Routine vs Things 3: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Routine 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:
Routine
Your everyday AI-powered app for managing tasks, calendars, and notes across all platforms.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • AI-powered meeting summaries and task creation.
- • Centralizes tasks, calendars, notes, and communications in a universal inbox.
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 |  Routine |  Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $9.99/onceiPhone |
Best For | Productivity | Productivity |
Rating | - | 5.0/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Routine or Things 3?
Choose Routine if
Your everyday AI-powered app for managing tasks, calendars, and notes across all platforms.
- Automates meeting summaries and task creation using AI, saving time and ensuring follow-through.
- Centralizes various productivity tools (tasks, calendar, notes, inbox) into one platform, reducing app switching.
- Offers robust customization with custom types and views to adapt to individual or team workflows.
Choose Things 3 if
Award-winning task manager for Apple
- Beautiful design (Apple)
- Powerful organization
- One-time purchase
| Feature | Routine | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★5.0/5 342 reviews |
| Categories | ProductivityAI Assistants | ProductivityProject Management |
In-Depth Analysis
Routine
Your everyday AI-powered app for managing tasks, calendars, and notes across all platforms.
Strengths
- +Automates meeting summaries and task creation using AI, saving time and ensuring follow-through.
- +Centralizes various productivity tools (tasks, calendar, notes, inbox) into one platform, reducing app switching.
- +Offers robust customization with custom types and views to adapt to individual or team workflows.
- +Provides cross-platform availability and offline mode for continuous productivity.
- +Includes features like time blocking and timers to help users stay focused and manage their time effectively.
Weaknesses
- -Advanced AI and collaboration features are locked behind paid tiers.
- -Some features like 'Canvases' and 'Automations' are marked as 'soon', indicating they are not yet fully available.
- -The extensive feature set might have a learning curve for new users.
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: Routine vs Things 3
| Plan | Routine | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free forever Free | $49.99 once Mac |
| Tier 2 | $10 per month Professional | $9.99 once iPhone |
| Tier 3 | $15 per seat/month Business | $19.99 once iPad |
| Tier 4 | Contact us Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Routine pricing and Things 3 pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Routine has a free tier. Things 3 is paid only.
Go with: Routine
Want the highest-rated option?
Things 3 is rated 5.0/5. Routine has no ratings yet.
Go with: Things 3
Value user reviews?
Routine: no ratings yet. Things 3: 342 reviews (5.0/5).
Go with: Things 3
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Routine is freemium. Things 3 is paid. Routine 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; Routine has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Things 3
- Our pick for this comparison
Routine
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Things 3 is our pick. Routine has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Routine or Things 3 better?
Things 3 is rated in our evaluation. Routine is freemium and Things 3 is paid.
What are Routine and Things 3 used for?
Routine: Your everyday AI-powered app for managing tasks, calendars, and notes across all platforms.. Things 3: Award-winning task manager for Apple.
What does Routine cost vs Things 3?
Routine is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Things 3 is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.