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.
Bottom line: Things 3 wins this matchup. Google Calendar is our overall Task Management pick. Google Calendar is our free Task Management pick. Pick Routine if you need a free tier to start with.
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:
Routine
Your everyday AI-powered app for managing tasks, calendars, and notes across all platforms.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
Things 3
Award-winning task manager for Apple
Best for you if:
- • You want beautiful design (Apple)
| At a Glance | Routine | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | $9.99/once iPhone |
Category | Productivity AI Assistants | Productivity Project Management |
Rating | n/a | 4.4/5 G2 4.4 29 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Watch out for | n/a | Each platform is sold separately. There is no bundle discount. |
Choose Routine or Things 3?
Choose Routine if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want automates meeting summaries and task creation using AI, saving time and ensuring follow-through
- You want centralizes various productivity tools (tasks, calendar, notes, inbox) into one platform, reducing app switching
Choose Things 3 if
- You want beautiful design (Apple)
- You want powerful organization
In-Depth Analysis
Routine
Your everyday AI-powered app for managing tasks, calendars, and notes across all platforms.
Routine's pricing is quite generous, especially with a robust Free tier that includes core functionalities like unlimited integrations and collaboration.
Strengths
- Pro: Automates meeting summaries and task creation using AI, saving time and ensuring follow-through.
- Pro: Centralizes various productivity tools (tasks, calendar, notes, inbox) into one platform, reducing app switching.
- Pro: Offers robust customization with custom types and views to adapt to individual or team workflows.
- Pro: Provides cross-platform availability and offline mode for continuous productivity.
- Pro: Includes features like time blocking and timers to help users stay focused and manage their time effectively.
Weaknesses
- Con: Advanced AI and collaboration features are locked behind paid tiers.
- Con: Some features like 'Canvases' and 'Automations' are marked as 'soon', indicating they are not yet fully available.
- Con: The extensive feature set might have a learning curve for new users.
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. There is no bundle discount.
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
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.
Key Takeaways
Things 3
- Our pick for this comparison
Routine
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Things 3 wins this matchup. Google Calendar is our overall Task Management pick. Google Calendar is our free Task Management pick. Routine has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Routine or Things 3 better in 2026?
Things 3 wins this matchup. Google Calendar is our overall Task Management pick. Google Calendar is our free Task Management pick. Pick Routine for productivity workflows (main strength: automates meeting summaries and task creation using AI, saving time and ensuring follow-through). Pick Things 3 for productivity workflows (main strength: beautiful design (Apple)).
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's paid plans start at Free (Professional). Things 3's paid plans start at $9.99/once (iPhone).
What's the main difference between Routine and Things 3?
Routine's main strength: automates meeting summaries and task creation using AI, saving time and ensuring follow-through. Things 3's main strength: beautiful design (Apple).