Todoist vs Things 3: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Todoist 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:
Todoist
Task management app
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • Task management app with natural language input, projects, labels, and cross-platform sync.
- • Features AI assistant for task prioritization, calendar views, and 100+ integrations.
Things 3
Personal task manager
Best for you if:
- • Things is a task management app for Apple devices
- • It provides elegant to-do lists with projects, areas, and quick entry
| At a Glance |  Todoist | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Task Management | Task Management |
Rating | 86/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Todoist | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Task ManagementProject Tracking | Task ManagementCalendar |
Understanding the Differences
Both Todoist and Things 3 solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Todoist positions itself as "task management app" while Things 3focuses on "personal task manager". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Todoist
Todoist makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 86/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Things 3
Things 3 is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Todoist lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Todoist
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Todoist handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Todoist
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Things 3 takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Things 3
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Todoist, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Todoist higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Things 3 more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Todoist Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Things 3 If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Todoist (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Todoist scores higher in our analysis, but Things 3 might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Todoist or Things 3 better?
Based on our analysis, Todoist scores higher with 86/100. Todoist isfreemium while Things 3 is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Todoist to Things 3 easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Todoist and Things 3 offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Todoist is freemium with a free tier.Things 3 is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.