Things 3 vs Linear — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Things 3 and Linear 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.. Linear (4.7) is the better pick if you need software engineering teams who want fast, beautiful issue tracking without jira overhead..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Things 3 | Linear |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.7(287) | ★★★★★ 4.7(234) |
| Pricing Model | paid | freemium |
| Starter Price | $9.99 (iPhone), $19.99 (iPad) | $8/user/mo (Standard) |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | ios, mac | web, ios, android, mac |
| Learning Curve | easy | easy |
| API Available | No | Yes |
| Best For | Apple users who value beautiful design and want GTD-inspired personal task management. | Software engineering teams who want fast, beautiful issue tracking without Jira overhead. |
| Verdict | situational | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Things 3 | Linear |
|---|---|---|
| [object Object] | ✓ | ✓ |
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
Linear
Pros
- ✓Fastest project management UI — every action feels instant
- ✓Beautiful, minimal design that engineers love
- ✓Git integration auto-links issues to PRs and commits
Cons
- ✕Opinionated workflow may not suit every team structure
- ✕Less customizable than Jira or ClickUp
- ✕Not designed for non-engineering teams
The Bottom Line
Both Things 3 and Linear are solid tools in the Project Management space. Things 3 edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.7 vs 4.7) and is the better choice for apple users who value beautiful design and want gtd-inspired personal task management.. However, if you prioritize software engineering teams who want fast, beautiful issue tracking without jira overhead., Linear is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.