TL;DR
Things vs Todoist: For most users in 2026, Todoist is the better choice because it's free. However, Things remains a solid option for users who prefer its unique features.
Which is better: Things or Todoist?
For most users in 2026, Todoist is the better choice because it's free. However, Things remains a solid option for users who prefer its unique features.
Things vs Todoist
Which is the better notes for Mac in 2026?
We compared Things and Todoist across 5 key factors including price, open-source status, and community adoption. For most users in 2026, Todoist is the better choice because it's free. Read our full breakdown below.
Things
Award-winning personal task manager for Mac with a clean design and powerful organization features.
Todoist
To-do list and task manager
Visual Comparison
Todoist
Todoist — Official Website
Our Verdict
For most users in 2026, Todoist is the better choice because it's free. However, Things remains a solid option for users who prefer its unique features.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Things | Todoist |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Paid | Free |
| Open Source | No | No |
| Monthly Installs | N/A | N/A |
| GitHub Stars | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Productivity | Productivity |
Quick Install
brew install --cask thingsbrew install --cask todoistLearn More
In-Depth Overview
What is Things?
Things is an award-winning personal task manager developed by Cultured Code, a Stuttgart-based software company renowned for their attention to design detail. Built exclusively for Apple platforms—macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and visionOS—Things has earned a cult following for its thoughtful interface, powerful yet simple organization system, and seamless sync across Apple devices. Unlike subscription-based competitors, Things operates on a one-time purchase model: approximately $50 for Mac, $10 for iPhone (includes Apple Watch), $20 for iPad, and $20 for Vision Pro. The app features a unique 'Today' view, project headings, checklists within tasks, and the 'Magic Plus' button for quick entry. Things does not offer collaboration features, positioning itself firmly as a personal productivity tool for individuals who appreciate quality craftsmanship and privacy. As of 2026, Cultured Code continues to refine the app with regular updates, maintaining its reputation as one of the finest task managers available on Apple platforms.
What is Todoist?
Todoist is one of the world's most popular task management applications, developed by Doist and used by over 30 million people globally. Available on virtually every platform—including macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Web, and browser extensions—Todoist offers unparalleled accessibility and cross-platform synchronization. The app operates on a freemium model: a free tier limited to 5 active projects, a Pro plan at $4-5 per month (300 projects, reminders, filters), and a Business plan at $6-8 per user per month for team collaboration. Todoist's standout features include natural language input (type 'Meeting tomorrow at 3pm' and it schedules automatically), the Karma productivity tracking system, extensive third-party integrations via IFTTT and Zapier, and robust collaboration tools. Todoist supports labels, filters, priorities, and project templates, making it adaptable to everything from simple grocery lists to complex project management. As of 2026, Todoist remains actively developed with AI-powered features being introduced to enhance task creation and organization.
Detailed Feature Comparison
Cross-Platform Support
CriticalApple ecosystem only: macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, visionOS. No Windows, Android, or Web versions available. Seamless sync via iCloud within Apple devices.
Universal availability: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Web, browser extensions, Apple Watch, Wear OS. Sync across all platforms instantly.
Verdict: Todoist dominates platform availability. Things' Apple-only approach is either a feature or a dealbreaker depending on your ecosystem.
Design & Aesthetics
HighAward-winning, minimalist design with thoughtful animations. Typography and spacing are meticulously crafted. Dark mode included. Consistently wins Apple Design Awards.
Clean, functional interface but utilitarian. Focused on efficiency over delight. Theming options available on Pro plan. Recently updated UI in 2025.
Verdict: Things sets the gold standard for task app design. Todoist is competent but doesn't prioritize aesthetic pleasure.
Task Organization
CriticalAreas → Projects → Headings → Tasks → Checklists hierarchy. 'Today' and 'Upcoming' views with natural date parsing. Magic Plus for quick entry.
Projects → Sections → Tasks → Sub-tasks. Labels, filters, priorities. Natural language input for dates. Kanban board view available.
Verdict: Both offer robust organization. Things feels more refined and visual; Todoist offers more flexibility with labels and filters.
Natural Language Input
MediumSupports natural date parsing (e.g., 'tomorrow', 'next Tuesday') but requires specific syntax in date fields. Not as sophisticated as Todoist.
Industry-leading natural language: 'Meeting with Sarah tomorrow at 3pm #work p1' creates a prioritized, categorized, scheduled task instantly.
Verdict: Todoist's natural language processing is unmatched. Things offers basic date parsing but nothing approaching Todoist's intelligence.
Collaboration/Sharing
HighThings is strictly personal. No sharing, assigning, or commenting features. Designed for individual use only.
Full collaboration: shared projects, task assignment, comments, file attachments, activity history. Business plan adds admin controls.
Verdict: Todoist is the clear winner for teams. Things users needing collaboration must look elsewhere.
Pricing
HighOne-time purchase per platform. Mac ($49.99), iPhone ($9.99), iPad ($19.99), Vision Pro ($19.99). No subscription ever.
Freemium model. Free (5 projects), Pro ($4-5/month), Business ($6-8/user/month). Essential features like reminders require Pro.
Verdict: Things wins long-term value; break-even around 12 months. Todoist wins for low upfront cost and trying before buying.
Quick Capture
MediumMagic Plus button enables gesture-based quick entry anywhere in the app. Siri integration and Shortcuts support on all platforms.
Global Quick Add shortcut (Cmd+Shift+A) works from any app. Browser extensions and share sheet integration on mobile.
Verdict: Both excel at quick capture. Things' Magic Plus is more elegant; Todoist's global shortcut is more accessible.
