Things vs Todoist: Which Task App in 2026?
These two top every “best to-do app” list, but they pull in opposite directions. Things 3 is calm, beautiful, and Apple-only — a one-time purchase designed for a quiet personal system. Todoist is powerful and everywhere — a subscription app with filters, labels, collaboration, and apps on every platform. If you live entirely inside Apple’s ecosystem and want focus, Things. If you need cross-platform sync, sharing, or advanced filtering, Todoist.
The One-Sentence Answer
Use Things 3 if you’re all-Apple and want a calm, pay-once personal task system. Use Todoist if you need cross-platform sync, collaboration, or powerful filters.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Things 3 | Todoist | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Apple only (Mac, iPhone, iPad, Watch) | Everywhere (Windows, Android, web, Apple) |
| Pricing | One-time purchase per platform | Subscription (usable free tier) |
| Design feel | Calm, focused, minimal | Clean but feature-dense |
| Filters & views | Areas, projects, today/upcoming | Labels, filters, custom queries |
| Collaboration | None — personal only | Shared projects and assignments |
| Natural language input | Good | Excellent, with quick add |
| Integrations | Limited | Broad, plus API |
| Best for | Solo Apple users who want calm | Anyone needing power or sharing |
When to Use Things 3
- You work entirely on Mac, iPhone, and iPad
- You want a quiet, distraction-free personal system
- You’d rather pay once than subscribe forever
- You don’t need to share lists or collaborate
- You value design and a calm daily review
Think of Things 3 as a thoughtfully arranged desk — everything in its place, nothing shouting at you.
When to Use Todoist
- You use Windows, Android, or web alongside Apple
- You want labels, filters, and custom saved views
- You share projects or assign tasks to others
- You rely on fast natural-language quick add
- You want it to plug into other tools through integrations
The Lock-In Question Most People Miss
The real divide isn’t features — it’s commitment. Things 3 only exists on Apple platforms, so the moment you pick up an Android phone or a Windows laptop, your tasks aren’t there. Todoist follows you everywhere and lets you share lists, but you pay monthly to keep that reach. Ask yourself honestly: will you always be on Apple, and will you always work solo? If yes, Things’ one-time price is the better deal. If there’s any doubt, Todoist’s reach is worth the subscription.
Rule of thumb: all-Apple and solo → Things 3; cross-platform or collaborative → Todoist.
If the real goal is getting tasks done — not just listed — rather than tidying a list yourself, that’s where Carly differs: you email or text Carly and it schedules, replies, files, and follows up for you — and automates multi-step workflows across your tools. See our best AI tools for task management and best to-do list apps.
Quick Reference
| Your situation… | Pick… |
|---|---|
| All-Apple, solo user | Things 3 |
| Prefer paying once | Things 3 |
| Want a calm, minimal app | Things 3 |
| Use Windows or Android too | Todoist |
| Need to share lists | Todoist |
| Want filters and labels | Todoist |
Related guides: Todoist alternatives · Best to-do list apps · Best AI tools for task management
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