Things 3 is a design-focused task management app for Apple users, structured around the Getting Things Done methodology.
Product velocity
Maintenance
Daily rank 🇺🇸
#2
Productivity · paid
Sentiment
4.2
42k reviews
Nemesis
Structured: Daily Planner Todo
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
Users choose the app to avoid the recurring costs of subscription-based productivity tools while maintaining a clean, minimalist workflow.
For Apple users seeking a highly visual, design-focused task manager for personal and professional organization.
Key features
Organizes tasks into specific life spheres and project-based lists with custom headings.
Drag-and-drop interface to insert new to-dos at any position within a list.
Automates task creation and workflow management via system-level scripting.
How much does it cost?
Paid-upfront model across distinct device platforms, anchored by a free trial for the Mac version.
Velocity
Maintenance developmentUX improvementsplatform expansionShow more...
With only three releases identified in the recent window and a last update occurring 126 days ago, the development cadence is currently in a maintenance phase. The latest release focused on a significant visual overhaul and platform-specific feature additions, but the lack of subsequent activity suggests a shift away from frequent updates. Development is currently characterized by long intervals between releases, with no evidence of ongoing live operations or rapid iteration.
Who built it?
Cultured Code GmbH & Co. KG
3 apps tracked · Productivity
Things 3 for iPad
Things 3 for VisionUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Fresh user feedback skews mixed. Users appreciate minimalist design and intuitive workflow help users manage daily tasks without unnecessary feature bloat and one-time purchase model provides a clear value advantage over subscription-based productivity competitors, but report lack of collaborative features prevents users from sharing projects with family members or coworkers.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Minimalist design and intuitive workflow help users manage daily tasks without unnecessary feature bloat
- One-time purchase model provides a clear value advantage over subscription-based productivity competitors
- Getting Things Done methodology integration provides a structured framework for personal productivity
- Lack of collaborative features prevents users from sharing projects with family members or coworkers
108 of 108 recent reviews analyzed · high confidence · Mixed overall
Read the full review analysisUnlock 2 more frustration themes and 3 user requests, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Things 3
How's the Productivity market?
Things 3 holds the #1 Paid Productivity rank in multiple markets including the UAE and Switzerland, demonstrating strong brand resonance. The $49.99 Mac price point positions the app as a premium, one-time purchase alternative to subscription-based productivity tools.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
By unorderly GmbH
Structured competes with Things 3 by targeting the same Apple user base with a visual timeline approach that addresses the time-blocking needs missing from the Things 3 list-based methodology.
- Structured provides a visual timeline view for time-blocking; Things 3 relies on static list-based GTD.
- Structured includes native focus tools like Pomodoro timers; Things 3 lacks built-in time-tracking features.
- Structured operates on a subscription model; Things 3 requires a $49.99 upfront Mac investment.
Todoist: To Do List & CalendarContender
DraftsContender
Clear: To Dos & RemindersContender
TickTick:To-Do List & CalendarContender
Do! - Simple To Do ListContender
Actions: To Do List OrganizerContender
Sorted³ - Calendar Notes TasksContender
Sofa: Downtime OrganizerContender
Unlock the head-to-head verdict: where this rival wins, and where it loses.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Things 3
Where is it heading?
The productivity market is consolidating around cross-platform, subscription-based tools that offer collaborative features. Things 3 remains advantaged within the Apple ecosystem but is increasingly exposed to professional churn; the so-what is that without a web-based access point, the app will struggle to retain users who transition to mixed-OS work environments.
- The 126-day update gap signals a maintenance-only posture, which leaves the app vulnerable to subscription-based rivals with faster feature-delivery cycles.
- Strong #1 Paid rankings in multiple markets indicate the one-time purchase model remains a viable differentiator for the core Apple-native audience.
The SWOT
- Editors' Choice badge across five markets sustains organic install velocity
- System-level Shortcuts integration reinforces the app as the primary productivity tool for Apple users
- Localized pricing remains untapped in high-ARPU markets where category rivals charge subscription fees
Next best moves
Ship web-based interface because it is the top-requested feature to bridge the Apple-Windows gap → unlock professional segment
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The app's maintenance-mode update cadence is a deliberate retention strategy…
Read the full takeSince the last report: The app has entered a maintenance-only phase, shifting from a period of technical instability caused by game-related bugs to a stable but stagnant state characterized by long update intervals and persistent feature requests.
Bottom line
Prioritizing a web-based interface would unlock the professional segment and defend the user base against subscription-based rivals. This move would address the primary friction point preventing the app from scaling beyond the Apple ecosystem.
Unlock 2 critical frictions, 1 market threat, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is Things 3 worth paying for if I only need basic task management?
Does Things 3 offer a web version for Windows or Linux users?
Can I share my projects or tasks with coworkers or family members?
Sources
Report last updated