Things 3 vs Todoist MCP: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Things 3 and Todoist MCP 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 Todoist MCP if you need task management.
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.
Todoist MCP
Official Todoist MCP server for task management
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need task management features specifically
- • You need official todoist mcp server for task management
- • You want to start free and upgrade later
| At a Glance |  Things 3 | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $9.99/onceiPhone | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Productivity | Task Management |
Rating | 5.0/5 | - |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Things 3 or Todoist MCP?
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 Todoist MCP if
Official Todoist MCP server for task management
- You want a free tier before you commit
- Your work is task management-shaped, not productivity-shaped
| Feature | Things 3 | Todoist MCP |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★5.0/5 342 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | ProductivityProject Management | Task ManagementAI Assistants |
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.
Todoist MCP
Official Todoist MCP server for task management
Key features
Pricing: Things 3 vs Todoist MCP
| Plan | Things 3 | Todoist MCP |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $49.99 once Mac | N/A |
| Tier 2 | $9.99 once iPhone | N/A |
| 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 Todoist MCP pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Todoist MCP has a free tier. Things 3 is paid only.
Go with: Todoist MCP
Want the highest-rated option?
Things 3 is rated 5.0/5. Todoist MCP has no ratings yet.
Go with: Things 3
Value user reviews?
Things 3: 342 reviews (5.0/5). Todoist MCP: no ratings yet.
Go with: Things 3
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Things 3 is paid. Todoist MCP is freemium. Todoist MCP lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Things 3 is a productivity tool. Todoist MCP is in task management. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Things 3 is rated 5.0/5; Todoist MCP has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Things 3
- Our pick for this comparison
Todoist MCP
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for task management
The Bottom Line
Things 3 is our pick. Todoist MCP has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Things 3 or Todoist MCP better?
Things 3 is rated in our evaluation. Things 3 is paid and Todoist MCP is freemium.
What are Things 3 and Todoist MCP used for?
Things 3: Award-winning task manager for Apple. Todoist MCP: Official Todoist MCP server for task management.
What does Things 3 cost vs Todoist MCP?
Things 3 is a paid tool. Todoist MCP is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.