Things 3

A beautiful, focused task manager for Mac and iOS.

softwareTask & To-Dotask managementproductivitytodo

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Alternatives

BusyCalAI-suggested

Choose BusyCal if…

you need smart filters to toggle multiple calendars
you need travel‑time calculations for event planning
you need natural‑language event creation
you want a menu‑bar heat‑map of busy periods
you already use Apple Reminders and want sync

See details

TickTickAI-suggested

Choose TickTick if…

you use both macOS and Android devices
you want built‑in Pomodoro timing and habit tracking
you need a full calendar view alongside tasks
you prefer a free tier before paying for premium features

See details

TodoistAI-suggested

Choose Todoist if…

you need to work on Windows or Android as well as macOS
you want a free tier that still supports projects and labels
you collaborate with teammates and assign tasks
you prefer natural‑language date entry for quick capture
you require instant sync across web, desktop and mobile

See details

Any.doAI-suggested

Choose Any.do if…

you need Android or Windows access
you want a free tier for personal use
you share grocery or project lists with family
you rely on integrations with Slack, Gmail, and 6,000+ apps

See details

GuttaAI-suggested

Choose Gutta if…

you need instant menu‑bar capture via a hotkey
you prefer all data to stay local unless you manually sync
you want a free tool with no subscription or account
you work offline and can't rely on iCloud sync

See details

How to Decide

Things 3 is a beautiful, focused task manager built for Mac and iOS users who need personal task management. The alternatives split into a few clear camps: Any.do leans on cross‑platform cloud sync and a massive integration library; Gutta is an open‑source, offline‑first menu‑bar app that stores data locally with optional manual folder sync; TickTick offers an all‑in‑one solution with built‑in habit tracking and a Pomodoro timer; Todoist distinguishes itself with powerful filters, labels and an open API for deep automation.

When comparing these options, the key factors that actually matter are: platform coverage (Apple‑only vs native apps for Windows, Android, web, and wearables), sync architecture (automatic iCloud sync, manual folder‑based sync, or cloud SaaS sync), feature breadth (pure task lists versus added habit tracking, Pomodoro, or team collaboration), pricing model (one‑time purchase versus freemium or completely free), and openness (open‑source code and local‑first data versus closed source with API access).

All Alternatives

BusyCal

AI-suggested

BusyCal is a calendar application for Mac and iOS that extends the built-in Calendar app with features like Smart Filters, Calendar Sets, natural-language event entry, and travel-time calculations.

Paid (One-time)ProprietaryMaciOSSmart FiltersNatural Language InputMenu Bar Widget

“Akiflow merges calendars and tasks into a daily planner on macOS/iOS, serving the same productivity niche as BusyCal.”

TickTick

AI-suggested

TickTick is a task and calendar app that combines to-do lists, scheduling, and productivity tools like a Pomodoro timer and habit tracker in one place.

✦ Best for individuals who want tasks, calendar, and habit tracking combined in one affordable, cross-platform app.

FreemiumProprietaryWebWindowsMacPomodoro TimerHabit TrackerKanban Board

“TickTick combines tasks, calendar, and habits in a personal manager for macOS/iOS, similar in scope to Things.”

Todoist

AI-suggested

Todoist is a cloud‑based task manager that helps individuals and teams capture, organize, and prioritize work across devices.

✦ Best for freelancers and small teams needing flexible task organization

FreemiumProprietaryWebWindowsMacCross-PlatformNatural Language InputRecurring Tasks

“Todoist provides cross‑platform personal task management with projects and tags, directly comparable to Things.”

Any.do

AI-suggested

do is a task and list management app that syncs tasks, calendars, and reminders across devices for individuals, families, and teams.

FreemiumProprietaryWebWindowsMacDaily PlannerKanban BoardsCalendar Sync

“Any.do delivers personal to‑do lists, calendar integration, and iOS/macOS apps, making it a genuine Things alternative.”

Gutta

AI-suggested

Gutta is a minimal task manager that sits in the macOS menu bar and is opened with a keyboard shortcut so tasks can be captured without touching the mouse or leaving the current app.

FreeProprietaryMacNatural Language InputMenu Bar AccessLocal Reminders

“Gutta is a fast, keyboard‑driven macOS task list, offering the same personal task capture as Things in a lightweight form.”

Remember The Milk

AI-suggested

Remember The Milk is a task management app that lets users create lists, set due dates and reminders, and organize tasks with tags, priorities, and locations.

FreemiumProprietaryWebiOSAndroidSmart listsLocation remindersGmail integration