Motion
AI scheduler that re-plans your day around new priorities.
Alternatives · 2026
Alternatives to Things 3
Award-winning macOS / iOS personal task manager.
6 hand-curated alternatives from MintedSaaS's directory. See the Things 3 listing →
Things 3 is a personal task manager built exclusively for Apple devices (macOS, iPad, iOS) that emphasizes simple organization and quick-access workflows. It's widely used by individual productivity-focused users who want a native app that syncs seamlessly across their Apple ecosystem without requiring a complicated interface or subscription model. The app focuses on lightweight task capture, project grouping, and calendar-view planning rather than team collaboration or advanced automation features.
Users typically deploy Things 3 for personal to-do lists, project tracking, and daily planning—workflows that benefit from quick capture and prioritization rather than complex dependencies or workflow automation. It's popular among solo workers, freelancers, and professionals who manage their own schedules and prefer a one-time purchase over a subscription. Those looking to add more team features, cross-platform support, AI-driven task suggestions, or deeper calendar integration often explore alternatives.
What we offer that competes
Any.do
Cross-device to-do list with calendar and reminders.
OmniFocus
Powerful GTD task manager for Mac and iOS.
Microsoft To Do
Simple task list app integrated with Microsoft 365.
TickTick
Task and habit manager with calendar and pomodoro built in.
Todoist
Cross-platform to-do app with natural-language input.
What to look for
- Whether the app runs on Windows and Android in addition to iOS and macOS
- Whether your tasks can be exported or migrated to another system as CSV or JSON
- Whether the pricing is a one-time purchase or requires a monthly or yearly subscription
- Whether the app offers offline access or requires a persistent internet connection
- Whether natural language input works (e.g., typing 'dentist Friday 2pm' parses date and time automatically)
- Whether the app supports automation rules, smart filters, or API access for power users
FAQ
What are the best alternatives to Things 3?
Motion, OmniFocus, Todoist, TickTick, and Microsoft To Do all serve as viable replacements depending on your needs. Motion and TickTick offer cross-platform support and AI scheduling, OmniFocus provides deeper automation for power users, Todoist is known for integrations and natural language parsing, and Microsoft To Do integrates tightly with Office and Outlook.
Are there free alternatives to Things 3?
Yes. Microsoft To Do and Todoist both have strong free tiers; Any.do offers a free plan with basic task and list features; and TickTick's free tier covers core task management. OmniFocus and Motion require paid subscriptions but often include trial periods.
What platforms do Things 3 alternatives support?
Most alternatives run on Windows, Android, and web browsers in addition to macOS and iOS. Things 3 is Apple-only, so cross-platform compatibility is the main reason users switch to Todoist, TickTick, OmniFocus, or Any.do.
How do I choose the right task manager for personal productivity?
Identify your core workflow: quick daily capture, project-heavy planning, habit tracking, or calendar integration. Then check whether you need cross-platform sync, AI scheduling, integrations with other tools, or offline access. Single-device users may stick with Things 3; those using Windows or Android devices will need a multiplatform option.
Which features matter most in a personal task manager?
Priority ranking, recurring tasks, and project grouping are table-stakes. Beyond that, priorities diverge: some users need calendar views and time-blocking (Motion, TickTick); others want automation rules and scripting (OmniFocus); still others prioritize integrations and natural language input (Todoist).
Can I migrate my tasks from Things 3 to another app?
Things 3 doesn't offer a built-in export, but some tools like Todoist and TickTick accept CSV or API imports. You'll likely need to export via workarounds (screenshots, manual entry, or third-party export scripts) depending on the target app.
Do task managers need to sync in real time across devices?
Real-time sync is standard in modern apps. Todoist, TickTick, OmniFocus, and Any.do all sync changes instantly. Things 3 uses iCloud sync, which is fast on Apple devices but not available for non-Apple platforms.
What's the difference between a task manager and a project management tool?
Task managers like Things 3 and Todoist focus on personal to-do organization and priority management. Project management tools add team collaboration, timelines, dependencies, and stakeholder communication—features absent from the alternatives on this list.