Remote work tools were basically required for the past two years: they allow businesses to operate without the need for a brick-and-mortar office, save on rent and expenses, and hire the best talent no matter where they may be. Brainstorming, collaboration, and many other work functions are possible instantly – no matter what time zone or geographical location.
Remote work often offers many benefits over working in the office for both businesses and employees. Many employees report being more productive and happy when they can work remotely, as well as having a more satisfying work-life balance.
Remote work tools help make this a lot simpler. These cloud-based applications provide comprehensive functionality that gives employees and businesses the opportunity to have all the tools they need for a successful work environment.
Best Remote Work Tools for 2023
Almanac
Almanac provides one of the best remote work tools out there for knowledge management and async collaboration. Instead of meetings, its features allow for the real-time addition of edits, comments, requests, and revisions, letting remote workers anywhere – and in any time zone! – to see and complete tasks.
Almanac stands out above the rest by offering advanced admin controls, including heightened security protocols and user provisioning. With its dynamic embeds, custom fonts, threaded commenting, and document analytics, it’s both a highly versatile and remarkably user-friendly remote work tools.
Proofhub is project planning software that boasts taking the ability of a handful of different applications and combining them all into one package. This remote work tools allows employees to keep important information all in one place, and communicate through instant messaging.
Cons?
Clunky user interface
Forms aren’t the easiest to set up or use
Limited review and approval process
Pricing:
Essential $45/month - Up to 40 projects, unlimited users, 15GB of storage
Ultimate Control $89/month - Custom roles, custom workflows, project manager, data export, priority support
Trello
Trello is a project management and collaboration platform that works with lists and what are called “cards.” Cards are all of the information about a project in one space, such as:
Due dates
Edits
Checklists
Attachments
Conversations
These cards are centered for easy access. Trello also has built-in automation, reducing tasks and clicks.
Cons?
Limited storage
Will not work offline
Cards are limited to one project
Having many projects can get overwhelming
Pricing:
Free $0 - Unlimited cards, unlimited storage, up to 10 boards per workspace, customization
Standard $5/user/month - Unlimited boards, advanced checklists, saved searches
Enterprise $17.50/user/month - Unlimited workspaces, SSO and user provisioning, public board management
Asana
Asana offers customizable project views, and routine work can be automated, and customizable boards allow for thorough communication of a project. Asana also works with 200+ applications to streamline project management and teamwork across multiple platforms.
Cons?
Features can be too many to choose from for smaller teams or projects
There is no time tracking for project work
Exporting documents is not simple
Pricing:
Basic $0 - Unlimited tasks and projects, collaboration with up to 15 teammates, calendar view, app integrations
Business $24.99/user/month - Custom rules builder, portfolios, forms customization, proofing, advanced integrations
Workplace by Facebook
While Facebook is not normally thought of as a remote work tools, Workplace attempts to turn that thought around by using collaboration software for communication and company culture. One feature of Workplace is allowing for communication with coworkers and employees that is as easy as communicating with friends online, encouraging connection through feedback.
Cons?
Requires a lot of administrative and behind-the-scenes work to make it work well
Layout can be complicated and overwhelming
Project management features are lacking
Pricing:
Workplace is one of the cheaper remote work tools, starting at $4 per person for the Core set of features, with a $2 per month add-on for enhanced administration and support, and another $2 per month add-on for enterprise live capabilities.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams has a huge user base and a variety of features, which can get overwhelming for a new user. Cloud storage is included, meetings can be started immediately, and files and chats are kept indefinitely in one place so they can always be referred back to. Teams is part of the Office 365 suite, which brings all of Microsoft’s productivity apps together.
Cons?
If Team or Group names are reused, notifications can be glitchy
Insufficient training for using Teams in collaboration with other Microsoft applications
File structure can be confusing
Pricing:
Free $0 - Unlimited meetings for up to 60 minutes and 100 participants, 5GB cloud storage, file sharing
Essentials $4/user/month - Unlimited meetings for up to 30 hours and 300 participants, 10GB cloud storage per user, priority support
EmailAnalytics
EmailAnalytics works with Gmail to provide feedback on a number of data points, such as:
How many emails are being sent and received
How quickly responses are made
How much unread email is in an inbox
Email traffic can be broken down by person and even hour of the day. There is no software or training, this program simply connects to email accounts and sends a detailed report on a daily or weekly basis.
