Things 3 vs Zip: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Things 3 and Zip 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. Pick Zip if you need workflow automation.
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.
Zip
AI-powered procurement orchestration from intake to pay
Best for you if:
- • You need workflow automation features specifically
- • AI-powered procurement orchestration covering intake, procurement, pay, contracts, sourcing, and risk management.
- • Automates manual tasks like invoice coding, exception resolution, and contract review with purpose-built AI agents.
| At a Glance |  Things 3 |  Zip |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $9.99/onceiPhone | Custom |
Best For | Productivity | Workflow Automation |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Things 3 or Zip?
Choose Things 3 if
Award-winning task manager for Apple
- Beautiful design (Apple)
- Powerful organization
- One-time purchase
- Your work is productivity-shaped, not workflow automation-shaped
Choose Zip if
AI-powered procurement orchestration from intake to pay
- Comprehensive platform covering the entire procurement lifecycle from intake to pay.
- AI agents automate complex tasks like invoice coding, contract review, and price negotiation.
- Strong integration ecosystem with 2,500+ integrations and real-time sync with existing finance stacks.
- Your work is workflow automation-shaped, not productivity-shaped
| Feature | Things 3 | Zip |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 172 reviews | ★4.6/5 30,169 reviews |
| Categories | ProductivityProject Management | Workflow AutomationContract Management |
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
Zip
AI-powered procurement orchestration from intake to pay
Strengths
- +Comprehensive platform covering the entire procurement lifecycle from intake to pay.
- +AI agents automate complex tasks like invoice coding, contract review, and price negotiation.
- +Strong integration ecosystem with 2,500+ integrations and real-time sync with existing finance stacks.
Weaknesses
- -Pricing is not publicly disclosed, likely enterprise-focused and may be costly for small businesses.
- -Implementation may require dedicated support from Zip's Enterprise Transformation Office or certified partners.
Key features
Pricing: Things 3 vs Zip
| Plan | Things 3 | Zip |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Zip 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). Zip: 4.6/5 (30,169 reviews).
Go with: Things 3
Value user reviews?
Things 3: 172 reviews (4.6/5). Zip: 30,169 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Zip
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. Zip is in workflow automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Both are rated 4.6/5.
Key Takeaways
Things 3
- Our pick for this comparison
Zip
- Larger review base (30,169 reviews)
- Better fit for workflow automation
The Bottom Line
Things 3 wins this matchup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Things 3 or Zip better?
Things 3 is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Things 3 and Zip used for?
Things 3: Award-winning task manager for Apple. Zip: AI-powered procurement orchestration from intake to pay.
What does Things 3 cost vs Zip?
Things 3 is a paid tool. Zip is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.