Things 3

Overview

Things 3 is one of the best task managers for those who work entirely within the Apple ecosystem. The app feels native on Mac, iPhone, and iPad with exceptional design, smooth animations, and integration with Siri and Apple Watch that works seamlessly.

Key Features

• Today View: Focused view showing only today's tasks to reduce overwhelm
• Upcoming: Calendar-based view for planning ahead
• Areas & Projects: Hierarchical organization for complex workflows
• Headings: Organize tasks within projects using section headers
• Checklists: Break down tasks into sub-items
• Tags: Flexible categorization system
• Quick Entry: System-wide keyboard shortcut for rapid task capture (Mac)
• Magic Plus Button: Smart task creation that understands context
• Natural Language Input: Enter "tomorrow at 3pm" and Things understands
• Today Tonight: Separate evening tasks from daytime priorities

Apple Integration

• Siri Integration: Create tasks and projects using voice commands
• Apple Watch: Quick task entry and today view on your wrist
• Widgets: Home screen widgets for quick access to tasks
• Handoff: Start on one device, continue on another seamlessly
• iCloud Sync: Instant synchronization across all Apple devices
• Shortcuts: Advanced automation using Apple Shortcuts
• Calendar Integration: See calendar events alongside tasks

Design Philosophy

Things 3 is known for its:

• Minimal, elegant interface that stays out of your way
• Thoughtful animations and interactions
• Keyboard shortcuts for power users
• Clean typography and spacing
• Award-winning design (Apple Design Award winner)

Project Management

• Areas: High-level responsibilities (Work, Personal, Family)
• Projects: Specific goals with multiple tasks
• Headings: Group related tasks within projects
• Deadlines: Optional dates that don't clutter views
• When: Schedule tasks for Today, Evening, or specific dates
• Someday: Parking lot for future ideas

GTD Implementation

Things 3 is excellent for Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology:

• Inbox: Capture all incoming tasks
• Projects: Organize by outcomes
• Areas: Maintain life/work balance
• Someday: Tickler file for future projects
• Tags: Context-based organization (@calls, @computer, @errands)

Limitations

Platform Lock-In

The biggest drawback: you're locked into Apple. If your employer provides a Windows laptop or your partner has an Android phone, collaboration becomes impossible.

No Collaboration

Things 3 is designed for personal productivity, not team collaboration. You cannot share projects or assign tasks to others.

One-Time Purchase Model

While no subscription is appealing, the one-time purchase is expensive:

• Mac: €49.99
• iPhone: €9.99
• iPad: €19.99
• Total: Almost €80 for all devices

Each platform requires separate purchase (no universal license).

Benefits

• No subscription fee (one-time purchase)
• Complete privacy (all data stays local/iCloud)
• Offline functionality
• Fast and responsive
• Native Apple experience
• Clean, distraction-free interface
• No artificial limits on projects or tasks

Best For

• Apple-only users who value design
• Individuals (not teams)
• GTD practitioners
• People willing to pay premium for quality
• Users who prefer one-time purchase over subscriptions

Not Ideal For

• Cross-platform users
• Teams needing collaboration
• Budget-conscious users
• People requiring advanced features like time tracking
• Users needing third-party integrations

Awards & Recognition

• Apple Design Award winner
• App Store Editors' Choice
• Consistently ranked top productivity app

Pricing

• Mac: €49.99 (one-time)
• iPhone: €9.99 (one-time)
• iPad: €19.99 (one-time)
• No subscription, but separate purchases per platform
• Free trial available for each platform