Cons?
There are free programs out there that do similar things
Filters can bypass analytics and give a false picture
Currently only works with Gmail
Pricing:
Individual $0 - Track emails, response time, and label activity, daily or weekly reporting
Pro $10/user/month - Filters, sorting, data exportation, advanced customer support
Enterprise pricing by business - Advanced email report scheduling, add team members, Gmail integration
Troop Messenger
Troop Messenger advertises itself as a comprehensive instant messaging app for businesses, offering features like:
Phone applications
Screen sharing
Private messaging
A “Respond Later” flag
This messenger application brings an all-in-one package to business communications. You can even edit sent messages to fix mistakes.
Cons?
The phone applications can be buggy
Troop Messenger does not integrate with many common applications
Messaging actions (forward, copy, delete, etc.) are a 2-step process that can add to wasted time
Pricing:
Premium $2.50/user/month - One on one messaging, unlimited group chats, 250GB of storage, file sharing, search capabilities
Kissflow is an application package designed to be a complete digital workspace. The programs cover:
Workflow responsibilities
Procurement tracking
Digital workspaces management
Project management
Community collaboration tools
The focus for Kissflow is being low-code and somewhat user-friendly, allowing the user to customize their own workspaces to maximize efficiency.
Cons?
Some forms, such as POs, are not customizable
Exporting reports is not simple
Can be a huge learning curve for employees moving from other systems
Pricing:
Kissflow’s pricing options depend on which programs are included, but most start at nothing for basic features and move up to $5 or $12 per user per month for more advanced features.
Basecamp
Basecamp is a toolkit for project management and communication. Work is split into projects that manage many different facets, from people to files to schedules. Centralized notifications may boost productivity and cut down on distractions and can be customized to any calendar.
Cons?
Cannot track team member scheduling or availability
Tasks can not be organized by priority
Analytic reporting is lacking
Pricing:
Personal $0 - includes up to 3 projects, 20 users, and 1GB storage space
Business $99/month - includes unlimited users and projects, 500GB storage space, advanced client access, and more
Instagantt
Instagantt is an online Gannt chart tool for project management. Tasks can be extended or moved without the necessity of remapping dependencies, keeping everything aligned. A comprehensive dashboard and reporting allow for an easy visual of project status.
Cons?
Heavy users can experience lag time in loading
Only available online
Tasks cannot be split into parts
Pricing:
Single $7/user/month - includes unlimited projects, project groups, and portfolios
Team $5/user/month - adds workflow management for teams and license management
Bit.ai
Bit.ai touts itself as the world’s most powerful workplace and document collaboration platform. Users can customize a workspace and access a wide library of document editing and collaboration tools from anywhere at any time.
Cons?
Limited formatting and design
Confusing for first-time users
Only available online
Pricing:
Free 0$ - Up to 5 members, 50 documents, and 1GB of storage
Pro $8/user/month - Unlimited members and documents, 500GB storage
Business $15/user/month - Unlimited storage, trackable documents, customer support
Enterprise price by business - Adds dedicated servers and advanced user controls
Slack
Slack is a communication tool that can work across multiple companies with organized conversations in chat spaces, messages, calls, online meetings, and more. Routines and actions can be automated, and Slack allows for integrations with a number of different applications.
Cons?
Push notifications and things like emojis and badges can cut down on productivity
The app moves quickly and messages can get buried
Not as comprehensive as some applications
Pricing:
Free $0 - One on one voice and video calls, some app integration
Pro $6.67/user/month - All message history, unlimited integrations, group calls with up to 15 people
Business $12.50/user/month - Priority support, advanced identity management, compliance requirements
Enterprise price by business - Heightened security and compliance, support for up to 500k users, administrative capabilities
Hypercontext
Hypercontext is a management tool focused on building more productive and organized teams. Have one on ones in a dedicated space, collaborate and give feedback on meetings and schedules, and promote ownership with goals and milestones.
