Cross-platform versus Apple-native · Checked August 31, 2026
Things 3 vs Todoist: calmer planning or faster capture?
Things 3 is calmer and feels more at home on Apple devices. Todoist works almost everywhere and is much easier to share. That difference rules out one of them for most people.
Things 3
TodoistOur take
Which one should you pick?
Pick Todoist if you use Windows or Android, share projects or want very fast natural-language entry. Pick Things 3 if you plan alone, use only Apple devices and prefer a one-time purchase. We would recommend Todoist to a mixed group; Things is the better personal planner inside an all-Apple setup.
Inside the apps
What they actually look like
These screenshots come from the apps' current App Store listings. They are not mockups we made for the article.
The quick version
The differences that matter
- Fastest capture
- Todoist
- Calmest personal planning
- Things 3
- Collaboration
- Todoist
- Apple-native feel
- Things 3
- Web, Windows and Android
- Todoist
- No subscription
- Things 3
Todoist is faster when a task first occurs to you
Todoist is very good at turning an ordinary sentence into a useful task. You can type the date, time, priority and project in one line, even when your attention is elsewhere. The same habit works on a phone, desktop or browser.
Things also has excellent Quick Entry, but only on Apple hardware. That is fine until work gives you a Windows laptop, your partner uses Android or you need to share a project.
Things has the better Today view
Things separates the day you want to start a task from its deadline. Its Today view can therefore show work you have chosen without turning every intention into something “due.”
Todoist can copy much of this with labels, filters and dates, but then you have to maintain the setup. Things makes more of those choices for you. That feels restrictive if you like custom views and wonderfully easy if you do not.
The cheaper option depends on which devices you own
Things is a separate purchase on iPhone, iPad and Mac. Todoist has a useful free plan and a yearly Pro subscription. The prices are paying for different things: Todoist for access and collaboration, Things for a very particular style of personal planning.
If you need to share one list with a colleague, Things is out regardless of price. If you own only Apple devices and do not want another subscription, Things becomes much easier to justify.
Good to know
A few common questions
Is Things 3 better than Todoist?
Things 3 is better for Apple-only personal planning. Todoist is better for cross-platform use, collaboration and integrations.
Does Things 3 have natural-language input?
Things supports date parsing and quick entry, but Todoist remains the more flexible and forgiving natural-language capture tool.
Can I use Things 3 on Windows or the web?
No. Things is available on Apple platforms only and has no web app.
Sources
Where we checked the facts
We use the app maker's own pages for prices and features. Reviews and community posts are useful for spotting problems, but one person's experience is still one person's experience.
- 01OfficialGetting Things: Things SupportView source
- 02OfficialTodoist plans, pricing, and billing FAQView source
- 03CommunityThings 3 vs Todoist discussionView source