We’ve all come to love the benefits offered us by remote work, freelancing, and digital nomading. These working arrangements offer unparalleled flexibility and freedom.
However, if you want to survive in this unique work environment, you need the right tools and resources for the job.
Question is, what are the right tools?
As a digital nomad, freelancer, or remote worker, there are different tools for each type of job.
- You’ll need project management tools to organize tasks, meet deadlines, and collaborate seamlessly.
- Communication platforms to facilitate real-time chat and video conferencing.
- For productivity and tTime management, you’ll need tools to help you prioritize tasks, set goals, track progress, and optimize workflow.
- You’ll also need additional resources such as upskilling courses, networking platforms, finance tools, wellness resources, etc.
To put it simply, the importance of proper tools and resources cannot be overstated in the work life of a freelancer or remote worker.
What are the specific tools you need to work better and overcome your challenges?
In the following sections, we will explore the top 15 tools, platforms, resources, and best practices that are specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads.
- Worqstrap
For Remote Workers, Freelancers, and Digital Nomads
Worqstrap is a comprehensive platform that dives deep into the world of remote work, offering tool reviews, insights, and an in depth look into the digital nomad, freelance, and remote work lifestyles.
It is an invaluable resource for startups embracing remote work, companies navigating hybrid models of work, and remote workers looking to do great at work.
Worqstrap also provides resources for managing remote teams, freelance businesses, and understanding the remote startup ecosystem.
Whether you need workbooks, templates, or the latest news, Worqstrap has you covered. For digital nomads, the platform chronicles the journeys of individuals working from anywhere, offering inspiration and practical advice.
- Arbonum
For Freelancers, Digital Nomads, and Remote Workers
Arbonum streamlines the management of international contractors with features like 1-click payroll, instant contracts, multi-country payroll, and multi-currency payments. With over 5,000 teams worldwide using the platform, it offers benefits and insurance administration alongside 24/7 support from local HR and legal experts. Users praise Arbonum for its reliability, flexible pricing, and excellent support, making it a top choice for managing remote teams efficiently and effectively.
Key Features:
- 1-Click Payroll: Simplifies payment processes for contractors.
- Instant Contracts: Fast-track onboarding with immediate contract generation.
- Multi-Country Payroll: Manage payments across different countries seamlessly.
- Multi-Currency Payments: Handle payments in various currencies with ease.
- Benefits and Insurance Administration: Comprehensive management of contractor benefits.
- 24/7 Support: Access to local HR and legal experts at any time.
- User-Friendly Interface: Clean reports and fast payments that save time.
- Reliable Service: Consistent performance praised by users.
- Flexible Pricing: Cost-effective solutions without hidden fees.
3. Workfrom
For Digital Nomads and Remote Workers
Workfrom is a fantastic tool for digital nomads and remote workers seeking the perfect place to work outside of traditional office spaces. They’ve got a database of over 16,000 laptop-friendly locations worldwide, that helps users find cafes, coworking spaces, restaurants, hotel lobbies, and even parks where they can work efficiently.
Workfrom provides crucial details such as WiFi speeds, noise levels, access to plugs, and member reviews.
This ensures that you know exactly what to expect before you arrive, making it easier to choose a suitable location for productivity. Popular cities include New York, Los Angeles, London, Berlin, and many more.
4. Zeeg
For Freelancers and Remote Workers
Zeeg is a top-notch scheduling platform designed to eliminate the hassle of email email issues when arranging meetings.
It is perfect for freelancers, remote workers, and teams who need to streamline their scheduling processes. Zeeg's intuitive interface allows users to share their availability and book meetings effortlessly, enhancing productivity and reducing administrative overhead.
5. Miro
For Remote Workers and Freelancers
Miro is a visual collaboration platform that transforms the way teams work together, making it ideal for remote workers, freelancers, and teams. It offers a versatile online workspace where users can brainstorm, plan, and execute projects from start to finish.
Miro supports a wide range of activities, including process mapping, retrospectives, mind mapping, customer journey mapping, wireframing, and strategy planning.
6. OfficeTime
For Freelancers and Remote Workers
As a time-tracking tool, OfficeTime is designed to help freelancers and remote workers capture more billable hours with ease.
Unlike browser-based trackers, OfficeTime offers a robust app that allows users to switch timers, handle interruptions, and track time offline. It features idle time tracking, reminders, and retroactive time adjustments to ensure no hour goes unaccounted for.
OfficeTime provides flexible reporting options, enabling users to generate detailed day, project, and budget summaries.
7. SparkReceipt
For Freelancers, Digital Nomads, and Remote Workers
SparkReceipt revolutionizes the way financial tasks are handled, reducing the time and effort spent on manual entries by up to 95%.
Key Features:
- Automatic Data Extraction (OCR): Snap a picture of a receipt or invoice, and the AI extracts and categorizes the information.
- Email Integration: Auto-forward receipts from email for automatic processing.
- Real-time Financial Insights: Monitor your monthly profit/loss instantly.
- Collaborative Expense Management: Invite team members to manage expenses under one account.
- Multilingual and Multi-currency Support: Available in 5 languages, handling 150 currencies.
8. Brain.fm
For Freelancers, Digital Nomads, and Remote Workers
Brain.fm offers music scientifically proven to enhance focus and productivity. Unlike traditional music that grabs your attention, Brain.fm’s functional music is designed to blend into the background and stimulate the brain, supporting sustained attention.
