Things 3 vs TickTick vs Microsoft To Do: Task App Showdown

Choosing a task management app is personal. What works perfectly for one person may feel clunky to another. We tested three popular options to help you find your ideal match.

Things 3

Things 3 is a beautifully designed Apple-exclusive app that emphasizes simplicity and elegance. Its Areas and Projects hierarchy provides natural organization. The Today and Upcoming views give you exactly the right perspective for daily planning. The Someday list is perfect for ideas you want to capture but are not ready to commit to.

Things 3 costs $49.99 as a one-time purchase for Mac, with separate iOS and iPadOS apps. There is no subscription, no collaboration features, and no web version. This makes it ideal for individuals who value design and simplicity over team features.

TickTick

TickTick is a feature-packed app that combines tasks, calendar, habit tracking, and a Pomodoro timer in one application. It supports natural language input, subtasks, and custom smart lists. The built-in calendar view shows tasks alongside events, providing a complete picture of your day.

TickTick offers a generous free tier with premium at $35.99 per year. It works across all platforms including Android, making it the most versatile option. The habit tracker and Pomodoro timer add value that other apps require separate tools for.

Microsoft To Do

Microsoft To Do is completely free and integrates deeply with Microsoft 365. The My Day feature provides a fresh planning surface each morning. Tasks sync with Outlook and Planner, making it natural for Microsoft ecosystem users. However, it lacks advanced features like recurring task patterns and detailed project management.

Verdict

Choose Things 3 for elegant simplicity on Apple devices. Choose TickTick for maximum features across all platforms. Choose Microsoft To Do for free integration with Microsoft 365.