Goals vs Things 3: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Goals and Things 3 side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Goals leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Goals
Tell us your goal, and we'll tell you what to do next to achieve it.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Things 3 requires payment)
Things 3
Award-winning task manager for Apple
Best for you if:
- • You want beautiful design (Apple)
| At a Glance | Things 3 | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Not published |
Category | Task Management Productivity | Productivity Task Management |
Rating | n/a | 4.4/5 G2 4.4 29 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Watch out for | n/a | No web app means you cannot access your tasks from a Windows PC, Chromebook, or any non-Apple device. If you switch platforms, your investment is lost. |
Choose Goals or Things 3?
Choose Goals if
- You want a fully free tool (Things 3 requires payment)
- You want simplifies complex goals into manageable steps
- You want encourages consistent progress through streaks
- You work in task management, not productivity
Choose Things 3 if
- You want beautiful design (Apple)
- You want powerful organization
- You work in productivity, not task management
In-Depth Analysis
Goals
Tell us your goal, and we'll tell you what to do next to achieve it.
Strengths
- Pro: Simplifies complex goals into manageable steps
- Pro: Encourages consistent progress through streaks
- Pro: Facilitates accountability with collaborative features
- Pro: Provides a clear roadmap for achieving objectives
Weaknesses
- Con: No explicit cons mentioned on the page
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
No web app means you cannot access your tasks from a Windows PC, Chromebook, or any non-Apple device. If you switch platforms, your investment is lost.
Strengths
- Pro: Beautiful design (Apple)
- Pro: Powerful organization
- Pro: One-time purchase
- Pro: Good keyboard shortcuts
- Pro: Fast and reliable
Weaknesses
- Con: Apple only (no Windows/Android)
- Con: Significant upfront cost
- Con: No collaboration
- Con: No web version
- Con: Limited integrations
Key features
Plans and prices: Goals vs Things 3
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | No plan prices on file | makegoals.app |
| Things 3 |
| culturedcode.com/things/pricing read Oct 2, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Goals pricing and Things 3 pricing.
Key Takeaways
Goals
- Has a free plan
Things 3
- Choose if you want award-winning task manager for Apple
What the data shows
On the data below, Goals leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- Only Things 3 has a published user rating (4.4/5 from 29 reviews); Goals has none we can show.
- Only Goals has a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Goals and Things 3 compare in 2026?
On the data below, Goals leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. Only Things 3 has a published user rating (4.4/5 from 29 reviews); Goals has none we can show. Only Goals has a free plan.
What are Goals and Things 3 used for?
Goals: Tell us your goal, and we'll tell you what to do next to achieve it. Things 3: Award-winning task manager for Apple.
What does Goals cost vs Things 3?
Goals is free. Things 3 has no public paid-plan price on file. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 2, 2026.
What's the main difference between Goals and Things 3?
Goals's main strength: simplifies complex goals into manageable steps. Things 3's main strength: beautiful design (Apple).