	Platforms	Collaborative
-- xbrowsersync	0.00	-	-
-- TiddlyWiki	Free	Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android	No
-- SquidHub	-	Web / iOS / Android	Yes
-- Notion	-	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web	Yes
-- FreeMind	-	-	-

See Full List

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score 5 · Answer 1

xbrowsersync

Top Pro

It is free and the developer announces that it will stay this way, neither are there any ads involved.

slantedexpanded's Experience

Definitely comes in handy having your bookmarks synced, described and auto-tagged to with all major browser + android support. See More

Top Pro

Anonymous No sign up required and no personal data is collected.

Top Pro

Use this extension on all majorly used browsers: chrome (and most up to date 'chromies' as well as firefox and Android

Top Pro

Encrypts your bookmarks securley with a method you can check for yourself

Top Pro

xBrowserSync adds descriptions and tags to new bookmarks automatically.

speeding up workflow cataloguing important meta-data automatically See More

Top Pro

Developer seems to be actively developing the app

https://github.com/xBrowserSync See More

Top Pro

Know your way around docker? xBrowserSync is easily self hostable.

Not only will it benefit the people who set up docker containers, if opened to the public, even more people will be able to quickly get to know xBrowserSync LINK https://hub.docker.com/r/xbrowsersync/api See More

See All

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score 12 · Answer 2

TiddlyWiki

Top Pro

Single html file

It's a single file and all your notes will be "accessible even in 25 years" because they can be seen in plain html text. See More

Top Con

Relies on browser performance, online or offline

TiddlyWiki is a single HTML file. Thus, if you directly embed e. g large images or videos in it (instead of using the features to display externally stored images and videos) it would make the file big and performance slow. See More

Specs

Platforms:Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android

Top Pro

Extremely customizable

This is a major aim and point with TiddlyWiki; people can relatively easily modify it to fit their particular application needs. See More

Top Con

Without JavaScript nothing is visible

Top Pro

Free and Open Source

No commercial interests, no ads, no registration, no nonsense. You own your notes 100%. See More

Top Pro

Lots of plugins

Top Pro

Relational links

Allows for relational links and lists between notes to keep things organized. See More

Top Pro

10+ years mature

Mature software, active community with members from all over the world. See More

Top Pro

Progressive user level, from ease of use to programming your own plugins

Basic users can start with simple note-taking, progressively discover predefined features and existing plugins, then start using more fancy features (like filters, widgets, macros), in order to adapt their wiki to their needs. See More

Top Pro

Self-hosted and indefinitely accessible

All content is stored within the same html file as the interface. See More

Top Pro

Multiple, user-defined usages

The list of possible usages is practically infinite in TW, and more importantly it lets the user define their own method of dealing with their content. See More

Top Pro

Easy to use

Low barrier of entry for the non IT knowledgeable. See More

See All

score 6 · Answer 3

SquidHub

Top Pro

It is very simple to use and in the same time has a fun design that doesn't make productivity seem boring

Specs

Platforms:Web / iOS / Android

Top Pro

Time-saving, simple to use

It can be used on different platforms, can be used anytime. See More

Top Pro

Can be used on different platforms

When you do not have your computer with you, it can be used on the phone and it is exactly the same as using it on a computer. See More

Top Pro

A great overview of what is happening

You get a great overview of all projects you have going on. Great on web also very good on the mobile apps. See More

See All

score 7 · Answer 4

Notion

Top Pro

Full-featured on desktop, mobile and web

Even the right-click menus on the web are the same as the app. See More

Specs

Platforms:Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web

Collaborative:Yes

Markdown support:Export

Local hosting:No

See All Specs

Top Pro

Attach files in tables

You can attach files in table cells, which is a feature missing in most spreadsheet-like applications. See More

Top Pro

Less headaches when editing pages

Lets you restore your page to a past edit. Also works with sub-pages and databases. Though it is worth mentioning that it's a paid feature. See More

Top Pro

Amazing view flexibility

You can create different views for a page's content and easily toggle between kanban, table, etc. (As long as the content is able to allow different views.) See More

Top Pro

Cross Platform

Works with Android, iOS, Windows, & Mac OSX See More

Top Pro

Quick and effective search

Just type in a word and you'll have results in no time at all. See More

Top Pro

Blocks offer incredible flexibility

The basic unit of organization in Notion is the block, which can be a chunk of text, an image, a bullet point, or even a link to another page. Each page consists of these blocks, which can be easily reorganized, moved to other pages, converted into other content types, or generally manipulated in many useful ways. Because of blocks, restructuring information in Notion is way easier than in any other wiki or notebook app. See More

