At Slingshot, we’re constantly experimenting with products, with code, and with how we get things done. We’re serious about innovation, but we also like to keep things playful. That curiosity extends to the apps we use every day, whether for writing cleaner code, managing to-dos, or unwinding after hours.
We asked the team to share their favorite apps right now: what they use, why they love them, and how these tools shape their workflows and downtime.
Some are smart, some are surprising, but all of these favorites are uniquely Slingshot. Here’s what made the cut.
Summary
The Slingshot team reveals their favorite apps for 2026, covering productivity, AI, creativity, and wellness. These tools reflect a culture of curiosity, focus, and practical innovation, helping us work smarter, think better, and unwind with purpose.
Workflows That Stick: Productivity and Planning Apps
Behind every fast-moving team is a reliable system. Or at the very least, an excellent app. From simple to-do lists to multi-purpose note-taking tools, the Slingshot team is big on keeping life organized.
Rachel Foster, Principal Product Designer, swears by TeuxDeux, calling it “the simplest, most thoughtfully designed to-do list I’ve ever used. It’s the backbone of how I prioritize and organize my days.”
For developers, like Steve Anderson, Principal Developer and AWS Architect, Obsidian hits the sweet spot between simplicity and power. “It’s just markdown notes, but with tons of plugins and cross-device sync. I love how flexible it is.”
And when it comes to budgeting, YNAB (You Need a Budget) has its loyalists. Nathan Thomas, Senior Developer, said it best: “It’s simply the best budgeting app.”
Across the board, the theme is clear: low-friction tools that help people stay focused without feeling boxed in.
Tools Developers Trust
From local dev setups to cloud-native workflows, our developers rely on tools that keep them nimble.
Andrew Meyer, Principal Senior Developer, praised Docker for keeping things efficient. “I use Docker to isolate dependencies across projects. It makes switching between work seamless, without worrying about environmental conflicts.”
For Andrew, privacy matters too. That’s why he uses Proton Mail. “My data is encrypted with my own key, which gives me confidence that my emails aren’t being scanned or sold. Plus, using a custom domain adds a nice personal touch.”
Cursor, one of the AI code assistants, got a shoutout from Michael Thornberry, Senior Developer. “It’s the most capable AI pair-programming companion I’ve found so far.”
Taken together, these tools reflect a modern developer mindset: Move fast, stay secure, and keep it clean.
AI and Thinking Partners: Apps That Augment How We Work
AI isn’t a buzzword at Slingshot. It’s part of how we think, build, and create. These tools are reshaping how we problem-solve, write, and collaborate.
Rachel called ChatGPT “my constant companion.” It’s a trusted sidekick in her creative and personal workflows, offering insights, structure, and perspective on demand.
Savannah Cherry, Director of Marketing and New Business, turns to Custom ChatGPTs for more specific needs. “They let me tackle repetitive tasks in a very exact way, like blogs and captions.” By building tailored prompts into reusable tools, she’s been able to scale quality without sacrificing nuance.
Savannah also called out Grammarly as a writing aid that goes beyond spellcheck. “Its AI has really upped my writing. I’ve started writing better because of some of the critiques.”
These tools aren’t just supporting our thinking; they’re shaping and elevating it.
Tech That Shapes Daily Rhythms
Slingshot’s team isn’t just thinking about work. Many are using tech to optimize their personal lives, from automating homes to managing screen time.
Steve is all-in on Home Assistant, an open-source home automation platform. “It’s fully self-hosted, which gives me control over my smart home setup. There’s so much nerdy stuff you can do with it.”
On the other end of the spectrum, ScreenZen is helping Savannah create healthier habits. “I tell it which apps I want it to block, and for how long. It has me pause before diving into a doom-scroll session, and it makes me stop when the timer’s up.”
Meanwhile, Sleep Cycle is helping Rachel wake up more gently. “It detects when you’re exiting deep sleep and times your alarm so you don’t wake up feeling groggy.”
Whether it’s managing light bulbs or bedtime, these apps share a goal: tech that adapts to human rhythms, not the other way around.
