PopTask vs Things 3: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between PopTask 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 PopTask if you need task management.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
PopTask
Smart task management and deadline alerts, directly from your macOS menu bar.
Best for you if:
- • You want seamless integration into macOS menu bar for instant access
- • You want aI-powered natural language processing for effortless task entry
Things 3
Award-winning task manager for Apple
Best for you if:
- • You want beautiful design (Apple)
- • You want powerful organization
| At a Glance | PopTask | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | $9.99/onceiPhone |
Best For | Task Management | Productivity |
Rating | - | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose PopTask or Things 3?
Choose PopTask if
Smart task management and deadline alerts, directly from your macOS menu bar.
- You want seamless integration into macOS menu bar for instant access
- You want aI-powered natural language processing for effortless task entry
- Your work is task management-shaped, not productivity-shaped
Choose Things 3 if
Award-winning task manager for Apple
- You want beautiful design (Apple)
- You want powerful organization
- Your work is productivity-shaped, not task management-shaped
| Feature | PopTask | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.4/5 29 reviews |
| Categories | Task ManagementProductivity | ProductivityProject Management |
In-Depth Analysis
PopTask
Smart task management and deadline alerts, directly from your macOS menu bar.
Strengths
- +Seamless integration into macOS menu bar for instant access
- +AI-powered natural language processing for effortless task entry
- +Breaks down complex tasks into manageable subtasks with AI
- +Smart alerts and countdowns help prioritize and maintain focus
- +Supports recurring tasks and flexible snoozing options
Weaknesses
- -Only available for macOS
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: PopTask vs Things 3
| Plan | PopTask | 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 PopTask pricing and Things 3 pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Things 3
Want the highest-rated option?
Things 3 is rated 4.4/5. PopTask has no ratings yet.
Go with: Things 3
Value user reviews?
PopTask: no ratings yet. Things 3: 29 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: Things 3
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
PopTask is a task management tool. Things 3 is in productivity. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Things 3 is rated 4.4/5; PopTask has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Things 3
- Our pick for this comparison
PopTask
- Better fit for task management
The Bottom Line
Things 3 wins this matchup. Our overall Task Management pick is Google Calendar. Our free Task Management pick is Google Calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PopTask or Things 3 better?
Things 3 is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are PopTask and Things 3 used for?
PopTask: Smart task management and deadline alerts, directly from your macOS menu bar.. Things 3: Award-winning task manager for Apple.
What does PopTask cost vs Things 3?
PopTask is a paid tool. Things 3 is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.