All-in-one toolkit versus Apple-native planner · Checked August 31, 2026
TickTick vs Things 3: which one is easier to live with?
TickTick includes a calendar, habits and a focus timer. Things 3 leaves all of that out and feels much calmer as a result. The right answer depends on whether those extras replace apps you already use.
TickTick
Things 3Our take
Which one should you pick?
Choose TickTick if you time-block, track habits, use a Pomodoro timer or need Windows and Android. Choose Things 3 if you plan alone on Apple devices and want the cleanest possible task app. TickTick does more; Things makes the basic jobs feel better.
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
- Calendar and time-blocking
- TickTick
- Habits and focus timer
- TickTick
- Calm personal planning
- Things 3
- Cross-platform support
- TickTick
- No subscription
- Things 3
- Collaboration
- TickTick
TickTick puts the rest of your planning tools beside the list
Tasks, calendar views, habits, a Pomodoro timer and an Eisenhower Matrix can all live in one account. That is handy if you already use those tools. If you do not, each extra module is simply another thing on screen.
TickTick also works beyond Apple hardware. If your day involves a Windows computer or Android phone, that may settle the comparison immediately.
Things 3 is calmer because it leaves things out
Things does not try to replace your calendar or habit tracker. It leaves those jobs to other apps, which keeps Today, Anytime and Someday easy to understand.
The simplicity comes with hard limits. There is no proper collaboration or web app, and you need Apple devices throughout.
Be honest about which extra tools you will use
If you use the task list, calendar and focus timer, TickTick may replace several apps. If you only need the list, Things will probably feel better precisely because those modules are absent.
Try both with a normal week of work. The feature list will not tell you whether TickTick feels crowded or Things feels too limited after a few days.
Good to know
A few common questions
Is TickTick better than Things 3?
TickTick does more and works on more platforms. Things 3 is calmer and better for personal planning if you use only Apple devices.
Does Things 3 have a calendar view?
Things can show calendar events alongside Today, but it is not a full time-blocking calendar like TickTick Premium.
Which is cheaper long term?
Things uses separate one-time Apple-platform purchases. TickTick offers a free tier and an annual Premium subscription. The cheaper option depends on platforms and how long you keep it.
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.
- 01OfficialTickTick featuresView source
- 02OfficialTickTick Premium comparisonView source
- 03OfficialGetting Things: Things SupportView source