Things 3
Award-winning design and gold standard for minimalist task management exclusive to Apple ecosystem.
Platforms
Best For
Apple users who value beautiful design, simplicity, and are willing to pay for quality software.
Category
Task ManagementPros
- Exceptional UI/UX
- One-time purchase
- Deep Apple integration
- Fast performance
- Privacy-focused (no cloud required)
Cons
- Apple ecosystem only
- Separate purchases per platform
- No collaboration features
- Higher upfront cost
- No web version
Key Features
Overview
Things 3 is widely regarded as the gold standard for task management design. Created by Cultured Code, it combines powerful features with an interface so intuitive and beautiful that using it becomes a pleasure rather than a chore. It’s exclusively for Apple users who appreciate craftsmanship in software.
Quick Stats
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best known for | Beautiful, minimalist design |
| First Released | Things 1 in 2007, Things 3 in 2017 |
| Design Awards | Apple Design Award winner |
| Sync Method | Things Cloud (free, optional) |
| Trial Available | 14 days on Mac |
< Key Features
Organizational Structure
Things uses a unique system that mirrors how we naturally think:
| Level | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Inbox | Quick capture | ”Call dentist” |
| Today | What to do today | Curated daily list |
| Upcoming | Scheduled items | ”Meeting next Tuesday” |
| Anytime | Available tasks | ”Read that article” |
| Someday | Future possibilities | ”Learn Spanish” |
| Logbook | Completed items | Full history |
Areas and Projects
- Areas: Ongoing responsibilities (Work, Family, Health)
- Projects: Goals with multiple steps
- Headings: Organize tasks within projects
- Checklists: Sub-items within tasks
- Tags: Cross-cutting labels
Natural Language Input
Type naturally and Things understands:
- “Tomorrow at 2pm” � Sets date and time
- “Every Monday” � Creates repeating task
- “In 3 days” � Schedules accordingly
- “Next month” � Adds to Upcoming
<� Design Philosophy
Visual Hierarchy
Things 3’s design is a masterclass in visual communication:
- Typography: Custom fonts for clarity
- Color: Subtle use for meaning
- Space: Generous whitespace
- Animation: Smooth, purposeful transitions
- Icons: Minimal but informative
Interaction Design
=� Design Principles:
- Every interaction should feel natural
- Complex features hidden until needed
- Consistent behavior across platforms
- Delight in the details
=� Pricing Analysis
Platform Pricing
| Platform | Price | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone & Watch | $9.99 | Full mobile experience |
| iPad | $19.99 | Optimized tablet interface |
| Mac | $49.99 | Desktop powerhouse |
| Bundle | $79.97 | All platforms (if bought together) |
Value Proposition
- No Subscriptions: Buy once, use forever
- Free Updates: Major updates included
- Things Cloud: Free sync service
- Family Sharing: Up to 6 family members
- Privacy: Your data stays yours
=� Cost Analysis: Over 5 years, Things 3 costs ~$1.33/month vs $5-20/month for subscription apps
<� Perfect Use Cases
Ideal For
- Minimalists: Who want powerful features without clutter
- Apple Enthusiasts: Deep ecosystem integration
- Privacy-Conscious: Local storage with optional sync
- Design Lovers: Appreciate beautiful software
- GTD Practitioners: Built with GTD principles
Less Suitable For
- Cross-Platform Users: No Windows/Android
- Team Collaboration: No sharing features
- Complex Projects: Limited project management
- Budget Users: Higher upfront cost
=� Power User Features
Advanced Capabilities
- Quick Entry: Global hotkey with autofill
- Mail to Things: Email tasks directly
- URL Schemes: Deep automation support
- AppleScript: Full scripting capabilities
- Shortcuts Integration: Automate workflows
Keyboard Shortcuts
N- New taskK- Quick FindSpace- Show task details.- Complete taskT- Move to TodayS- Move to Someday
Tips & Tricks
- Evening Review: Plan tomorrow today
- Jump Start: Templates for projects
- Deadlines: Separate from planned dates
- Quick Entry: Use from anywhere
- This Evening: Special time tag
= Integration Options
Apple Ecosystem
- Calendar: View events alongside tasks
- Reminders: Import existing items
- Shortcuts: Create complex automations
- Siri: Add tasks by voice
- Share Sheet: Save from any app
Third-Party
- Limited direct integrations
- URL schemes for automation
- AppleScript for advanced users
- Shortcuts app bridges gaps
=� Things 3 vs Competitors
| Feature | Things 3 | Todoist | OmniFocus | Apple Reminders |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Model | One-time | Subscription | One-time | Free |
| Design | 10/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Features | 8/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 6/10 |
| Simplicity | 9/10 | 8/10 | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Power | 7/10 | 8/10 | 10/10 | 5/10 |
<� Final Verdict
Scoring Breakdown
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Design | 10/10 | Industry-leading UI/UX |
| Functionality | 8/10 | Powerful yet simple |
| Performance | 10/10 | Native app excellence |
| Value | 8/10 | Premium but worth it |
| Ecosystem | 7/10 | Apple-only limitation |
| Overall | 8.6/10 | Best for Apple users |
Bottom Line
Things 3 proves that task management doesn’t have to be ugly or complicated. It’s an investment in daily productivity that pays dividends through its thoughtful design and reliable performance. While limited to Apple platforms, it’s the best task manager for those fully invested in the ecosystem.
Who Should Choose Things 3?
Perfect for: Apple users who value design, want a one-time purchase, prefer local storage, and appreciate quality software
L Skip if: You need cross-platform support, team collaboration, complex project management, or have a tight budget
Ready to try Things 3?
Start with their iphone & apple watch ($9.99) to see if it fits your workflow.
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