Totem vs Things 3: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Totem 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:
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.
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 |  Totem |  Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $9.99/onceiPhone |
Best For | Task Management | Productivity |
Rating | - | 5.0/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Totem or Things 3?
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
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 | Totem | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★5.0/5 342 reviews |
| Categories | Task ManagementProductivity | ProductivityProject Management |
In-Depth Analysis
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
Value 50/100. Totem has no pricing tiers, free tier, or free trial listed, making it impossible to assess fairness or value.
Watch out: No pricing data means potential surprise fees
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
Value 90/100. 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.
Pricing: Totem vs Things 3
| Plan | Totem | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | $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 Totem pricing and Things 3 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 5.0/5. Totem has no ratings yet.
Go with: Things 3
Value user reviews?
Totem: no ratings yet. Things 3: 342 reviews (5.0/5).
Go with: Things 3
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Totem is freemium. Things 3 is paid. Totem lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Totem is a task management tool. Things 3 is in productivity. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Things 3 is rated 5.0/5; 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 is our pick. Totem has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Totem or Things 3 better?
Things 3 is rated in our evaluation. Totem is freemium and Things 3 is paid.
What are Totem and Things 3 used for?
Totem: Effortless task management for Apple users. Things 3: Award-winning task manager for Apple.
What does Totem cost vs Things 3?
Totem is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Things 3 is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.