Task Management Apps Compared: Todoist vs Things 3 vs TickTick

A task manager should be the trusted system where everything you need to do lives — work tasks, personal errands, project milestones, and quick reminders. The best ones capture tasks quickly, organize them intuitively, and surface the right tasks at the right time. We compared three leading apps across features that matter for daily productivity.

Todoist: Best Cross-Platform

Todoist works identically on every platform — iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, web, and even Apple Watch. The natural language input is the fastest in the category: type "Call dentist tomorrow at 3pm #health p1" and it creates a task due tomorrow at 3 PM, tagged with health, at priority 1.

Projects, labels, and filters organize tasks into views. The "Today" view shows everything due today across all projects. The "Upcoming" view provides a 7-day forecast. Custom filters let you create views like "All work tasks due this week that are high priority."

The free tier is generous — up to 5 projects and basic features. Pro ($5/month) adds unlimited projects, reminders, calendar integration, and the AI-powered task suggestions.

Things 3: Best for Apple Users

Things 3 is exclusive to Apple devices, and it uses that focus to create the most polished, well-designed task manager available. The interface is beautiful — tasks feel tangible and satisfying to check off. The "Today" view, "Upcoming" calendar, and project-based organization follow the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology naturally.

The one-time purchase price ($50 for Mac, $20 for iPad, $10 for iPhone) is more expensive upfront than a subscription but cheaper over time than Todoist Pro or TickTick Premium if you use it for more than a year.

Things 3 lacks collaboration features, web access, and cross-platform support. It is a personal task manager, not a team tool. If you are all-Apple, it is the best option. If you use any non-Apple device, look elsewhere.

TickTick: Best All-Rounder

TickTick packs more features than either competitor into a cross-platform app. Task management, calendar view, habit tracking, Pomodoro timer, and note-taking all live in one app. The calendar view is particularly strong — see tasks and calendar events side by side.

The free tier includes 9 lists and basic features. Premium ($3/month or $28/year) adds calendar integration, custom filters, multiple reminders, and the full Pomodoro feature set.

For people who want a single app for tasks, habits, and time management, TickTick provides the most comprehensive solution.

How to Choose

Todoist if you work across platforms (Android phone, Mac laptop, Windows desktop) and want the fastest task capture.

Things 3 if you are all-Apple and value design and simplicity over feature quantity.

TickTick if you want an all-in-one productivity app with habits, Pomodoro, and calendar integration.

The System Matters More Than the App

Any of these three apps will serve you well. The most important factor is not which app you choose but whether you use it consistently. A simple system used every day beats a sophisticated system used sporadically.

Start with just two views: an inbox (where everything goes initially) and a today list (what you are doing right now). Process the inbox daily, moving tasks to projects or scheduling them for specific dates. Review your today list each morning. This minimal approach works with any app and builds the habit that makes task management effective.

Keep a small notebook alongside your digital task manager for quick captures when your phone is not convenient. Transfer notes to your app during your daily review.

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