Things 3 vs Asana: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Things 3 and Asana 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:
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.
Asana
Orchestrate work from tasks to initiatives with projects and automation
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need project management features specifically
- • Work management platform
- • Multiple project views
| At a Glance |  Things 3 |  Asana |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $9.99/onceiPhone | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Productivity | Project Management |
Rating | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
Choose Things 3 or Asana?
Choose Things 3 if
Award-winning task manager for Apple
- Beautiful design (Apple)
- Powerful organization
- One-time purchase
- Your work is productivity-shaped, not project management-shaped
Choose Asana if
Orchestrate work from tasks to initiatives with projects and automation
- Multiple project views
- Good workflow automation
- Strong integrations
- Your work is project management-shaped, not productivity-shaped
| Feature | Things 3 | Asana |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★5.0/5 342 reviews | ★4.5/5 51,834 reviews |
| Categories | ProductivityProject Management | Project ManagementTask Management |
In-Depth Analysis
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
Asana
Orchestrate work from tasks to initiatives with projects and automation
Strengths
- +Multiple project views
- +Good workflow automation
- +Strong integrations
- +Goals and portfolio tracking
Weaknesses
- -Can be complex for simple needs
- -Some features require higher tiers
- -Mobile app less powerful
Key features
Pricing: Things 3 vs Asana
| Plan | Things 3 | Asana |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $49.99 once Mac | $0 Personal |
| Tier 2 | $9.99 once iPhone | $10.99 Starter |
| Tier 3 | $19.99 once iPad | $24.99 Advanced |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Custom Enterprise |
| Tier 5 | N/A | Custom Enterprise+ |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Things 3 pricing and Asana pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Asana has a free tier. Things 3 is paid only.
Go with: Asana
Want the highest-rated option?
Things 3: 5.0/5 (342 reviews). Asana: 4.5/5 (51,834 reviews).
Go with: Things 3
Value user reviews?
Things 3: 342 reviews (5.0/5). Asana: 51,834 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Asana
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Things 3 is paid. Asana is freemium. Asana lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Things 3 is a productivity tool. Asana is in project management. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Things 3 is rated higher: 5.0/5 vs 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
Things 3
- Higher user rating: 5.0/5 vs 4.5/5
- Our pick for this comparison
Asana
- Has a free tier
- Larger review base (51,834 reviews)
- Better fit for project management
The Bottom Line
Things 3 is our pick. Asana has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Things 3 or Asana better?
Things 3 is rated in our evaluation. Things 3 is paid and Asana is freemium.
What are Things 3 and Asana used for?
Things 3: Award-winning task manager for Apple. Asana: Orchestrate work from tasks to initiatives with projects and automation.
What does Things 3 cost vs Asana?
Things 3 is a paid tool. Asana is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.