Smartsheet vs Things 3 — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Smartsheet 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.. Smartsheet (4.1) is the better pick if you need operations and pmo teams who think in spreadsheets but need project management features..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Smartsheet | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.1(198) | ★★★★★ 4.7(287) |
| Pricing Model | paid | paid |
| Starter Price | $9/user/mo (Pro) | $9.99 (iPhone), $19.99 (iPad) |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | web, ios, android | ios, mac |
| Learning Curve | medium | easy |
| API Available | Yes | No |
| Best For | Operations and PMO teams who think in spreadsheets but need project management features. | Apple users who value beautiful design and want GTD-inspired personal task management. |
| Verdict | situational | situational |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Smartsheet | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| [object Object] | ✓ | ✓ |
Smartsheet
Pros
- ✓Familiar spreadsheet interface minimizes learning curve for Excel users
- ✓Strong automation and cross-sheet formula capabilities
- ✓Excellent for operations and PMO workflows
Cons
- ✕Spreadsheet paradigm limits visual project management options
- ✕No free tier — trial is the only way to evaluate
- ✕Business plan at $32/user/mo is expensive
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 Smartsheet and Things 3 are solid tools in the Project Management space. Things 3 edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.7 vs 4.1) and is the better choice for apple users who value beautiful design and want gtd-inspired personal task management.. However, if you prioritize operations and pmo teams who think in spreadsheets but need project management features., Smartsheet is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.