Notifications & Reminders
HighTime-based and location-based reminders included with purchase. Apple Watch complications and notifications supported.
Reminders available on Pro plan and above. Location-based reminders included. Notification customization available.
Verdict: Things includes reminders without subscription. Todoist gates this feature behind the Pro paywall.
Things vs Todoist Feature Matrix
| Feature | Things | Todoist | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cross-Platform Support | Fair | Excellent | Tie |
| Design & Aesthetics | Excellent | Good | Tie |
| Task Organization | Excellent | Excellent | Tie |
| Natural Language Input | Good | Excellent | Tie |
| Collaboration/Sharing | Fair | Excellent | Tie |
| Pricing | Excellent | Good | Tie |
| Quick Capture | Excellent | Excellent | Tie |
| Notifications & Reminders | Good | Good | Tie |
Who Should Choose Which?
1Apple-First Creative Professional
If you live entirely within Apple's ecosystem—MacBook Pro, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch—Things provides the cohesive, premium experience that complements your hardware. The one-time purchase aligns with creative professionals who prefer owning software over renting it. The beautiful interface makes task management genuinely enjoyable.
2Cross-Platform Knowledge Worker
If you switch between Windows at work, Mac at home, and Android on your phone, Todoist is the only viable option. The seamless sync and identical feature parity across platforms ensure your productivity system travels with you without compromise.
3Small Team or Family Coordination
For couples planning events, small business owners coordinating with contractors, or teams of 2-10 people, Todoist's collaboration features—shared projects, comments, assignments—are essential. Things offers nothing in this category, making Todoist the clear choice.
4Privacy-Conscious Minimalist
If you prefer keeping data within Apple's privacy-respecting ecosystem and dislike creating accounts for every app, Things' iCloud-based sync and lack of account requirement will appeal. Your task data never touches third-party servers, giving you complete control.
Migration Guide
From_things → Todoist
Export your Things data using the built-in export feature (File → Export → All Data), which creates a JSON file. In Todoist, use the 'Import from template' feature or manually recreate projects. Note that Things' Areas become Projects in Todoist, and Projects become Sections. You may need to reorganize your hierarchy. Completed tasks history will not transfer—consider this a fresh start. Enable Todoist's Pro features to access reminders and filters that approximate Things' functionality. Budget time for reorganizing your system.
From_todoist → Things
Todoist offers export to CSV and JSON formats. Things can import via the 'Import' option in the File menu, supporting Todoist's format directly. Your projects will convert to Things Projects, and labels will need to become either Areas or simply be removed (Things doesn't use labels). Take this opportunity to simplify your structure—Things works best with fewer, focused projects. Set up your Areas first (Work, Personal, etc.) before importing to ensure proper organization. Consider this a chance to Marie Kondo your task list.
Final Verdict
tie
Winner
Runner-up
Things and Todoist are both exceptional task managers that happen to excel in different dimensions. Things is the best personal task manager for Apple users who value design, privacy, and one-time pricing. Todoist is the best cross-platform solution for users needing collaboration, extensive integrations, and accessibility everywhere. Neither app deserves to 'lose' this comparison—they simply serve different masters. As of 2026, both remain actively developed and highly recommended within their respective domains. The 'winner' is entirely dependent on whether you live in Apple's ecosystem and prioritize personal productivity, or require universal access and collaborative features.
Bottom Line: Choose Things if you're all-in on Apple, value design excellence, and want to own your software. Choose Todoist if you need cross-platform access, collaboration, or extensive integrations.
Video Tutorials
How to Organize Your To-Dos with Todoist (Tutorial)
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Related Technologies & Concepts
Related Topics
Personal Task Management
Apps designed for individual productivity and organizing personal responsibilities rather than team collaboration.
Apple-First Productivity Tools
Productivity applications built specifically for the Apple ecosystem with deep native integration.
Cross-Platform Task Managers
Task management solutions that work seamlessly across all operating systems and devices.
GTD Methodology
Getting Things Done productivity approach and apps that implement its inbox, projects, contexts, and review concepts.
Sources & References
Fact-CheckedLast verified: May 8, 2026
Key Verified Facts
- Things pricing: Mac ($49.99), iPhone ($9.99), iPad ($19.99), Vision Pro ($19.99). Apple Watch included with iPhone purchase.[cite-things-pricing, cite-things-appstore]
- Todoist offers three tiers: Free (5 projects), Pro ($4-5/month), Business ($6-8/user/month).[cite-todoist-pricing]
- Things is available exclusively on Apple platforms: macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and visionOS.[cite-things-platforms]
- Todoist supports 60+ integrations including IFTTT, Zapier, Slack, Google Calendar, and voice assistants.[cite-todoist-integrations]
- Things does not offer collaboration features; it is strictly a personal task manager.[cite-things-support]
- 1Things App Store Pricing - Cultured Code
Accessed May 8, 2026
- 2Things 3 on the Mac App Store
Accessed May 8, 2026
- 3Todoist Pricing Plans 2026
Accessed May 8, 2026
- 4Things - To-Do List App for Mac & iOS
Accessed May 8, 2026
- 5Todoist Integrations Directory
Accessed May 8, 2026
- 6Things Support - Collaboration Features
Accessed May 8, 2026
- 7About Doist - Company Information
Accessed May 8, 2026
- 8Things Privacy Policy
Accessed May 8, 2026
Research queries: Things app pricing 2026 Cultured Code Mac App Store; Todoist pricing plans 2026 Pro Business free limits; Things vs Todoist comparison 2026 which is better; Todoist integrations IFTTT Zapier 2026; Things Apple ecosystem compatibility macOS iOS visionOS