Which apps are best for business management?

As a business owner, you’ll be no stranger to the juggle - from managing teams to keeping up with customer emails, there’s always something that needs your attention. That’s where a business management app can help.

There are lots of tools available to help boost your productivity, streamline your workflow and keep your team working smoothly, and in this guide we’ll explore some of the best business management software to help you operate your business effectively.

What to look for in a business management app

The best business management apps help you:

• Track tasks easily and improve workflow

• Collaborate with your team efficiently, whether you’re in the office or working remotely

• Integrate with your most-used tools like Slack, Zoom, or Google Workspace

• Generate reports to help you make smarter decision

• Scale as your business grows

• Automate tasks

It should also be intuitive and easy to use, especially if your team’s not tech-savvy.

Business management applications

Here are five business management software options that could upgrade the way you work:

1. Trello

Key features: Visual project boards, checklists, due dates, team assignments.

Why it’s great: Trello is simple, visual and easy to navigate. Good for tracking progress and collaborating on projects.

Watch out for: It can feel a bit too basic if you need more robust reporting or automation.

Pricing: Free for basic features, such as up to 10 boards and unlimited lists and cards. Paid plans start at $5 per user/month.

Best for: Small teams who need a lightweight, easy-to-use task tracker.

2. Asana

Key features: Task management, timelines, goal setting, automation.

Why it’s great: Asana is similar to Trello, but with a more structured project management system and detailed project views.

Watch out for: There’s a bit of a learning curve for new users.

Pricing: Free for up to 15 users. Premium plans start at around $10.99 per user/month.

Best for: Teams that need more control over workflows and timelines.

3. Monday.com

Key features: Automated tasks, content generation, sales dashboards, advanced analytics.

Why it’s great: It’s flexible and scalable. Monday’s also more suited for managing projects, sales pipelines and HR processes – all in one place – compared to Asana and Trello.

Watch out for: Pricing can add up quickly if you need extras like advanced automation, integration, and tracking.

Pricing: Basic plans from $9 per user/month.

Best for: Businesses looking for an all-in-one business management app that can grow with them.

4. Notion

Key features: Notes, databases, wikis, task boards, all in a sleek interface.

Why it’s great: It’s more than a project manager. It’s a highly customisable digital centre for your whole business. Organise documents, assign tasks or even build a company knowledge base.

Watch out for: It takes a bit of customisation to get things set up right for you.

Pricing: Free personal plan, with business plans starting at around $10 per user/month.

Best for: Creative or remote teams who enjoy flexibility, customisable wikis, workflows or databases, and accessing project documents in one easy space.

5. HubSpot

Key features: CRM, marketing tools, email tracking, reporting.

Why it’s great: It’s an all-in-one solution for managing customer relationships and marketing.

Watch out for: The free CRM is great, but premium features can be pricey.

Pricing: Free CRM available, with paid plans starting at $15 per user/month.

Best for: Small businesses that want to get more from their marketing, improve customer communication and manage leads better.

How to choose the right app for your business

Sometimes, it can come down to the smallest things, so it’s important to consider the following:

• If the size of your business changes and you experience growth, will the app scale with you?

• Think about your biggest pain points, whether that be managing projects, communication or customer relationships

• Your team’s tech ability

• Budget - start with a free trial if the app offers it

• Ask your team for feedback so you understand what they actually need

• Try 2–3 tools for a couple of weeks and see what works best (and what doesn’t).

Find out how digital tools can help your business work smarter

There are other apps designed to support you and your business, including ones with a focus on productivity and collaboration.