Super Productivity vs Things 3: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Super Productivity 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 is our overall pick for productivity workflows. Pick Super Productivity if you need task management.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Super Productivity
An open-source task manager combining tasks, time tracking, and notes for deep work.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need task management features specifically
- • Open-source task manager with integrated time tracking and notes.
- • Designed for deep work, focus, and customizable workflows.
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 |  Super Productivity |  Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $9.99/onceiPhone |
Best For | Task Management | Productivity |
Rating | - | 5.0/5 |
Choose Super Productivity or Things 3?
Choose Super Productivity if
An open-source task manager combining tasks, time tracking, and notes for deep work.
- Completely free and open-source, offering full transparency and hackability.
- Strong emphasis on privacy with local-first data storage and zero telemetry.
- Highly customizable and adaptable to various workflows and professions.
- You want a fully free tool (Things 3 requires payment)
- Your work is task management-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 task management-shaped
| Feature | Super Productivity | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★5.0/5 342 reviews |
| Categories | Task ManagementTime Tracking | ProductivityProject Management |
In-Depth Analysis
Super Productivity
An open-source task manager combining tasks, time tracking, and notes for deep work.
Strengths
- +Completely free and open-source, offering full transparency and hackability.
- +Strong emphasis on privacy with local-first data storage and zero telemetry.
- +Highly customizable and adaptable to various workflows and professions.
- +Integrates with popular developer tools like GitHub and Jira.
- +Includes features for focus and overcoming procrastination (Pomodoro, CBT techniques).
Weaknesses
- -Syncing relies on third-party services like Dropbox or WebDAV, which might require additional setup.
- -Being open-source and community-driven, advanced support might be less structured than commercial products.
- -May require some technical comfort for advanced customization or plugin development.
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: Super Productivity vs Things 3
| Plan | Super Productivity | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $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 Super Productivity pricing and Things 3 pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Super Productivity is free. Things 3 is paid.
Go with: Super Productivity
Want the highest-rated option?
Things 3 is rated 5.0/5. Super Productivity has no ratings yet.
Go with: Things 3
Value user reviews?
Super Productivity: no ratings yet. Things 3: 342 reviews (5.0/5).
Go with: Things 3
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Super Productivity is free. Things 3 is paid. Go with Super Productivity if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Super Productivity 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 5.0/5; Super Productivity has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Things 3
- Our pick for this comparison
Super Productivity
- Completely free
- Better fit for task management
The Bottom Line
Things 3 is our pick. That said, Super Productivity is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Super Productivity or Things 3 better?
Things 3 is rated in our evaluation. Super Productivity is free and Things 3 is paid.
What are Super Productivity and Things 3 used for?
Super Productivity: An open-source task manager combining tasks, time tracking, and notes for deep work.. Things 3: Award-winning task manager for Apple.
What does Super Productivity cost vs Things 3?
Super Productivity is completely free. Things 3 is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.