Things 3
Things 3 is a task manager for Apple devices built around a simple daily ritual: everything you capture lands in an inbox, and each morning you pick what goes on a short Today list. It is bought once per platform rather than by subscription, and its restraint is the point: no collaboration, no gamification, no clutter.
| Category | Task manager / to-do list |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Vision Pro; no Windows, Android or web |
| Price | One-off per device: ~$49.99 Mac, ~$9.99 iPhone, ~$19.99 iPad (check current pricing) |
| Best for | Apple-only users who want a calm daily list without a subscription |
| Limitations | Apple only; no shared projects; buying all platforms costs more than a year of most subscriptions |
What it does well
- The morning review ritual converts a scary backlog into one short, chosen Today list, which lowers the start barrier.
- The Evening section separates work tasks from home tasks within the same day.
- No subscription and no feed of features fighting for attention: the app never becomes the distraction.
Where it falls short
- A task app only helps procrastinators who actually open it; Things has no external accountability, reminders aside.
- No Android, Windows or web version, so mixed-device households are out.
Related
Eat the FrogStop procrastinating on work tasks
Frequently asked questions
Is Things 3 worth it compared to Todoist?
If you are all-Apple and prefer paying once over subscribing, yes: it is calmer and more deliberate. If you need Android, web access or shared lists, Todoist is the practical choice.