Tot vs Things 3: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Tot 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:
Tot
Your tiny text companion for Apple devices.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need note-taking features specifically
- • Collect and edit text across Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
- • Seamlessly syncs text via iCloud for ubiquitous access.
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 |  Tot |  Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $9.99/onceiPhone |
Best For | Note-Taking | Productivity |
Rating | - | 5.0/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Tot or Things 3?
Choose Tot if
Your tiny text companion for Apple devices.
- Seamless synchronization across Apple devices.
- Minimalist and intuitive user interface.
- Supports both rich text and Markdown.
- You want a fully free tool (Things 3 requires payment)
- Your work is note-taking-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 note-taking-shaped
| Feature | Tot | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★5.0/5 342 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingWriting Apps | ProductivityProject Management |
In-Depth Analysis
Tot
Your tiny text companion for Apple devices.
Strengths
- +Seamless synchronization across Apple devices.
- +Minimalist and intuitive user interface.
- +Supports both rich text and Markdown.
- +Useful for quick notes and scratchpad functionality.
- +Automatic backups provide data safety.
Weaknesses
- -Primarily focused on Apple ecosystem, limiting cross-platform use.
- -May be too simple for complex document editing needs.
- -Some features are premium, requiring payment.
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)
- -Significant upfront cost
- -No collaboration
- -No web version
- -Limited integrations
Key features
Pricing: Tot vs Things 3
| Plan | Tot | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $49.99 once Mac |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $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 Tot pricing and Things 3 pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Tot is free. Things 3 is paid.
Go with: Tot
Want the highest-rated option?
Things 3 is rated 5.0/5. Tot has no ratings yet.
Go with: Things 3
Value user reviews?
Tot: no ratings yet. Things 3: 342 reviews (5.0/5).
Go with: Things 3
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Tot is free. Things 3 is paid. Go with Tot if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Tot is a note-taking tool. Things 3 is in productivity. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Things 3 is rated 5.0/5; Tot has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Things 3
- Our pick for this comparison
Tot
- Completely free
- Better fit for note-taking
The Bottom Line
Things 3 is our pick. That said, Tot is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tot or Things 3 better?
Things 3 is rated in our evaluation. Tot is free and Things 3 is paid.
What are Tot and Things 3 used for?
Tot: Your tiny text companion for Apple devices.. Things 3: Award-winning task manager for Apple.
What does Tot cost vs Things 3?
Tot is completely free. Things 3 is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.