Things 3
Things 3 is a to-do list app for Apple devices that organises tasks into areas, projects and a daily Today list. It is used for personal task management, recurring reminders and longer multi-step projects.
#3 in Productivity ToolsTo-Do List AppsNo free plan
Who it's for
Best for
Solo planners who want a polished task app paid for once
Mac power users who script their task list with AppleScript
Not for
Developers who need a cloud API that works from a phone
Writers who want to type a due date in plain words inside the task title
What users say
Pros
- Arrow keys move through lists and panels, so the whole task list can be worked without touching the mouse.
- The app is bought once, and it kept working for years without a monthly payment.
- Scripts and app links connect the task list to AI assistants for processing the inbox and ordering tasks.
- Recurring tasks and long multi-step projects run reliably.
- Tags applied at area level reach every task inside, so one filter works across the different views.
- Simple structure keeps projects and daily task lists clean and manageable.
Cons
- A due date cannot be typed in plain words; natural-language entry is absent from the app.
- New sections can only be created together with a project, so tasks cannot be filed into an existing section by script.
- Unfinished items pile up in Today, so the list stops showing only what is due that day.
- Nothing in the app helps pick the next task by energy, so effort tags get added one task at a time.
A selection of the review sources we used:
Summarized from public user reviews and community discussions. View details
Global Traffic Rank
Things 3 lives on a page of a larger website, so its own traffic cannot be measured. It is ranked on user reviews only.
Alternatives
Rank#3 in category#4 in category#17 in category#33 in category
Free planNoYesYesYes
ProKeyboard navigation, one-time price, scripts, reliable repeatsVoice task capture via Gemini, tight Google Calendar tie-inSyncs everywhere, all-in-one lists and habits, quick captureNatural-language quick add, cross-platform sync, API integrations
Better forFree task tracking inside Gmail and Google Calendar across web and Android
Weaker atOrganising multi-step projects with area-wide tags and full keyboard navigation