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 wins this matchup. Our overall Task Management pick is Google Calendar. Our free Task Management pick is Google Calendar. 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 a free tier before you commit
- • You want simple and intuitive interface
- • You want highly customizable timer settings
Things 3
Award-winning task manager for Apple
Best for you if:
- • You want beautiful design (Apple)
- • You want powerful organization
| At a Glance | Be Focused | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $9.99/onceiPhone |
Best For | Productivity | Productivity |
Rating | - | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Be Focused or Things 3?
Choose Be Focused if
Boost productivity with customizable timers and task management.
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want simple and intuitive interface
- You want highly customizable timer settings
Choose Things 3 if
Award-winning task manager for Apple
- You want beautiful design (Apple)
- You want powerful organization
| Feature | Be Focused | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.4/5 29 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
Things 3 is a rare premium app that respects your wallet: one-time purchases of $49.99 (Mac), $19.99 (iPad), and $9.99 (iPhone) with zero subscription fees.
Watch out
Each platform is sold separately. If you want Mac + iPad + iPhone, that is $79.97 total, not a single purchase. There is no bundle discount.
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 4.4/5. Be Focused has no ratings yet.
Go with: Things 3
Value user reviews?
Be Focused: no ratings yet. Things 3: 29 reviews (4.4/5).
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 4.4/5; 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 wins this matchup. Our overall Task Management pick is Google Calendar. Our free Task Management pick is Google Calendar. 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.