My software stack changes frequently because I keep trying new things. This is what I have settled on so far!
Superhuman ($30/mo) ✨✨✨
Superhuman is my go-to email client. It's fast… really fast. Clean interface, intuitive shortcuts, built in AI features and email tracking covers everything I need to go through hundreds of emails every day. Going through all my emails to inbox zero takes a quarter of the usual time, and makes working fun.
Worth it if you are living out of your inbox like me.
Alternatives: Simplehuman (free), Simplify Gmail ($3/mo)
Google Drive / SideDrive (Free) ✨✨
Google Drive for all documents, slides and sheets.
I use it with SideDrive to add a Notion like sidebar that helps me navigate better, faster.
Arc (Free) ✨✨✨
Just like Superhuman - faster website rendering, keyboard shortcuts, and better tab management makes browsing fun.
The left-sidebar takes a while to get used to and initially feels like wasted space. However, once you realise that because of wider screens, that space was actually unused anyway - you start to appreciate the design choice.
Dashlane ($3.30/mo) ✨✨✨
Never use the same password in more than one site. Dashlane generates strong passwords, autofills credentials and OTPs across all devices, and stores Passkeys (I never want to get ecosystem locked by giving Apple all my password/passkeys).
100% worth the cost of a small coffee per month.
Note: always turn off SMS 2FA in every site. Sim swap attacks are surprisingly accessible.
NordVPN ($90 for 2 years) ✨✨
How one can live in Bangladesh without VPN is beyond me. Unlock accesses to websites and remove yourself from prying eyes. Always on VPN.
Alternatives: Surfshark ($60 for 2 years)
Paste ($30/year) ✨
Paste is my solution for clipboard management. This tool ensures that no information gets lost in the shuffle, whether it's links, images, or texts. But to be honest - I use it mostly because of the snippets that sync across devices. The iOS keyboard app is excellent UX for snippet usage.
Cheaper alternatives do exist.
PDF Expert ($140 one-time payment) ✨
Yes, I am one of those guys who pay for PDF Softwares. But if you have to deal with as many PDFs as I do - PDF Expert is excellent. I like editing any PDF files easily (which reduces going back to Docs to make edits and exporting again…) and thus save time.
zCal (Free) ✨✨✨
Free calendly alternative that can support multiple links and multiple calendar accounts. Notion calendar still doesn’t have reusable scheduling links.
Notion Calendar (formerly Cron) (Free) ✨✨✨
Finally, for scheduling, I rely on Cron (Notion Calendar is such a bad name). Again - keyboard shortcuts, speed, simple workflows make it the superhuman for calendars. The time travel feature is such a killer for scheduling meetings before I travel, and the join from menu bar widget is so very helpful.
Cloudflare (Free) ✨✨✨
I manage all my personal websites through Cloudflare. Free unlimited email forwarding + workers help convert any Notion page to a website (makes easy to use landing pages like istomorrowhartal.com). Super simple and fast to use DNS management!
Figma (Free) ✨✨✨
I have never had as much fun reviewing UX or whiteboarding before using Figma. Such a beautiful piece of software.
Height.app (Free) ✨✨
Simple, easy to use, todo-list type task management for the entire team. As easy to use as a spreadsheet.
Franz (Free) ✨✨
Managing WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, Messenger etc etc as separate apps takes a lot of mental toll. Too many messaging apps! This consolidates all of them into one window.
Hevy (Free or $80/lifetime) ✨✨✨
Workout tracker and planner. Easy to make routines and track progress.
Related, I get my routines from BuiltWithScience
Airalo ✨
e-Sim for iPhone so I can have cheap data on demand wherever I travel. Essential and easy to use for frequent travellers. The pricing of these eSims turn out to be the same or cheaper as you would buy from the airport (I checked).
Referral code that get’s you $3: HUSSAI6543
Captions ($90/year) ✨
Automatically add subtitles and easy to make edits to my Reels. AI trimming also makes my videos more watchable by cutting out the hmms and uhhs.
Daylio ($20/year) ✨✨✨
Been using this for the last 5 years to act as my mini-diary and mood tracker. It’s my minimum viable journal. Only tool I have been paying for 5 consecutive years.
Rabby Wallet (Free) ✨✨✨
The best wallet for all EVM chains. Smooth multi-chain experience and improved secruity as they do a pre-sign check. Makes it easy to manage multiple wallets as well.
Referal code: ELIUS
Alternative: Zerion Wallet for iOS/Android
Headspace ($70/annually)
My go-to meditation app. Andy Puddicombe’s voice always calms me down.
Here’s a hack: if you email their support@, they will more often than not give you a 40% discount. Just ask :)
The list is not exhaustive, but covers most of it! 🫠