Cross-platform powerhouse vs Apple-native gem. Which task manager fits your life?
TD
Todoist
VS
TH
Things 3
Bottom line: Todoist is the better choice if you work across Windows, Android, or use a team collaboration workflow. Things 3 is the better choice if you're Apple-only and value design and a one-time price over subscription software. Both are excellent — this is genuinely a close call.
Our Pick Todoist for cross-platform · Things 3 for Apple ecosystem
Feature Comparison
Feature
Todoist
Things 3
Platform support
iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Web Win
Apple only (iOS, Mac, Watch)
Design quality
Very good
Exceptional Win
Pricing model
Subscription
One-time purchase Win
Natural language input
Excellent Win
Good
Team collaboration
✓ Yes Win
✗ Solo only
Recurring tasks
✓ Yes
✓ Yes
Project organization
✓ Projects + sections
Areas → Projects → Tasks Win
Calendar integration
✓ Google Calendar
✓ Apple Calendar
Offline mode
✓ Yes
✓ Yes
Free tier
✓ Yes Win
✗ Paid only
Productivity score / karma
✓ Karma system Win
✗ No
Widgets
✓ Yes
Excellent Apple widgets Win
Pricing Comparison
TD
Todoist Pricing
Free$0/mo
Pro$4/mo
Business$6/user/mo
TH
Things 3 Pricing
iPhone app$9.99 one-time
iPad app$19.99 one-time
Mac app$49.99 one-time
Things 3 full bundle (~$80 one-time) vs Todoist Pro ($48/year). After ~2 years, Things is cheaper for solo Apple users.
Pros and Cons
TD
Todoist
Pros
+ Works on every platform including Android/Windows
+ Free tier available
+ Team collaboration and shared projects
+ Excellent natural language date parsing
+ Productivity karma gamification
Cons
− Subscription-based (ongoing cost)
− Less refined design than Things 3
− Complex task hierarchy not as intuitive
TH
Things 3
Pros
+ Stunning design — best-looking task app
+ One-time purchase, no subscription
+ Excellent Areas → Projects hierarchy
+ Deep Apple ecosystem integration
+ Fast, native performance
Cons
− Apple only — no Windows or Android
− No team/sharing features
− No free tier
− No web app
Detailed Analysis
The Design Argument for Things 3
Things 3 by Cultured Code is one of the most beautifully designed apps on any platform. The spatial reasoning in its layout — the way "Today", "Upcoming", and "Anytime" flow together — is genuinely thoughtful. Long-term users of Things develop a deeply personal relationship with their productivity system in a way Todoist doesn't quite replicate.
The Platform Argument for Todoist
If you switch between Mac, Windows, Android, and the web, Todoist has no competition. Things 3 simply doesn't exist outside Apple's ecosystem. For anyone in a mixed-platform household or company, the choice is made for you.
One-time vs subscription math: Things 3 full bundle costs approximately $80 one-time. Todoist Pro costs $48/year. After roughly 2 years, Things 3 is cheaper for solo Apple users. For teams, Todoist Business at $6/user/month scales better.
Things 3 has more polished design and a one-time purchase model. Todoist works on every platform, has team features, and a free tier. For Apple-only users, Things 3 is often preferred. For cross-platform or team use, Todoist wins.
Todoist Pro ($4/month) adds reminders, which alone are worth it for most users. It also unlocks filters, labels, calendar sync, and productivity goals. If you use Todoist daily, Pro is worth the cost.
No. Things 3 is Apple-native only (Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch). There is no web app, no Android app, and no Windows app. This is a dealbreaker for users who need cross-platform access.