Key Features:
- Scientifically Designed Music: Enhances focus by using rhythmic pulses to support sustained attention.
- Proven Results: Backed by rigorous scientific studies with placebo groups.
- Wide Range of Music Options: Timed focus music to suit various work needs.
- User Testimonials: High praise from users who experience increased productivity and focus.
9. Happeo
For Remote Workers and Digital Nomads
Happeo is the AI-powered intranet that brings teams together, fostering collaboration and effective communication within Google Workspace organizations.
Key Features:
- Centralized Knowledge Management: Unlocks and organizes up to 90% of untapped company information.
- AI-Powered Search: Intelligent search features that improve over time.
- Collaborative Environment: Enhances team dynamics and information sharing.
- Branded Digital Home: Creates a unified and branded intranet for all employees.
10. Loom
For Freelancers, Digital Nomads, and Remote Workers
As one of the platforms that shot to success during the pandemic, Loom transforms communication with its AI-powered video messaging platform, enabling users to record and share videos effortlessly.
Key Features:
- Easy Screen Recording: Record your screen and camera with a few clicks.
- AI Transcriptions: Convert video content to text for faster task completion.
- Integrated Sharing: Share videos across various platforms and tools.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Add emojis, comments, and tasks to videos.
11. Every Time Zone
For Freelancers, Digital Nomads, and Remote Workers
Every Time Zone simplifies the complexities of managing time zones, making it easy to schedule meetings and track global teams.
Key Features:
- Customizable Timeline: Focus on the time zones relevant to your work.
- Meeting Scheduler: Automatically suggests the best meeting times for all participants.
- Team Connectivity: View team members' work hours in different time zones.
- Pro Features: Includes unlimited contacts and special pricing for early adopters.
- Culture AMP
For Remote Workers and International Contractors
With high ratings on G2 (4.6 stars) and Capterra (4.7 stars), Culture AMP is a comprehensive platform designed to enhance employee engagement, performance, and development.
It’s well-regarded for its ability to build a category-defining culture. The platform leverages Generative AI to save time and improve decision-making.
- Desana
For Digital Nomads and Remote Workers
Trusted by companies like Microsoft, GitHub, and Sonos, Desana provides a flexible workspace solution that allows users to book hot desks, meeting rooms, private offices, and event spaces worldwide.
Desana’s platform also enables users to manage their own office spaces efficiently, providing detailed analytics and insights. This makes it a powerful tool for remote-first companies looking to support their employees’ flexible work needs.
- Cozycal
For Freelancers and Remote Workers
Cozycal simplifies the scheduling process with an easy-to-integrate online system that supports calendar synchronization, customizable booking pages, and flexible event settings.
Features like auto-timezone detection, SMS reminders, and virtual meeting integration (Zoom, Google Meet) ensure seamless scheduling and communication. It’s an excellent choice for professionals needing efficient appointment and resource management.
Additional Resources for Freelancers, Digital Nomads, and Remote Workers
What you should know is that freelancers, digital nomads, and remote workers are not limited to the tools provided above.
In addition to these tools and platforms, there are various other resources available that can greatly benefit freelancers, digital nomads, and remote workers.
These resources cater to different aspects of remote work and freelancing, such as skill development, networking and community building, finance and billing, as well as health and wellness.
In this section, we will explore some of these additional resources that can enhance the remote working experience.
Educational Resources & Online Courses
There are several online platforms and educational resources that offer courses, certifications, and resources tailored to remote work and freelancing. Some popular platforms include:
- Udemy: Udemy offers a wide range of online courses on various topics, including remote work, freelancing, project management, digital marketing, coding, and more. These courses are self-paced and allow remote workers to acquire new skills or deepen their expertise in specific areas.
- Coursera: Coursera partners with leading universities and institutions to provide online courses and certifications. Freelancers and remote workers can explore courses in business, technology, design, and other relevant fields to enhance their knowledge and credentials.
- LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning offers a vast library of online courses taught by industry professionals. Remote workers can access courses on remote work productivity, effective communication, leadership, and other valuable skills.
Networking & Community Platforms
Here are some networking and community platforms for remote workers:
- Slack Communities: Many Slack communities are specifically created for remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads. These communities allow individuals to connect, share experiences, seek advice, and find job opportunities.
- Remote Year: Remote Year is a program that brings together a group of remote workers to travel and work from different locations worldwide. It provides a unique opportunity to network and build relationships with fellow remote professionals.
- Nomad List: Nomad List is a community platform for digital nomads, providing valuable information about remote work-friendly destinations, coworking spaces, and networking events.
Health & Wellness Resources
Here are some resources to support health and wellness as a freelancer, remote worker, or digital nomad:
- Calm: Calm is a popular meditation and relaxation app that provides guided meditation sessions, sleep stories, and relaxation music. It can help remote workers reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being.
- Yoga with Adriene: Yoga with Adriene is a YouTube channel offering free yoga classes for all levels. Remote workers can incorporate these classes into their routines to stay active and promote physical and mental wellness.
- StandApp: StandApp is a productivity tool that reminds remote workers to take regular breaks and stand up from their desks. It encourages movement and helps prevent the negative effects of prolonged sitting.
