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Things 3 vs Todoist

The most beautiful Apple-only to-do app against the most capable cross-platform one.

Things 3 and Todoist are both excellent, and the decision usually makes itself once you answer two questions: are you only on Apple devices, and do you mind a subscription? Things 3 is Apple-only, paid once per platform, and famously calm. Todoist runs everywhere on a free-or-subscription model, supports shared projects, and has invested in AI and an official MCP server.

FeatureThings 3Todoist
Natural-language quick captureYes, plus Siri AIYes, plus Ramble voice capture
Recurring tasksYesYes
Task dependencies (blocked-by)NoNo
Assign a task to an AI agent that does the workNoNot built in; outside agents connect over MCP
Official MCP server for your AI agentsCommunity servers (Mac only)Official hosted MCP + Claude Code plugin
PricePaid once per platform; free Mac trialFree plan; Pro $5/mo yearly, $7 monthly
PlatformsMac, iPhone, iPad, Watch, Vision ProWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
Pricing modelOne-time purchase per platformFree plan or subscription
Share a project with othersNoYes
AI built inSiri AI capture (3.24)Ramble, Task Assist, Filter Assist

Choose Things 3 if…

  • You're entirely on Apple devices and value design above all
  • You'd rather pay once than subscribe
  • You work alone and don't need to share lists

Choose Todoist if…

  • You use Windows, Android or the web as well as Apple devices
  • You share projects with family or colleagues
  • You want AI helpers and an official MCP server for Claude

The verdict

If you're all-in on Apple and work solo, Things 3 is a joy and costs nothing after you buy it. If you need any other platform, shared projects or AI features, Todoist is the practical choice. Agent support is lopsided: Todoist has an official MCP server; Things relies on community servers that run on a Mac.

Where Done fits

Done keeps the calm feel Things fans like, runs on Apple devices, Android and the web, and adds what neither has: assign a task to an AI agent and approve its result. Copy a Things list into Done's Paste a list import, or import Todoist's CSV.

Compare each with Done:Done vs Things 3Done vs Todoist

Frequently asked questions

Is Things 3 better than Todoist?

For a solo Apple user who values design, many people say yes. Todoist wins on platforms, collaboration and AI features. Both handle recurring tasks and natural-language dates well.

Is Things 3 a one-time purchase?

Yes. Things 3 is bought once per platform (Mac, iPhone and iPad are separate purchases) with no subscription, and the Mac version has a free trial.

Does Things 3 work on Windows or Android?

No. Things 3 is Apple-only. Todoist and Done both run on Windows, Android and the web.

Try the AI to-do app for yourself

Sign up with just an email, capture a task, and assign it to an AI agent.

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Comparison based on publicly available information last verified in October 2026. Things 3, Todoist and other names are trademarks of their respective owners; features change — check their sites for the latest.