Here I share the tools, apps, and gear that I use on a daily basis to work, create, and stay productive. This is a mix of software and hardware that I find essential for my workflow, whether it's for coding, communication, or just making life easier.
* This list is a living document - it will keep changing and getting updated over time as my setup evolves.
Coding
- VSCode – My main editor. Lightweight, extensible, and it just works.
- Monokai Night – The theme what I like.
- Claude Code – Anthropic's CLI agent - helps me right in the terminal.
- Gemini Code Assistant – I'm using it just for autocomplete.
- Postman – Collaboration platform for API development.
- Lazygit – Simple terminal-based git UI.
Software
- Linux – Last years I've been using it as my primary operating system. Distro Ubuntu. Before Pop!_OS.
- Graphene OS – Security-focused, privacy-respecting Android distribution.
- Bitwarden – Password manager. First app I install on any new device.
- AnyType – Notes, docs, and project planning all in one place.
- Terminator – Terminal emulator that allows to split terminal into multiple panels.
- Signal – Secure messaging app for private conversations.
- NordVPN – Secure VPN app for private browsing.
- Grammarly – Writing assistant that helps improve grammar and spelling.
Services
- Proton Mail – My email provider of choice for its strong focus on privacy and security.
- Pcloud – Secure cloud storage service for keeping your files safe and accessible.
- Namecheap – Domain registrar and web hosting provider.
- Vercel – Here is where I host all my projects.
- Deepl – Translation service for accurate and natural-sounding translations.
- NeonDB – Serverless PostgreSQL database for modern web applications.
- Excalidraw – Collaborative whiteboard tool for sketching and brainstorming.
- DuckDuckGo – Privacy-focused search engine that doesn't track your searches.
- Perplexity Pro – AI-powered search engine that provides concise answers to queries.
On the radar
- Apple ecosystem – I love Linux and GrapheneOS, but setting things up sometimes eats more time and energy than I'd like - and in a world where speed and iteration matter, the Apple ecosystem is starting to look like pretty decent decision. I feel that's perfect trade-off between security, privacy, and usability. So for now I'm waiting for M6 chip and 18 Pro version of iPhone to make the switch.
- Hetzner – Considering to buy dedicated server for self-hosting my projects on a Hetzner - more control, less vendor lock-in. Little bit more complexity to manage, but could be worth it for the flexibility, security, performance and better pricing.
- Oura Ring – Curious about tracking sleep, recovery, and overall health more seriously. There are other candidates like Ultrahuman, but Oura seems to have good balance of features, comfort, and design.
- AirPods Max – Thinking about swapping my Sony WH-1000XM6 for AirPods Max - better integration with the Apple ecosystem and a more premium build.
- iPad Pro – On the move a lot, so a tablet that can double as a second display on the road would be a real win for the travel workflow.
Travel Hacks
- Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack – My one-bag travel companion - carry-on size, clamshell opening, and tough enough for anything.
- Revolut / Wise – For paying abroad - by far the best exchange rates. Both work great; I usually keep one as a backup for the other.
- Airport lounges – Get a higher-tier bank card (gold or similar), or upgrade to Revolut Ultra (~50€/month) - lounge access, RevPoints, and a bunch of subscription perks that easily pay for themselves.
- Hostelworld – Lately I've been picking hostels - not for the price, but for the social side. Solo travel can get lonely, and meeting good people on the road is half the trip.
- Airbnb / Booking / Agoda – For everything beyond hostels. Always cross-check the same place across all three - prices for the exact same listing can vary surprisingly.
- Google Flights / Skyscanner / Momondo – I always combine all three - and sometimes book directly with the airline. Which one wins depends on the destination and the dates.
- TrustedHousesitters – House- and pet-sitting in exchange for free accommodation. I traveled in New Zealand this way - genuine win-win, and the closest you can get to living like a local. Plus, you'll meet lots of interesting people and families.
- Couchsurfing – Only one experience so far, but a great one. Ideal for open-minded travelers who want to meet locals and skip the tourist bubble entirely.
- Two passports – If your country allows it (Slovakia does, but not every country), get a second passport. Carry one with you, keep the other stashed somewhere safe - lifesaver if the primary one gets lost or stolen.
- Backup phone – Carry a second phone tucked away in your luggage. Keep both synced - same apps, banking, contacts, accounts - so if the primary one disappears, you're back online in minutes instead of days.
- Scanned documents – Scan or photograph every document - passport, ID, driving license, insurance - and stash them in cloud storage. Even if you lose the originals, you can still prove who you are digitally.