The rise of remote work and cross-border freelancing has transformed the way we live, work, and earn. But as freedom grows, so does the need for better tools to stay productive, connected, and financially savvy. The right apps can make all the difference.
I’ve packed the ultimate toolkit with the best apps that every remote worker and freelancer should have and separated them according to their use case.
Also read: Mistakes you are making as a remote worker
Clear, fast communication is key when you’re not sitting across from your teammates or clients.
Best for: Team chats, quick updates, and async conversations
Why it stands out: Channels keep things organised, and integrations with tools like Google Drive, Notion, and Trello make it easy to centralise your workflow.
Best for: Video calls, virtual meetings, workshops
Why it stands out: Still the gold standard for reliable virtual calls. Plus, the ability to record meetings is great for revisiting client briefs or creative sessions.
Also read: A complete guide to budgeting as a remote worker
Freelancing or working remotely means juggling multiple projects. These tools help keep everything from slipping through the cracks.
Best for: Visual task management
Why it stands out: Kanban boards make it easy to track projects, deadlines, and progress at a glance. It’s ideal for creatives and freelancers.
Best for: Customisable workspaces
Why it stands out: It is one tool for everything, including documents, calendars, wikis, and task lists. This makes it especially powerful if you love building your own workflows.
Best for: Scalable project management
Why it stands out: It combines task management, docs, goals, and time tracking in one place. It’s great if you’re growing your freelance team.
Also read: Earning in USD? Here’s how to receive your salary as a remote worker
When your time equals money, staying focused is everything.
Best for: Time tracking and invoicing
Why it stands out: It has simple, user-friendly time tracking with reports and billable hours built in. It’s perfect for freelancers billing by the hour.
Best for: Free time tracking and productivity monitoring
Why it stands out: Unlimited projects and team tracking, even on the free plan. Works well for solo freelancers or small remote teams.
Cloud storage is your best friend when your office is a coffee shop in Lisbon or a co-working space in Nairobi.
Best for: File sharing and real-time collaboration
Why it stands out: Generous free storage, integrates with Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Great for client-facing work.
Best for: Secure file storage and backup
Why it stands out: Easy syncing across devices and strong file versioning. Reliable even for large media files.
Managing cross-border payments and currency conversion is a major pain point, especially for freelancers. These tools can help you receive payments efficiently and save on fees.
Best for: Receiving and converting international payments
Why it stands out: Offers USD, EUR, and GBP accounts you can use to get paid by clients abroad. Real-time conversion to your local currency at competitive rates, with fast local withdrawals. No monthly fees.
It’s perfect for freelancers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America who are working with international clients.
Create your free Grey account to get started.
Best for: Global freelance marketplaces
Why it stands out: It is widely accepted on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork and is good for receiving marketplace payments into local bank accounts.
Best for: Transparent currency conversion
Why it stands out: Mid-market exchange rates with low, upfront fees. Great for sending money to yourself across borders.
Also read: How to get paid as a remote worker without a PayPal account
Don’t let a messy invoice delay your payments.
Best for: Free invoicing
Why it stands out: Create, send, and track invoices, completely free. Also includes accounting tools if you want more features.
Best for: Freelancers with global clients
Why it stands out: It lets you create invoices in multiple languages and currencies and tracks time and expenses.
Working remotely means you’re in charge of your own IT setup. Security is not optional.
Best for: Password management
Why it stands out: Store and generate strong passwords. Share credentials safely with teams or clients.
Best for: Secure connections while travelling
Why it stands out: Protects your internet activity, especially on public Wi-Fi. Lets you access geo-restricted services too.
Also read: Essential tools every remote worker in Africa needs
Being a remote worker or global freelancer doesn’t mean going it alone. With the right tools, you can simplify your workflow, get paid on time, and stay productive no matter where you are.
Start by choosing a few apps that solve your biggest pain points, then build from there. And if you're looking for the easiest way to manage international earnings, Grey has your back.
Create your Grey account today or download the app to enjoy inclusive global banking designed to carry your dreams across borders.
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