Things 3
PaidAward-winning personal task manager for Apple devices. Elegant design with powerful features like headings, checklists, tags, and natural language date parsing.
What does this tool do?
Things 3 is a native task management application exclusively for Apple's ecosystem (Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch). It focuses on elegant design paired with practical task organization features including headings, checklists, tags, and natural language date parsing. The app emphasizes getting information out of your head quickly through a "brain dump" workflow, then organizing tasks into projects with customizable views. It supports Markdown notes, keyboard shortcuts, Siri integration, and Apple Shortcuts automation. The core philosophy appears to be reducing friction between thinking and capturing tasks while maintaining a clean interface that doesn't force a particular productivity methodology on users.
AI analysis from Feb 23, 2026
Key Features
- Natural language date parsing for quick task scheduling (e.g., 'tomorrow', 'next Friday')
- Hierarchical task organization with projects, headings, checklists, and subtasks
- Tag-based task filtering and custom views for flexible organization
- Markdown support for rich text notes within tasks and projects
- Cross-device synchronization via iCloud across Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch
- Keyboard shortcuts and Apple Shortcuts integration for automation workflows
- Built-in search with fast retrieval across task lists
- Siri voice command integration for hands-free task creation
Use Cases
- 1Daily task capture and morning planning for professionals who need to quickly dump tasks and prioritize what matters today
- 2Project management for individual creators or small teams working within Apple devices (writers, designers, freelancers)
- 3Goal tracking with hierarchical organization combining life goals, projects, and daily tasks
- 4GTD (Getting Things Done) methodology implementation with its support for inboxes, projects, and review workflows
- 5Cross-device task synchronization for users splitting time between Mac, iPad, and iPhone with seamless continuity
- 6Automation workflows using Apple Shortcuts to integrate with other Mac/iOS apps for notification-triggered task creation
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Exceptional interface design with smooth animations and thoughtful UX that makes the app enjoyable to use daily, reducing friction in the capture and organization process
- Native performance on Apple devices with fast search, instant sync across Mac/iOS/iPadOS/watchOS, and deep system integration (Siri, Shortcuts, iCloud)
- Flexible organization without rigid methodology enforcement—works as a simple notepad or sophisticated multi-project manager depending on user needs
- Substantial longevity and polish with 10+ years of development, two Apple Design Awards, and consistent critical acclaim from major tech publications
Limitations
- Exclusive to Apple ecosystem—no Android, Windows, or web versions means it's incompatible with users or teams mixing platforms
- Premium pricing model (appears to be paid purchase rather than freemium) creates barrier to entry compared to free alternatives like Todoist or Microsoft To Do
- Limited collaboration features—designed primarily for personal task management rather than team-based project coordination
- No visible pricing information on marketing site requires users to navigate to App Store, making cost comparison difficult upfront
Pricing Details
Pricing details not publicly available on the marketing website. Pricing information must be obtained through the App Store.
Who is this for?
Individual Apple users and small teams who value design aesthetics and seamless ecosystem integration. Best suited for solo professionals, freelancers, creators, and GTD practitioners who use multiple Apple devices. Less ideal for cross-platform teams, enterprise organizations, or users requiring collaborative features.