Dynalist vs Things 3: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Dynalist 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:
Dynalist
The best outliner for your ideas
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need note-taking features specifically
- • You need the best outliner for your ideas
- • You want to start free and upgrade later
Things 3
Award-winning task manager for Apple
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need task management 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 |  Things 3 | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Note-Taking | Task Management |
Rating | —/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Dynalist | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 75 | 0 |
| Categories | Note-TakingTask Management | Task ManagementTime Tracking |
Understanding the Differences
Both Dynalist and Things 3 solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Dynalist positions itself as "the best outliner for your ideas" while Things 3focuses on "award-winning task manager for apple". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Dynalist
Dynalist makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Things 3
Things 3 is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool. Scoring 90/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Dynalist lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Dynalist
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Things 3 is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Things 3
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Things 3 takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Things 3
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Dynalist, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Things 3 higher (90/100). But the community has upvoted Dynalist more (75 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Things 3 Does Better
- Higher overall score (90/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Dynalist If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Things 3 (90/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Things 3 scores higher in our analysis, but Dynalist might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dynalist or Things 3 better?
Based on our analysis, Things 3 scores higher with 90/100. Dynalist isfreemium while Things 3 is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Dynalist to Things 3 easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Dynalist and Things 3 offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Dynalist is freemium with a free tier.Things 3 is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.