Things 3 vs OmniFocus: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Things 3 and OmniFocus 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.
OmniFocus
Master your tasks with powerful Apple-based GTD organization
Best for you if:
- • You need task management features specifically
- • OmniFocus is a task management app for GTD methodology on Apple devices
- • It provides powerful organization with projects, contexts, and perspectives
| At a Glance |  Things 3 |  OmniFocus |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $9.99/onceiPhone | $9.99/monthPro |
Best For | Productivity | Task Management |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Things 3 or OmniFocus?
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
Choose OmniFocus if
Master your tasks with powerful Apple-based GTD organization
- Powerful GTD support
- Apple integration
- Professional features
- Your work is task management-shaped, not productivity-shaped
| Feature | Things 3 | OmniFocus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 172 reviews | ★4.6/5 86 reviews |
| Categories | ProductivityProject Management | Task ManagementProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
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. If you want Mac + iPad + iPhone, that is $79.97 total, not a single purchase. There is no bundle discount.
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
OmniFocus
Master your tasks with powerful Apple-based GTD organization
OmniFocus's pricing is somewhat complex and can be expensive, especially for users needing full functionality across multiple Apple devices.
Watch out
Standard tier requires separate purchase per platform (iOS/macOS).
Strengths
- +Powerful GTD support
- +Apple integration
- +Professional features
Weaknesses
- -Apple only
- -Expensive
Key features
Pricing: Things 3 vs OmniFocus
| Plan | Things 3 | OmniFocus |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $49.99 once Mac | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $9.99 once iPhone | $9.99 month Pro |
| Tier 3 | $19.99 once iPad | $49.99 once Standard |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Things 3 pricing and OmniFocus pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Things 3
Want the highest-rated option?
Things 3: 4.6/5 (172 reviews). OmniFocus: 4.6/5 (86 reviews).
Go with: Things 3
Value user reviews?
Things 3: 172 reviews (4.6/5). OmniFocus: 86 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Things 3
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Things 3 is a productivity tool. OmniFocus is in task management. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Both are rated 4.6/5.
Key Takeaways
Things 3
- Larger review base (172 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
OmniFocus
- Better fit for task management
The Bottom Line
Things 3 is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Things 3 or OmniFocus better?
Things 3 is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Things 3 and OmniFocus used for?
Things 3: Award-winning task manager for Apple. OmniFocus: Master your tasks with powerful Apple-based GTD organization.
What does Things 3 cost vs OmniFocus?
Things 3 is a paid tool. OmniFocus is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.