Things 3 vs Trello — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Things 3 and Trello 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.. Trello (4.3) is the better pick if you need small teams and individuals who want simple, visual task tracking without complexity..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Things 3 | Trello |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.7(287) | ★★★★ 4.3(456) |
| Pricing Model | paid | freemium |
| Starter Price | $9.99 (iPhone), $19.99 (iPad) | $6/user/mo (Standard) |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | ios, mac | web, ios, android, mac, windows |
| Learning Curve | easy | easy |
| API Available | No | Yes |
| Best For | Apple users who value beautiful design and want GTD-inspired personal task management. | Small teams and individuals who want simple, visual task tracking without complexity. |
| Verdict | situational | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Things 3 | Trello |
|---|---|---|
| GTD-inspired workflow | — | |
| Today, Upcoming, Anytime, Someday views | — | |
| Quick Entry from any app | — | |
| Areas and projects organization | — | |
| Headings within projects | — | |
| Beautiful animations and design | — | |
| Kanban board interface | — | |
| Butler automation | — | |
| Power-Up extensions | — | |
| Calendar and timeline views (Premium) | — | |
| Custom fields | — | |
| Checklists and due dates | — |
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
Trello
Pros
- ✓Simplest project management tool — zero learning curve
- ✓Butler automation is surprisingly powerful for a "simple" tool
- ✓Generous free tier for individuals and small teams
Cons
- ✕Limited views — primarily kanban, everything else is an afterthought
- ✕Breaks down for complex projects with many dependencies
- ✕Premium features feel expensive for what is fundamentally a board tool
The Bottom Line
Both Things 3 and Trello are solid tools in the Project Management space. Things 3 edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.7 vs 4.3) 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 and individuals who want simple, visual task tracking without complexity., Trello is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.