Asana vs Things 3: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Asana and Things 3 comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Asana
Orchestrate work from tasks to initiatives with projects and automation
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need project management features specifically
- • Work management platform
- • Multiple project views
Things 3
Award-winning task manager for Apple
Best for you if:
- • You need productivity features specifically
- • GTD-based task manager for Apple ecosystem with elegant design and keyboard shortcuts.
- • Features projects, areas, tags, and seamless iCloud sync across Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
| At a Glance |  Asana |  Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $9.99/onceiPhone |
Best For | Project Management | Productivity |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 5.0/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Asana or Things 3?
Choose Asana if
Orchestrate work from tasks to initiatives with projects and automation
- Multiple project views
- Good workflow automation
- Strong integrations
- Your work is project management-shaped, not productivity-shaped
Choose Things 3 if
Award-winning task manager for Apple
- Beautiful design (Apple)
- Powerful organization
- One-time purchase
- Your work is productivity-shaped, not project management-shaped
| Feature | Asana | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 51,834 reviews | ★5.0/5 342 reviews |
| Categories | Project ManagementTask Management | ProductivityProject Management |
In-Depth Analysis
Asana
Orchestrate work from tasks to initiatives with projects and automation
Strengths
- +Multiple project views
- +Good workflow automation
- +Strong integrations
- +Goals and portfolio tracking
Weaknesses
- -Can be complex for simple needs
- -Some features require higher tiers
- -Mobile app less powerful
Key features
Things 3
Award-winning task manager for Apple
Strengths
- +Beautiful design (Apple)
- +Powerful organization
- +One-time purchase
- +Good keyboard shortcuts
- +Fast and reliable
Weaknesses
- -Apple only (no Windows/Android)
- -Significant upfront cost
- -No collaboration
- -No web version
- -Limited integrations
Key features
Pricing: Asana vs Things 3
| Plan | Asana | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Personal | $49.99 once Mac |
| Tier 2 | $10.99 Starter | $9.99 once iPhone |
| Tier 3 | $24.99 Advanced | $19.99 once iPad |
| Tier 4 | Custom Enterprise | N/A |
| Tier 5 | Custom Enterprise+ | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Asana pricing and Things 3 pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Asana has a free tier. Things 3 is paid only.
Go with: Asana
Want the highest-rated option?
Asana: 4.5/5 (51,834 reviews). Things 3: 5.0/5 (342 reviews).
Go with: Things 3
Value user reviews?
Asana: 51,834 reviews (4.5/5). Things 3: 342 reviews (5.0/5).
Go with: Asana
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Asana is freemium. Things 3 is paid. Asana lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Asana is a project management tool. Things 3 is in productivity. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Things 3 is rated higher: 5.0/5 vs 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
Things 3
- Higher user rating: 5.0/5 vs 4.5/5
- Our pick for this comparison
Asana
- Has a free tier
- Larger review base (51,834 reviews)
- Better fit for project management
The Bottom Line
Things 3 is our pick. Asana has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asana or Things 3 better?
Things 3 is rated in our evaluation. Asana is freemium and Things 3 is paid.
What are Asana and Things 3 used for?
Asana: Orchestrate work from tasks to initiatives with projects and automation. Things 3: Award-winning task manager for Apple.
What does Asana cost vs Things 3?
Asana is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Things 3 is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.