Sunrise vs Things 3: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Sunrise 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:
Sunrise
Unify your Google Calendar and Tasks in one clean interface
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need calendar features specifically
- • Unifies Google Calendar and Google Tasks in one interface to reduce app switching.
- • Offers Today view, upcoming agenda, week calendar, and kanban board for planning.
Things 3
Award-winning task manager for Apple
Best for you if:
- • You need productivity 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 |  Sunrise |  Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $9.99/onceiPhone |
Best For | Calendar | Productivity |
Rating | - | 5.0/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Sunrise or Things 3?
Choose Sunrise if
Unify your Google Calendar and Tasks in one clean interface
- Eliminates the need to switch between Google Calendar and Google Tasks
- Data remains in your Google account (privacy-focused client interface)
- Free tier includes all core features without a credit card
- You want a free tier before you commit
- Your work is calendar-shaped, not productivity-shaped
Choose Things 3 if
Award-winning task manager for Apple
- Beautiful design (Apple)
- Powerful organization
- One-time purchase
- Your work is productivity-shaped, not calendar-shaped
| Feature | Sunrise | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★5.0/5 342 reviews |
| Categories | CalendarTask Management | ProductivityProject Management |
In-Depth Analysis
Sunrise
Unify your Google Calendar and Tasks in one clean interface
Strengths
- +Eliminates the need to switch between Google Calendar and Google Tasks
- +Data remains in your Google account (privacy-focused client interface)
- +Free tier includes all core features without a credit card
Weaknesses
- -Available only as a web app; native mobile apps are in development
- -Offline support is not yet available (planned for Pro tier)
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: Sunrise vs Things 3
| Plan | Sunrise | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0/mo Free | $49.99 once Mac |
| Tier 2 | Coming soon Pro | $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 Sunrise pricing and Things 3 pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Sunrise has a free tier. Things 3 is paid only.
Go with: Sunrise
Want the highest-rated option?
Things 3 is rated 5.0/5. Sunrise has no ratings yet.
Go with: Things 3
Value user reviews?
Sunrise: no ratings yet. Things 3: 342 reviews (5.0/5).
Go with: Things 3
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Sunrise is freemium. Things 3 is paid. Sunrise lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Sunrise is a calendar tool. Things 3 is in productivity. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Things 3 is rated 5.0/5; Sunrise has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Things 3
- Our pick for this comparison
Sunrise
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for calendar
The Bottom Line
Things 3 is our pick. Sunrise has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sunrise or Things 3 better?
Things 3 is rated in our evaluation. Sunrise is freemium and Things 3 is paid.
What are Sunrise and Things 3 used for?
Sunrise: Unify your Google Calendar and Tasks in one clean interface. Things 3: Award-winning task manager for Apple.
What does Sunrise cost vs Things 3?
Sunrise is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Things 3 is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.