Be Focused vs Things 3: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Be Focused 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.
Bottom line: Things 3 is our overall pick for productivity workflows. Pick Be Focused if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Be Focused
Boost productivity with customizable timers and task management.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Pomodoro timer for focused work sessions.
- • Customizable work and break intervals.
Things 3
Award-winning task manager for Apple
Best for you if:
- • 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 |  Be Focused |  Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $9.99/onceiPhone |
Best For | Productivity | Productivity |
Rating | - | 5.0/5 |
Choose Be Focused or Things 3?
Choose Be Focused if
Boost productivity with customizable timers and task management.
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Highly customizable timer settings
- Effective for implementing the Pomodoro Technique
- You want a free tier before you commit
Choose Things 3 if
Award-winning task manager for Apple
- Beautiful design (Apple)
- Powerful organization
- One-time purchase
| Feature | Be Focused | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★5.0/5 342 reviews |
| Categories | ProductivityFocus & Pomodoro | ProductivityProject Management |
In-Depth Analysis
Be Focused
Boost productivity with customizable timers and task management.
Strengths
- +Simple and intuitive interface
- +Highly customizable timer settings
- +Effective for implementing the Pomodoro Technique
- +Provides insights into work patterns
- +Available across multiple Apple platforms
Weaknesses
- -Primarily focused on Apple ecosystem (macOS, iOS)
- -Advanced reporting features may require premium version
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: Be Focused vs Things 3
| Plan | Be Focused | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | $49.99 once Mac |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $9.99 once iPhone |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $19.99 once iPad |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Be Focused pricing and Things 3 pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Be Focused has a free tier. Things 3 is paid only.
Go with: Be Focused
Want the highest-rated option?
Things 3 is rated 5.0/5. Be Focused has no ratings yet.
Go with: Things 3
Value user reviews?
Be Focused: no ratings yet. Things 3: 342 reviews (5.0/5).
Go with: Things 3
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Be Focused is freemium. Things 3 is paid. Be Focused lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are productivity tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Things 3 is rated 5.0/5; Be Focused has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Things 3
- Our pick for this comparison
Be Focused
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Things 3 is our pick. Be Focused has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Be Focused or Things 3 better?
Things 3 is rated in our evaluation. Be Focused is freemium and Things 3 is paid.
What are Be Focused and Things 3 used for?
Be Focused: Boost productivity with customizable timers and task management.. Things 3: Award-winning task manager for Apple.
What does Be Focused cost vs Things 3?
Be Focused is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Things 3 is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.