Real Productivity Stacks From Real People
Discover the Tools Creators Actually Use
A productivity stack (also called a tech stack or software stack) is the collection of tools someone uses daily to get work done. Browse real productivity setups from creators, founders, and entrepreneurs to discover the best productivity tools in 2026 and build your own workflow.
Collections Worth Bookmarking
Notable stacks or themes built to inspire new workflows and sharpen your own. Use them as a starting point or a source of inspiration.
Most Repeated, Most Relied-On
The tools that appear in the highest-performing workflows, ranked by real-world usage.
Most Viewed, Most Copied
The most-read stacks from creators, founders, and builders. Steal what works.
All Stacks. All Tools.
Explore curated tool stacks from industry leaders, creators, and innovators. Each stack is battle-tested and used daily to drive real-world success.
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about productivity stacks
What is a productivity stack?
A productivity stack is your personal collection of software tools and apps you use every day to get things done. Think of it as your digital toolkit: the combination of project managers, note-taking apps, communication tools, and automation software that keeps your workflow running smoothly. Most people have 5-15 core tools they rely on, though some power users have 30+. The key is finding tools that work together seamlessly and match your working style.
What tools do successful entrepreneurs use?
Successful entrepreneurs typically build their stacks around a few core categories: project management (Notion, Asana, ClickUp), communication (Slack, Telegram), note-taking (Obsidian, Apple Notes), and calendar/scheduling (Calendly, Google Calendar). But here's the thing: there's no one-size-fits-all stack. What works for a solo founder differs wildly from what a CEO of a 50-person company needs. Browse the stacks on this page to see real setups from founders at different stages, then steal the pieces that make sense for your workflow.
How do I build my own productivity stack?
Start small. Pick one tool per category: task management, notes, calendar, and communication. Use them for a month, then add or swap tools based on what's missing. The biggest mistake people make is downloading 20 apps at once and getting overwhelmed. Your stack should evolve as your needs change. Look at other people's setups for inspiration (that's literally why this page exists), but don't feel pressured to use something just because it's popular. The best productivity tools in 2026 are the ones you'll actually use consistently.
Why do some creators have minimal stacks while others use 20+ tools?
It comes down to work style and complexity. Solo creators who do focused, deep work (writers, designers) often thrive with 3-5 tools. They want less context switching and fewer distractions. Meanwhile, founders running teams, managing client work, and juggling multiple projects need specialized tools for each domain: CRM, invoicing, project management, team chat, analytics. Neither approach is better. The right stack size is whatever lets you do your best work without drowning in tool management. If you're spending more time organizing your tools than using them, you've gone too far.
Should I pay for productivity tools or stick with free versions?
Depends on how much friction the free version creates. Free tiers work fine for personal use and small projects. But when you hit limits (storage caps, missing integrations, feature restrictions), calculate the cost of your time working around those limits versus just paying. A $10/month tool that saves you 2 hours weekly is objectively worth it. That said, don't fall for the trap of paying for premium features you'll never touch. Most people only use 20% of any tool's capabilities. Start free, upgrade only when you genuinely hit the ceiling, and cancel subscriptions you haven't opened in 30 days.