Top Pro

Highly visual, with icons next to every new page and so on

This feature makes it very easy to find certain notes and such. And great for visual people as well. You could also add images as icons instead, if you like. See More

Top Pro

Flexible contents storage and organization

You can upload files and embed online stuff in any hierarchical structure using pages, toggle lists, etc. See More

Top Pro

Pages within pages within pages, to infinity

You can have a ridiculous amount of information within a single note. Look at how it works, you'll be surprised! See More

Top Pro

Awesome for wikis

You can easily start writing a bunch of web pages, share it with co-workers and choose whether to publicize or keep your contents private. It's also easy to hyperlink pages. See More

Top Pro

Unlike anything else

One of the most complete applications one can use to build a personal dashboard (or professional) and migrate all other services to it. No more calendar, task, notes, financials, lists, writing and wiki apps, just Notion. See More

Top Pro

Does a great job with both notes and to-dos

To-dos in Notion aren't just dot point lists. You can drag and drop them into columns just like Trello (Kanban style), you can have sub-tasks, and you can easily mark things off as completed so they are no longer in your way. Notes are also powerful, with proper formatting and ways to manage and search for them, which makes it a great Evernote alternative. See More

Top Pro

Great spreadsheet functionality

You can use calculation/formula, links, attachment, inter-referencing of data from other pages or tables, embed documents and images in the table cells. See More

See All

score 2 · Answer 5

FreeMind

Top Pro

Ergonomic editor

score 3 · Answer 6

Zenkit

Eric's Experience

(Full disclosure: I work at Zenkit) We're working on recurring tasks. One of the cons that I've seen pop up here. We're also working on Gantt charts, so that will give you a duration for your tasks. We truly appreciate feedback and love feature requests. we can be contacted: service [at] zenkit.com See More

Specs

Platforms:Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone

CooperativeAtropos's Experience

Most versatility still 1.0 version Adding the most glaring missing features quickly could make them leave to a 3.0 or 4.0 very quickly. See More

See All

score 4 · Answer 7

Microsoft OneNote

Top Pro

Supports hierarchical organization of information / notes

OneNote is designed to allow hierarchical organization of information. This is achieved with grouping into the following categories and UI elements (Notebooks, Sections, and Pages). Both Sections and Pages allow additional groupings that can be expanded/collapsed in list view. This can be incredibly helpful for quickly taking notes and organizing them for work or personal projects. For example, you could have a Notebook for "Cooking Recipes", with sections for "breakfast, dinner, desserts", where individual recipes would be page entries (i.e. the "Desserts" section would have pages for brownies, chocolate cheesecake etc). See More

Top Con

Sync isn't stable

Many users have reported synchronization issues. While not everyone will experience this, it can be difficult to troubleshoot, with some fixes resorting to editing registry keys in Windows when using the Windows client. See More

Mkallday's Experience

This would have been my favorite productivity tool. My advice, don’t use the default saving option on you devices. It caused too many syncing issues, which I didn’t don’t realize until it wasn’t too late. You have to manually open different “notebooks” or sections. Imagine having to open each section of your to do list. Couldn’t keep track of note clippings, topic locations and different devices were syncing in different places. Starting my over was easier than trying to reorganize. See More

Specs

Platforms:Windows / OSX / iOS / Android / Web

Collaborative:Yes

Top Pro

Free on all platforms with free cloud sync

OneNote is available for free as a web app as well as natively on iOS, Android, OSX, and Windows. You can also use OneNote for free on as many devices as you need, through Cloud syncing. See More

Top Con

No native Linux version

There is no native Linux version, but Linux users can use the web version See More

Top Pro

Text can be added anywhere like a whiteboard

OneNote allows you to arrange text freely on the digital paper mimicking the way it would be done with a real pen on real paper. See More

Top Con

Uninspired, bland user interface

Many of OneNote's competitors use Material Design and bold colors to create a minimal, clean looking interface. OneNote has a bit more of an outdated look and can feel over crowded at times. See More

Top Pro

Similar to other Microsoft programs

If you have experience with other Microsoft programs such as Microsoft Office, you'll feel right at home with the design of OneNote thanks to the similarity of the menus. OneNote also integrates with Outlook, Office, and OneDrive. See More

Top Con

Requires a Microsoft account

You need to have a Microsoft email to sign up for OneNote (Outlook, Hotmail, or Windows Live). See More

