Zip vs Things 3: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Zip 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. Pick Zip if you need workflow automation.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Zip
AI-powered procurement orchestration from intake to pay
Best for you if:
- • You want comprehensive platform covering the entire procurement lifecycle from intake to pay
- • You want aI agents automate complex tasks like invoice coding, contract review, and price negotiation
Things 3
Award-winning task manager for Apple
Best for you if:
- • You want beautiful design (Apple)
- • You want powerful organization
| At a Glance | Zip | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | $9.99/onceiPhone |
Best For | Workflow Automation | Productivity |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Zip or Things 3?
Choose Zip if
AI-powered procurement orchestration from intake to pay
- You want comprehensive platform covering the entire procurement lifecycle from intake to pay
- You want aI agents automate complex tasks like invoice coding, contract review, and price negotiation
- Your work is workflow automation-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 workflow automation-shaped
| Feature | Zip | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 30,170 reviews | ★4.4/5 29 reviews |
| Categories | Workflow AutomationContract Management | ProductivityProject Management |
In-Depth Analysis
Zip
AI-powered procurement orchestration from intake to pay
Strengths
- +Comprehensive platform covering the entire procurement lifecycle from intake to pay.
- +AI agents automate complex tasks like invoice coding, contract review, and price negotiation.
- +Strong integration ecosystem with 2,500+ integrations and real-time sync with existing finance stacks.
Weaknesses
- -Pricing is not publicly disclosed, likely enterprise-focused and may be costly for small businesses.
- -Implementation may require dedicated support from Zip's Enterprise Transformation Office or certified partners.
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. 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: Zip vs Things 3
| Plan | Zip | 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 Zip pricing and Things 3 pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Things 3
Want the highest-rated option?
Zip: 4.6/5 (30,170 reviews). Things 3: 4.4/5 (29 reviews).
Go with: Zip
Value user reviews?
Zip: 30,170 reviews (4.6/5). Things 3: 29 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: Zip
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Zip is a workflow automation tool. Things 3 is in productivity. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Zip is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Things 3
- Our pick for this comparison
Zip
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (30,170 reviews)
- Better fit for workflow automation
The Bottom Line
Things 3 wins this matchup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zip or Things 3 better?
Things 3 is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Zip and Things 3 used for?
Zip: AI-powered procurement orchestration from intake to pay. Things 3: Award-winning task manager for Apple.
What does Zip cost vs Things 3?
Zip is a paid tool. Things 3 is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.