Cons?
Most features only available online
Difficult user interface for first-time users
Syncing between phone app and online interface is not always reliable
Pro $5.60/user/month - AI conversation insights, custom agendas, 250GB of storage
Business $8.80/user/month - goal-setting and milestones, priority support, engagement reporting
Dropbox
Dropbox is a remote work tool for collaborating, sharing, and storing documents. Team editing, proofing, and sign-off capability can all be done in real-time from anywhere. Dropbox also has integrations with many other programs to complete business workspace needs.
Cons?
Pricing can be expensive
Organizing files and folders can be tedious and confusing
Requires a good bit of hard drive space to have local functions
Pricing:
Standard $12.50/user/month - 5kGBs of storage, 3+ users, watermarking, admin console
Professional $16.58/user/month - 180 days of file recovery and version history, two-factor authentication, passwords, watermarking
Google Drive’s main talking point is their security, as well as preventing files and documents from being used for ads or data. Google Drive also consolidates all Google applications, including Google Docs, Google Calendar, Google Forms, and more. Files are kept in cloud storage and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, and the program claims a thorough search function using AI.
Cons?
No password protection on documents and links can be shared with anyone
Amount of uploads is limited
Collaborative applications can be glitchy and full of adware
Pricing:
Google Drive comes as part of the Google Workspace, which includes a number of remote work tools.
Business Starter $6/user/month - up to 100 participants in video meetings, 30GB of cloud storage, standard support
Business Standard $12/user/month - up to 150 participants and video recording, 2TB cloud storage
Business Plus $18/user/month - 250 video meeting participants, recording and attendance tracking, 5TB storage, enhanced security, and endpoint management
Enterprise price by business - email encryption, unlimited storage, enhanced support
Todoist
Todoist is a planning application that claims to allow users the ability to focus their energy on the right things instead of wasting time. It promotes kanban style cards and users can delegate tasks, centralize work, and get visible progress updates.
Cons?
The interfaces of the application are not very similar across different device types
No calendar view or habit tracking option
Lacks integrations and features that many users look for
Pricing:
Free $0 - 5 projects, 5 collaborators, 5MB file uploads, 1 week of activity history
Pro $3/user/month - 300 active projects, 25 collaborators per project, 100MB file uploads, unlimited activity history
Business $5/user/month - 500 active projects, 50 collaborators per project, admin and member roles, priority support
Krisp
Krisp is an application that removes background noise and echoes from online meetings. The application claims to work with over 800 applications, but some user reviews claim otherwise. Krisp can also record meetings and provide virtual backgrounds.
Cons?
Can cause voices to sound robotic when muting background noise
Issues with some extensions
High CPU usage
Pricing:
Personal $0 - 240 min/week of noise removal, 1GB recording storage, virtual backgrounds
Personal Pro $5/user/month - unlimited noise removal, 10GB storage, virtual backgrounds
Teams $5/user/month - priority support, team management, centralized billing, SAML SSO
Enterprise price by business - VIP support, management API, VID support, executive business reviews
Callhippo
Callhippo is a VOIP phone system that promises ease of use and customer support. Products include a full business phone system, speech analytics, call tracking, and voice broadcasting. A simple dashboard shows call analytics, and Callhippo works in 50+ countries.
Cons?
Many customers have complained of poor call quality
Loom is an application that records short videos of a computer screen or camera image. Loom can send a limited demo of anything to a large number of people. Internal audio can also be recorded, allowing for reactions and feedback to videos.
Enterprise priced by business - SSO, advanced content privacy, salesforce integration, SCIM
I Done This
I Done This is a to-do list program that claims to hack your productivity. Many integrations are available, as well as daily digests with upcoming tasks and completed tasks. This program also offers productivity reports on a whole company or individual scale.
Cons?
