TickTick vs Things 3: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between TickTick and Things 3 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:
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
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.
| At a Glance |  TickTick |  Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $2.79/monthPremium | $49.99/onceMac |
Best For | Task Management | Productivity |
Rating | - | - |
Choose TickTick or Things 3?
Choose TickTick if
Task manager, calendar, habits, and Pomo timer in one app
- All-in-one
- Calendar view
- Habit tracking
- Budget matters ($2.79/month vs $49.99/once)
- Your work is task management-shaped, not productivity-shaped
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
| Feature | TickTick | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 234 reviews | ★5.0/5 342 reviews |
| Categories | Task ManagementHabit Tracking | ProductivityProject Management |
In-Depth Analysis
TickTick
Task manager, calendar, habits, and Pomo timer in one app
Strengths
- +All-in-one
- +Calendar view
- +Habit tracking
Weaknesses
- -Some features paid
Key features
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)
- -Expensive upfront ($50+)
- -No collaboration
- -No web version
- -Limited integrations
Key features
Pricing: TickTick vs Things 3
| Plan | TickTick | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $49.99 once Mac |
| Tier 2 | $2.79 month Premium | $9.99 once iPhone |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $19.99 once iPad |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on TickTick pricing and Things 3 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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: TickTick
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Things 3
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
TickTick is freemium. Things 3 is paid. TickTick lets you start free.
What's your use case?
TickTick is a task management tool. Things 3 is in productivity. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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 TickTick or Things 3 better?
Things 3 is rated in our evaluation. TickTick is freemium and Things 3 is paid.
What are TickTick and Things 3 used for?
TickTick: Task manager, calendar, habits, and Pomo timer in one app. Things 3: Award-winning task manager for Apple.
What does TickTick cost vs Things 3?
TickTick is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Things 3 is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.