Things 3 vs TickTick — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Things 3 and TickTick 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.. TickTick (4.4) is the better pick if you need productivity enthusiasts who want task management, habits, calendar, and focus tools in one app..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Things 3 | TickTick |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.7(287) | ★★★★ 4.4(198) |
| Pricing Model | paid | freemium |
| Starter Price | $9.99 (iPhone), $19.99 (iPad) | $35.99/year (~$3/mo, Premium) |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | ios, mac | web, ios, android, mac, windows, linux |
| Learning Curve | easy | easy |
| API Available | No | No |
| Best For | Apple users who value beautiful design and want GTD-inspired personal task management. | Productivity enthusiasts who want task management, habits, calendar, and focus tools in one app. |
| Verdict | situational | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Things 3 | TickTick |
|---|---|---|
| GTD-inspired workflow | — | |
| Today, Upcoming, Anytime, Someday views | — | |
| Quick Entry from any app | — | |
| Areas and projects organization | — | |
| Headings within projects | — | |
| Beautiful animations and design | — | |
| Task management with smart date parsing | — | |
| Built-in calendar view | — | |
| Habit tracker with streaks | — | |
| Pomodoro timer | — | |
| Eisenhower matrix view | — | |
| Natural language input | — |
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
TickTick
Pros
- ✓More features than Todoist at a lower price point
- ✓Built-in calendar, habit tracker, and Pomodoro timer
- ✓Eisenhower matrix provides unique prioritization view
Cons
- ✕Design is functional but less polished than Todoist
- ✕No public API limits custom integrations
- ✕Team features are basic — this is primarily a personal tool
The Bottom Line
Both Things 3 and TickTick are solid tools in the Project Management space. Things 3 edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.7 vs 4.4) and is the better choice for apple users who value beautiful design and want gtd-inspired personal task management.. However, if you prioritize productivity enthusiasts who want task management, habits, calendar, and focus tools in one app., TickTick is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.