There is no free version, and the software seems pricey for what it does
Not all extensions work at the time of writing
If your subscription ends, you cannot access previous data
Pricing:
$12.50/user/month - task management, daily digest, upload any file type, productivity reporting, integrations, user roles/permissions
Dialpad
Dialpad is a communication tool that claims to be so much more than a business phone by offering calls, messaging, meetings, and a contact center. The main draws of Dialpad are that it offers 100% uptime for calls, and new users can be set up in minutes.
Cons?
Can have issues when using multiple platforms (e.g. cell phone and desktop)
Random call drops
Inaccurate transcriptions
Pricing:
Dialpad pricing differs based on the needs of the individual or company, and what services are chosen.
thriveindex
Thriveindex is a program that uses surveys and analytics to allow managers to keep a pulse on how their employees are feeling about their jobs. The information tracked claims anonymity so managers can focus on workplace issues instead of singular employees.
Cons?
This program is very new and does not have much information or backing yet
There is no free version, only a free trial
Pricing:
You need to contact them for business-specific pricing.
Teamwork
Teamwork is another project management software tool that claims to be everything necessary to get the job done. This program offers real-time collaboration and a bird’s eye view of project management tasks to see at a glance what milestones have happened or need to be reached.
Cons?
No PDF or image markup tools
Live chat user interface is not set up well
Security features unavailable at lower price tiers
Cloudtalk is call center software that says it will improve how your sales and support teams work. Call centers can be set up virtually and run from anywhere that has an internet connection. Analytics track and record calls for performance review.
Cons?
Call logs can be difficult to download and review
Some integrations are not easy or fully functional
Support is slow
Pricing:
Starter $25/user/month - unlimited inbound and intracompany calls, click to call, automated call distribution, international numbers
Expert $50/user/month - salesforce integration, power and predictive dialer, call monitoring, speech to text, SSO, unlimited concurrent calls
Custom price by business - custom onboarding, unlimited outbound calls, enterprise-level security, custom reporting
Nextiva
Nextiva is another call center app that touts easy communication with anyone anywhere. Nextiva allows for services to be purchased together or singularly to fine-tune the service to a particular business. Service and sales tools are included that may help businesses connect better with customers.
Cons?
Support is not immediately available
Not many integrations and most are basic
Mobile app can be glitchy
Pricing:
Essential $18.95/user/month - unlimited voice and video calling, auto-attendant and toll-free numbers, integrations, voicemail to email notifications, unlimited internet fax
Professional $22.95/user/month - unlimited conference calls with up to 40 participants, unlimited video conferencing with up to 250 participants, extended integrations
Enterprise $32.95/user/month - unlimited participants on voice and video calls, unlimited recording, voice analytics, and voicemail transcription
Hubstaff is a productivity and time tracking tool that claims all-in-one functionality for managing field or remote teams. Features include employee monitoring, geofencing, GPS tracking, and many more that allow a business to have as much of a remote workforce as necessary.
Cons?
User interface navigation can be difficult
Tracking consists of keyboard and mouse activities only
Reporting is mediocre
Pricing:
Desk Free $0 - time tracking, timesheets, activity levels, some reports
Desk Starter $7/user/month - unlimited screenshots, reports, some payments, one integration, 24 hour support
Desk Pro $10/user/month - track apps and URLs, payments, unlimited integrations, time off and holidays, scheduling and attendance, payroll
Enterprise priced by business - VIP support, higher limits on public API, unlimited job sites, HIPAA compliance
Time Doctor
Time Doctor says it is better for employees and better for managers because it can measure and analyze how a team spends its time. Time tracking, integrations, and work schedules work together to help promote a healthy work-life balance. Organizations can make decisions based on real-time data.
Cons?
Mobile and desktop apps do not sync well
Support is slow to respond
Billing profiles cannot be deleted once added
Pricing:
Basic $7/user/month - time tracking, tasks and projects, unlimited screenshots, activity tracking
Standard $10/user/month - track apps and URLs, payroll, 60+ integrations, daily email notifications
Premium $20/user/month - client login access, VIP support, video screen captures, unlimited data storage
Whereby
Whereby is a video calling program that promises beautiful, simple video calls without apps, downloads, or long meeting links. The company focus is inward, and their goal is to build a product that users want to use by being a good business themselves. Whereby calls can currently be added to any website or app.
