Things 3 vs Totem: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Things 3 and Totem 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 wins this matchup. Our overall Task Management pick is Trello. Our free Task Management pick is Google Calendar. Pick Totem 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.
Totem
Effortless task management for Apple users
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need task management features specifically
- • Minimalist to-do app with a clean, distraction-free interface.
- • Seamless sync across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
| At a Glance |  Things 3 |  Totem |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $9.99/onceiPhone | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Productivity | Task Management |
Rating | 4.6/5 | - |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Things 3 or Totem?
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 Totem if
Effortless task management for Apple users
- Extremely simple and intuitive interface
- Fast performance with minimal lag
- Great for users who want a no-frills task manager
- You want a free tier before you commit
- Your work is task management-shaped, not productivity-shaped
| Feature | Things 3 | Totem |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 172 reviews | No ratings yet |
| 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
Totem
Effortless task management for Apple users
Strengths
- +Extremely simple and intuitive interface
- +Fast performance with minimal lag
- +Great for users who want a no-frills task manager
Weaknesses
- -Limited advanced features like subtasks or tags
- -Only available on Apple devices
Key features
Pricing: Things 3 vs Totem
| Plan | Things 3 | Totem |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Totem pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Totem has a free tier. Things 3 is paid only.
Go with: Totem
Want the highest-rated option?
Things 3 is rated 4.6/5. Totem has no ratings yet.
Go with: Things 3
Value user reviews?
Things 3: 172 reviews (4.6/5). Totem: no ratings yet.
Go with: Things 3
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Things 3 is paid. Totem is freemium. Totem lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Things 3 is a productivity tool. Totem is in task management. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Things 3 is rated 4.6/5; Totem has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Things 3
- Our pick for this comparison
Totem
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for task management
The Bottom Line
Things 3 wins this matchup. Our overall Task Management pick is Trello. Our free Task Management pick is Google Calendar. Totem has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Things 3 or Totem better?
Things 3 is rated in our evaluation. Things 3 is paid and Totem is freemium.
What are Things 3 and Totem used for?
Things 3: Award-winning task manager for Apple. Totem: Effortless task management for Apple users.
What does Things 3 cost vs Totem?
Things 3 is a paid tool. Totem is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.