The Best Tools for Freelancers

Male executive on call with team discussing

Dropbox and Google Analytics are the most popular tools of choice for today's freelancers, a new poll found.

Research by BestVendor revealed the 25 most popular software and apps currently being used by freelancers to manage their work. The results show the rise of cloud apps and SaaS services, with desktop software in decline. Overall, every tool in the top 25 is Web-based, with the exception of QuickBooks, which offers both Web and desktop versions.

The survey shows the 25 most popular freelancer tools are:

1. Dropbox

2. Google Analytics

3. Gmail

4. Evernote

5. Google Apps/Docs

6. Google Calendar

7. Mailchimp

8. Hootsuite

9. iCloud

10. Basecamp

11. Mint

12. Google Voice

13. Quickbooks

14. FreshBooks

15. Prezi

16. Pivotal Tracker

17. Balsamiq Mockups

18. Google Alerts

19. GoToMeeting

20. BatchBook

21. Joomla

22. Posterous

23. Skitch

24. Django

25. Google AdWords

The research also revealed several "trending apps" among freelancers that haven't yet made the top 25, including Expensify, Outright, Remember The Milk, Harvest and 16bugs.

The study was based on surveys of 97 freelancers throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia working in a range of industries, including technology and digital media, in design and creative sectors, advertising and marketing and professional services.

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