Cons?
No attendee tracking
Participation limits seem severe
Some security settings may automatically block this app for external user
Pricing:
Free $0 - up to 100 participants, unlimited one-on-one meetings, group meetings for up to 45 minutes
Pro $6.99/user/month - unlimited group meetings, unlimited recording, company branding, custom subdomain
Business $9.99/user/month - unlimited shared rooms, priority support, early access to new features
10to8
10to8 claims to be the leading online appointment scheduling software. The company is very focused on compliance and security and has numerous app integrations. Remote appointments and virtual scheduling can be made from anywhere.
Cons?
Support is done through email, and can take forever
The program can be buggy and user interface can be clunky
Pricing:
Small Business $0 - SMS, 100 appointments/month, 2 logins, co-branding, online support
Bigger Business $40/user/month - 600 appointments/month, 6 logins
Enterprise price by business - unlimited appointments/month, unlimited logins, advanced features, phone support
Zoom
Perhaps one of the most well-known video conferencing tools compared to its alternatives, Zoom claims to allow a business to completely forget about video conferencing because it is so simple. Chat, meetings, calls, rooms, events and webinars are featured with this program.
Cons?
Occasional voice problems
Guest control is nonexistent
Mobile access is limited
Pricing:
Basic $0 - up to 100 participants, unlimited group meetings up to 40 minutes, unlimited one-on-one meetings up to 30 hours
Pro $149.90/license/year - up to 1,000 participants, group meetings up to 30 hours, 1GB cloud recording
Business $199.90/license/year - SSO, recording transcripts, company branding
Enterprise $240/license/year - up to 500 participants, unlimited cloud storage
Timezone.io
Timezone.io is a very basic-looking program that keeps track of where individuals are located as well as what time zone they are in. Businesses with employees in multiple geographical locations can prevent employers from having to remember where everyone is.
Cons?
Simple program that can be done with other, more robust applications
Pricing:
Pricing available by business.
Freshdesk
Freshdesk is customer service software that claims effortless customer service with more meaningful conversations with every customer. The program includes apps, widgets, reporting, and analytics that promote fast and reliable customer support.
Cons?
Customization and authentication can be difficult
There’s a learning curve for new users
Pricing:
Free $0 - email and social ticketing, dispatch, knowledge base, trend reports, team collaboration
ClickUp promises to be the one app to rule them all when it comes to cloud-based remote work tools. This program offers a whiteboarding style layout for project management, and has applications across every device type. ClickUp is available in multiple views for solving different types of business problems.
Cons?
Number of features can be overwhelming for first-time users
User interface could use improvement
Too many customizations, can get tedious
Pricing:
Free $0 - 100MB storage, unlimited tasks, unlimited members, collaborative docs, real-time chat, local email, time tracking
Business $9/user/month - SSO, custom exporting, advanced automation, and dashboard features
Business Plus $19/user/month - team sharing, subtasks, increased automation, priority support
Enterprise pricing by business - advanced permissions, SSO, managed services
Wooboard
Wooboard’s tagline is creating happier, healthier places to work by being a rewards-based mindfulness platform. Integrations and data analytics allow companies to reward employees for any achievements. The focus of this program is on the improvement of workplace culture.
Cons?
No free plan
No HR tools
Lack of any type of collaboration
Pricing:
You’ll need to contact them directly for pricing.
Final Thoughts on the Best Remote Work Platforms in 2023
From employees to business managers to start-up founders, working from home is becoming a large part of everyday life. With remote work tools to get the job done, daily productivity can reach–and surpass–in-office work.
Get started improving your remote work tools with Almanac today. Offering the best knowledge management, document editor, and async collaboration tool, it helps keep everything running smoothly no matter where your team is located, and has lots of love from its users already.