Top Pro

Stylus and digitizer pen support

OneNote can be used on all touch capable devices via stylus or digitizer pen, making for an intuitive and easy way to take notes by hand, which can often be faster or just preferred over typing. See More

Top Con

Uninspired, bland user interface

Many of OneNote's competitors use Material Design and bold colors to create a minimal, clean looking interface. OneNote has a bit more of an outdated look and can feel over crowded at times. See More

Top Pro

Comprehensive organization methods

Can have multiple 'tabs' at the top like in a web browser with many notes within each 'tab'. See More

Top Pro

Insert files into your notes

You can add a variety of different files into your notes including images, video, audio, web clippings and more. See More

See All

score 2 · Answer 8

Momentum

Top Pro

Usable from every device with a browser (desktop or mobile)

Since it's web-based. See More

Top Con

GTD specific

Specs

Platforms:Windows/macOS/iOS/Linux/Android

Price:free / 5$ subscription / 5$ ticket

Search:yes

Cross Platform:yes

See All Specs

Top Pro

Clean design

Lots of space helps focus on the tasks. See More

Top Pro

Cross-platform

Web-based, progressive-web-app (PWA). See More

Top Pro

Projects and Tasks can be endlessly nested

You can nest multiple projects with tasks, there is no limit. See More

Top Pro

Automated Next Steps

Next steps have a separate view. Tasks can be updated sequentially or parallel. See More

See All

Answer 9

ProofHub

Add Video or Image

Answer 10

Bitrix24

Top Pro

Excellent free CRM, project management and collaboration tool

Bitrix24 gives you a ton of features absolutely free of charge. Free CRM with marketing and automation tools. Free project management with Gantt charts, time tracking, quotes and invoicing. And communication tools in Bitrix24 are free for unlimited users. See More

Specs

Platforms:Windows, Mac, iOS, Android

score 2 · Answer 11

IntelliJ IDEA

score 1 · Answer 12

10 Options Considered

My Recommendation for xbrowsersync

My Recommendation for xbrowsersync

It is free and the developer announces that it will stay this way, neither are there any ads involved.

Anonymous No sign up required and no personal data is collected.

Use this extension on all majorly used browsers: chrome (and most up to date 'chromies' as well as firefox and Android

Encrypts your bookmarks securley with a method you can check for yourself

xBrowserSync adds descriptions and tags to new bookmarks automatically.

Developer seems to be actively developing the app

Know your way around docker? xBrowserSync is easily self hostable.

My Recommendation for TiddlyWiki

My Recommendation for TiddlyWiki

Single html file

Relies on browser performance, online or offline

Extremely customizable

Without JavaScript nothing is visible

Free and Open Source

Lots of plugins

Relational links

10+ years mature

Progressive user level, from ease of use to programming your own plugins

Self-hosted and indefinitely accessible

Multiple, user-defined usages

Easy to use

My Recommendation for SquidHub

My Recommendation for SquidHub

It is very simple to use and in the same time has a fun design that doesn't make productivity seem boring

Time-saving, simple to use

Can be used on different platforms

A great overview of what is happening

My Recommendation for Notion

My Recommendation for Notion

Full-featured on desktop, mobile and web

Attach files in tables

Less headaches when editing pages

Amazing view flexibility

Cross Platform

Quick and effective search

Blocks offer incredible flexibility

Highly visual, with icons next to every new page and so on

Flexible contents storage and organization

Pages within pages within pages, to infinity

Awesome for wikis

Unlike anything else

Does a great job with both notes and to-dos

Great spreadsheet functionality

My Recommendation for FreeMind

My Recommendation for FreeMind

Ergonomic editor

My Recommendation for Zenkit

My Recommendation for Zenkit

My Recommendation for Microsoft OneNote

My Recommendation for Microsoft OneNote

Supports hierarchical organization of information / notes

Sync isn't stable

Free on all platforms with free cloud sync

No native Linux version

Text can be added anywhere like a whiteboard

Uninspired, bland user interface

Similar to other Microsoft programs

Requires a Microsoft account

Stylus and digitizer pen support

Uninspired, bland user interface

Comprehensive organization methods

Insert files into your notes

My Recommendation for Momentum

My Recommendation for Momentum

Usable from every device with a browser (desktop or mobile)

GTD specific

Clean design

Cross-platform

Projects and Tasks can be endlessly nested

Automated Next Steps

My Recommendation for ProofHub

My Recommendation for ProofHub

My Recommendation for Bitrix24

My Recommendation for Bitrix24

Excellent free CRM, project management and collaboration tool

Don't see your favorite option? Add it.

My Recommendation for IntelliJ IDEA