Hive vs Things 3 — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Hive and Things 3 to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Things 3 takes the lead with a 4.7 rating and is best for apple users who value beautiful design and want gtd-inspired personal task management.. Hive (3.9) is the better pick if you need small teams wanting project management, email, and chat consolidated in one platform..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Hive | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 3.9(67) | ★★★★★ 4.7(287) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | paid |
| Starter Price | $12/user/mo (Teams) | $9.99 (iPhone), $19.99 (iPad) |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | web, ios, android, mac, windows | ios, mac |
| Learning Curve | medium | easy |
| API Available | Yes | No |
| Best For | Small teams wanting project management, email, and chat consolidated in one platform. | Apple users who value beautiful design and want GTD-inspired personal task management. |
| Verdict | consider_alternatives | situational |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Hive | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| [object Object] | ✓ | ✓ |
Hive
Pros
- ✓All-in-one approach consolidates PM, email, and chat
- ✓HiveMind AI adds useful assistance within workflows
- ✓Generous free tier for up to 10 users
Cons
- ✕Each component is less polished than dedicated tools
- ✕Built-in email and chat rarely replace existing tools
- ✕Smaller ecosystem and community than leading alternatives
Things 3
Pros
- ✓Most beautifully designed task manager available
- ✓One-time purchase — no subscription fees
- ✓GTD-inspired workflow is intuitive and effective
Cons
- ✕Apple-only — no Windows, Android, or web version
- ✕No collaboration features whatsoever
- ✕No API or third-party integrations beyond Apple ecosystem
The Bottom Line
Both Hive and Things 3 are solid tools in the Project Management space. Things 3 edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.7 vs 3.9) and is the better choice for apple users who value beautiful design and want gtd-inspired personal task management.. However, if you prioritize small teams wanting project management, email, and chat consolidated in one platform., Hive is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.