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.
Bottom line: Things 3 wins this matchup. Our overall Task Management pick is Google Calendar. Our free Task Management pick is Google Calendar. Pick Totem if you need task management.
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 a free tier before you commit
- • You want extremely simple and intuitive interface
- • You want fast performance with minimal lag
Things 3
Award-winning task manager for Apple
Best for you if:
- • You want beautiful design (Apple)
- • You want powerful organization
| At a Glance | Totem | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $9.99/onceiPhone |
Best For | Task Management | Productivity |
Rating | - | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Totem or Things 3?
Choose Totem if
Effortless task management for Apple users
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want extremely simple and intuitive interface
- You want fast performance with minimal lag
- Your work is task management-shaped, not productivity-shaped
Choose Things 3 if
Award-winning task manager for Apple
- You want beautiful design (Apple)
- You want powerful organization
- Your work is productivity-shaped, not task management-shaped
| Feature | Totem | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.4/5 29 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
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
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 4.4/5. Totem has no ratings yet.
Go with: Things 3
Value user reviews?
Totem: no ratings yet. Things 3: 29 reviews (4.4/5).
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 4.4/5; 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 wins this matchup. Our overall Task Management pick is Google Calendar. Our free Task Management pick is Google Calendar. 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.