Play as Practice: Creative Tools That Spark Joy
Sometimes the best tools are the ones that feel like play. Several team members shared apps they use for fun or creative expression. Not surprisingly, many overlap with their professional interests.
Andrew uses Godot in his spare time. “It makes it easy to turn game ideas into something real. I love how lightweight the setup is, so I can start building without friction.”
Whitney Powell, Sales and Marketing Coordinator, brings that same creativity to her downtime with Stitchly. “You can upload or create your own needlepoint charts and track your progress. It’s great for staying organized while doing something hands-on.”
Michael Upton, Product Lead, highlighted Discogs as a daily-use app for managing his media collection. “I use it to keep track of what I own, which versions I have, and to avoid buying duplicates.” Beyond organization, Discogs also taps into a deep community layer. “It’s great for research. The community shares insight on things like bad pressings, which helps you avoid purchases you’ll regret.”
Michael also called out Apple Logic Pro as a favorite creative outlet. “GarageBand is an amazing entry point, and Logic Pro is a natural next step. It’s intuitive, powerful, and works well whether you’re a hobbyist or doing serious production.”
Whether it’s video game art or cross-stitch, the creative streak at Slingshot runs deep.
Wellness and Lifelong Curiosity
Not all of our favorite apps are about output; some are about insight. These tools help us slow down, learn more about ourselves, and stay connected to the world around us.
Rachel uses a suite of tools that blend wellness, data, and self-awareness. Oura helps her monitor recovery and readiness. “I know my body more than ever. It helps me give myself grace and know when to push.”
Nathan stays in touch with online communities using Discord. “It’s what everyone uses. It just works.”
For improving his golf game, Michael turns to Shot Scope. “It started as a way to dial in club selection, but now I use it to see which parts of my game need the most focus.” He also appreciates the value. “They offer a lot without charging a subscription.”
Rachel also uses Yuka to evaluate food and beauty products, as well as Time Nomad to explore planetary movements. “It’s like a real-time astrological clock. You can see the ‘space weather’ on any day.”
And for creative input and a moment to unplug, Thornberry keeps coming back to Kindle. “I haven’t read a physical book in years.” Steve agreed, adding simply “I like to read.”
These apps might be wildly different, but they all share one thing in common: they give people more clarity, control, and connection, both at work and in life.
What We’re Learning From Our Apps
If you look closely, you’ll see a thread running through nearly all these favorites: autonomy, intentionality, and a low barrier to entry.
The best tools aren’t just powerful. They’re personal. They work the way we work or want to work. They encourage focus, not friction. Whether it’s setting boundaries, diving into code, or pausing to read, the right app can unlock a better version of your day.
We’re always on the lookout for new tools that do just that. Got a favorite? Tell us what we should try next!
Looking for More Tool Talk?
Written by: Savannah Cherry
Savannah is our one-woman marketing department. She posts, writes, and creates all things Slingshot. While she may not be making software for you, she does have a minor in Computer Information Systems. We’d call her the opposite of a procrastinator: she can’t rest until all her work is done. She loves playing her switch and meal-prepping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Slingshot team members use apps like TeuxDeux for simple task management, Obsidian for markdown-based notes, and YNAB for budgeting. These tools are chosen for their ease of use and flexibility across workflows.
ChatGPT and Custom GPTs are widely used for writing, brainstorming, and automating repetitive tasks. Grammarly supports better communication, while Cursor is favored by developers for AI-powered pair programming.
Tools like Docker help isolate development environments. Obsidian supports flexible documentation, while Proton Mail ensures secure communication. Developers prioritize speed, security, and simplicity.
Apps like Home Assistant, ScreenZen, and Stitchly show how Slingshot blends personal wellness with creativity. Others like Discogs and Apple Logic Pro support hobbies from vinyl collecting to music production.
The team favors tools that reduce friction and encourage autonomy. Whether for coding, planning, or play, the right app helps optimize both work and personal time—without adding complexity.
