Things 3 vs TickTick: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Things 3 and TickTick 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.
TickTick
Task manager, calendar, habits, and Pomo timer in one app
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need task management features specifically
- • TickTick is a to-do list and task management app with calendar
- • It combines tasks, habits, and calendar in one productivity app
| At a Glance |  Things 3 |  TickTick |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $9.99/onceiPhone | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Productivity | Task Management |
Rating | 5.0/5 | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Things 3 or TickTick?
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 TickTick if
Task manager, calendar, habits, and Pomo timer in one app
- All-in-one
- Calendar view
- Habit tracking
- Budget matters (Free vs $9.99/once)
- Your work is task management-shaped, not productivity-shaped
| Feature | Things 3 | TickTick |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★5.0/5 342 reviews | ★4.7/5 234 reviews |
| Categories | ProductivityProject Management | Task ManagementHabit Tracking |
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
Value 9/100. 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.
TickTick
Task manager, calendar, habits, and Pomo timer in one app
Strengths
- +All-in-one
- +Calendar view
- +Habit tracking
Weaknesses
- -Some features require a paid plan
Key features
Value 85/100. TickTick's pricing is quite generous, offering a robust Free tier that covers essential task management needs.
Watch out: Annual discount requires upfront payment
Pricing: Things 3 vs TickTick
| Plan | Things 3 | TickTick |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $49.99 once Mac | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $9.99 once iPhone | $2.79 month Premium |
| Tier 3 | $19.99 once iPad | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Things 3 pricing and TickTick pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
TickTick has a free tier. Things 3 is paid only.
Go with: TickTick
Want the highest-rated option?
Things 3: 5.0/5 (342 reviews). TickTick: 4.7/5 (234 reviews).
Go with: Things 3
Value user reviews?
Things 3: 342 reviews (5.0/5). TickTick: 234 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Things 3
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Things 3 is paid. TickTick is freemium. TickTick lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Things 3 is a productivity tool. TickTick is in task management. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Things 3 is rated higher: 5.0/5 vs 4.7/5.
Key Takeaways
Things 3
- Higher user rating: 5.0/5 vs 4.7/5
- Larger review base (342 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
TickTick
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for task management
The Bottom Line
Things 3 is our pick. TickTick has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Things 3 or TickTick better?
Things 3 is rated in our evaluation. Things 3 is paid and TickTick is freemium.
What are Things 3 and TickTick used for?
Things 3: Award-winning task manager for Apple. TickTick: Task manager, calendar, habits, and Pomo timer in one app.
What does Things 3 cost vs TickTick?
Things 3 is a paid tool. TickTick is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.