Archives: Reviews

Feeling the need for non-intrusive and straightforward tracking software, CAKE.com launched the first of its three productivity apps, Clockify. Fast forward to today, and it's one of the most popular time tracking platforms on the market.

Based on the fact that Clockify is a free app that supports an unrestricted number of users and unlimited time tracking, it's not surprising that it's gained so much traction since its release. Usually, when something is free online, you're the product.

But that's not the case with Clockify. The team behind this user-friendly platform developed several (paid) advanced features, which were able to attract enough customers to cover all expenses. In addition to a built-in project manager and extensive user management, Clockify also offers access to customized reporting and a kiosk mode for as little as $3.99 per seat per month. The best part is that it's possible to try out all paid features through the 7-day free trial.

SurveyMonkey is a well-established online survey software provider brimming with features and resources.

With a vast library of survey templates, an excellent AI survey builder, a built-in response collector, and a global audience of over 335 million respondents at your disposal, creating and sending out surveys with SurveyMonkey is child's play.

This feature-rich online survey app also combines AI-powered reporting and analytic capabilities, making SurveyMonkey a reliable option for anyone who prioritizes advanced insights and metrics.

One of the best parts is that the service can be used for free with limited features. For more advanced tools, paid plans start as low as $39 per month.

For all the privacy enthusiasts out there working on a tight budget, Bright VPN can cater to your needs. This service by web data platform Bright Data is ideal for those who want to explore the internet safely and anonymously without paying a costly subscription.

With an astoundingly broad network located in around 40 countries, this fresh alternative to premium VPNs almost looks too good to be true. But, right off the bat, Bright VPN explains clearly how it's able to be free. Bright Data periodically accesses users' internet connection to collect publicly available data, which is then sold to universities, major bank institutions, social networks, and ecommerce platforms. Ultimately, this public data collection pays for the VPN.

Nonetheless, Bright VPN is committed to its top-level privacy protocols, guaranteeing that no private information is ever collected. Likewise, it offers different data control mechanisms that allow control over the timing and type of data gathered.

Since its launch in 2022, Extensis Connect– a combination of Suitcase Fusion and TeamSync – has been innovating non-stop in the font management industry. Following this merge, the software became a desktop and web-based font manager tool designed to help users find, view, organize, and use different fonts.

Fundamentally, the platform simplifies font management and improves workflow for designers and creative professionals. Features range from font search and sharing to more advanced technology like AI-recommended font pairings.

When it comes to pricing, the structure couldn't be more straightforward: there are only two subscription plans, with prices starting at $12.5 per user per month with annual billing. For those who don't want to commit straight away, there's a fully interactive demo they can use to test out the platform and get the hang of it before committing.

On the market since 1990, Paycor is a cloud-based solution designed to help businesses with payroll processing, HR and workforce management, and benefits administration. As a human capital management service, Paycor stands out as an all-in-one platform where companies recruit, onboard, and set up payments for new hires.

The platform provides businesses with greater access to their payroll process, allowing them to ensure all payments are accurate, compliant, and on time. Prices start at $99 plus $10 per employee each month, with setup fees occasionally waived. All plans include multiple payment options, employee self-service, and unlimited payruns. Also, the software can be tested for free for 14 days, so administrators can have a glimpse of how much time and hassle they can save if they trust Paycor with their payroll.

Ever since its establishment in the UK in 2001, TextMagic has been an international leader in SMS marketing services. It sends 200 million texts each year on the behalf of more than 25,000 small businesses in over 100 countries.

Whether your business already uses an SMS marketing platform or you're starting from scratch, TextMagic has much to offer. The service delivers a diverse range of features, such as contact subscription management, SMS automation, bulk messaging, virtual mobile numbers for 30 countries, online two-way SMS chat, email-to-SMS conversion, and numerous templates. On top of this, TextMagic provides an SMS API, which allows users to create their own messaging app using the software's infrastructure.

TextMagic offers a pay-as-you-go-based subscription. If you're based in the U.S., Canada, UK, or Australia, you also have the possibility to opt for a monthly plan. Plus, there's an attractive 30-day free trial that lets all users try the service risk free.

With a solid reputation on the market since before remote work was so popular, Microsoft 365 remains a reliable reference for workplace productivity software. The entirely cloud-based platform offers businesses a comprehensive digital workspace with various collaboration and communication tools in one place. All files created with Microsoft 365's apps, such as its three major components Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, are instantly saved on the cloud and synced across all devices. This means that the documents are always backed up and accessible from any device by any team member, not to mention that file links are available for sharing too. Microsoft 365 Business annual subscription plans start from $6 per user each month. What's more, the platform is subscription-based, meaning there are no additional payments for updates or new versions of the software and its apps. But the best part is that there's a 30-day free trial for users to thoroughly test the platform before committing.

Silicon Valley is the home of technological successes, and the virtual phone system iPlum is certainly one of them. With its intuitive tools and mobile app softphone, the all-in-one platform allows companies to completely streamline their call handling and phone management.

Unlike many virtual phone systems, iPlum allows users to choose between using a cellular or internet network, meaning all calls are of the highest quality, regardless of where you are. This, along with iPlum's IVR phone tree, helps companies increase their productivity by eliminating time wasted on unsuccessful calls.

iPlum can also be praised for its dedication to security. For instance, users have the option of enabling two-factor authentication and are encouraged to take password hygiene seriously. Finally, the software is quite affordable since it offers both local and toll-free numbers for as little as $5.99 per month.

Founded in 2013, HoneyBook helps small business owners manage customer relationships from the first inquiry to the final payment. The platform offers an arsenal of features and tools that streamline sales pipelines and keep track of every stage of the process. It's great for those who rely on several types of software and spreadsheets to manage their businesses, as it merges customer information, contact forms, invoices, and many more, into one place. Its simple and intuitive interface allows users to smoothly navigate through all its resources. Additionally, the option of automating tasks and the variety of templates available show that the service has the whole package. The best part is that you can get HoneyBook for as low as $1 per month by taking advantage of the company's occasional promotions. Moreover, with the 7-day free trial and the 60-day money-back guarantee, there's no reason not to see what this CRM software is all about.

Setting up and running a new business can be overwhelming, which is why having a reliable service to help you avoid any headaches is essential. Established in the U.S. in 2021, Business Anywhere offers four essential services on one single dashboard: business registration, registered agent service, virtual mailbox, and online notary. Small business owners can sigh with relief thanks to all that's offered by this simple and efficient provider.

While Business Anywhere doesn't have a mobile or desktop app, the modern browser-based service works like a charm. In as little as five steps, remote registration allows customers to establish a virtual office with their very own personalized dashboard.

Despite the lack of free trials, the company does offer plan bundles that come with a variety of extra services included. While Business Anywhere may be perfect for a start-up, since the four services cover pretty much everything a new entrepreneur may need, it also brings a lot to the table for already established players.