Things 3 vs OmniFocus: Comparison 2026
OmniFocus
Powerful task management software with advanced customization and complex project handling for Apple users.
Power users and professionals managing complex projects with sophisticated organizational needs
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThings 3 is a beautifully designed, minimalist task manager prioritizing simplicity and intentionality, while OmniFocus is a powerful, feature-rich alternative with advanced customization through custom Perspectives and complex project handling. Things 3 excels in ease of use for personal productivity, whereas OmniFocus suits power users managing intricate workflows.
Choose Things 3 if you value beautiful design, simplicity, and a one-time purchase model for personal task management on Apple devices. Choose OmniFocus if you need advanced customization, complex project hierarchies, and sophisticated workflow management, despite its steeper learning curve and subscription cost.
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Choose Things 3 if
Best pickIndividual Apple users seeking a beautiful, straightforward task manager without complexity
Choose OmniFocus if
Power users and professionals managing complex projects with sophisticated organizational needs
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Design Philosophy:Minimalist & intentional simplicity vs Depth & advanced power features
- Platform Availability:✓ OmniFocus wins(Apple devices + web access vs Apple devices only (Mac, iPhone, iPad))
- Customization:✓ OmniFocus wins(Extensive custom Perspectives & workflows vs Limited, focused preset options)
Key Facts & Figures
10 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Things 3 | OmniFocus | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost(USD) | $49.99 (one-time) | $99.99/year (subscription) | |
| Ease of Use(scale 1-10) | Very easy | Moderate | |
| Project Management Complexity(scale 1-10) | Basic hierarchy | Advanced with dependencies | |
| Learning Time Investment(hours) | 2-4 hours | 10-20 hours | |
| Apple Ecosystem Integration(scale 1-10) | Excellent | Excellent | |
| Annual Cost (Year 2)(USD) | $0 (one-time purchase) | $99.99 (annual subscription) | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Pro Tier)(USD) | $0 (one-time $49.99) | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost (Pro Tier)(USD) | $0 (one-time $49.99) | — | — |
| Team Members Supported(users) | Single user only | — | — |
| Design Awards(count) | 5+ major design awards | — | — |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
8 attributes compared head-to-head
- Minimalist & intentional simplicityDesign PhilosophyDepth & advanced power features
- Apple devices only (Mac, iPhone, iPad)Platform AvailabilityApple devices + web access(winner)
- Limited, focused preset optionsCustomizationExtensive custom Perspectives & workflows(winner)
- Very easy, beginner-friendly(winner)Learning CurveModerate to steep, requires time investment
- Basic hierarchical structureComplex Project ManagementAdvanced with dependencies & custom views(winner)
- No native collaboration toolsTeam CollaborationLimited native collaboration features
- $49.99 one-time purchase(winner)Pricing Model$99.99/year or $9.99/month subscription
- Individual users valuing aestheticsIdeal User BasePower users managing complex workflows
- Design Philosophy
Things 3
Minimalist & intentional simplicity
OmniFocus
Depth & advanced power features
- Platform Availability
Things 3
Apple devices only (Mac, iPhone, iPad)
OmniFocus
Apple devices + web access(winner)
- Customization
Things 3
Limited, focused preset options
OmniFocus
Extensive custom Perspectives & workflows(winner)
- Learning Curve
Things 3
Very easy, beginner-friendly(winner)
OmniFocus
Moderate to steep, requires time investment
- Complex Project Management
Things 3
Basic hierarchical structure
OmniFocus
Advanced with dependencies & custom views(winner)
- Team Collaboration
Things 3
No native collaboration tools
OmniFocus
Limited native collaboration features
- Pricing Model
Things 3
$49.99 one-time purchase(winner)
OmniFocus
$99.99/year or $9.99/month subscription
- Ideal User Base
Things 3
Individual users valuing aesthetics
OmniFocus
Power users managing complex workflows
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Things 3 | OmniFocus |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost(USD) | $49.99 (one-time)(winner) | $99.99/year (subscription) |
| Annual Cost (Year 2)(USD) | $0 (one-time purchase)(winner) | $99.99 (annual subscription) |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Pro Tier)(USD) | $0 (one-time $49.99) | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost (Pro Tier)(USD) | $0 (one-time $49.99) | — |
| Customization Level(scale 1-10) | Low (preset options) | High (custom Perspectives)(winner) |
| Project Management Complexity(scale 1-10) | Basic hierarchy | Advanced with dependencies(winner) |
| Recurrence Rule Complexity(pattern types) | Basic (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly only) | — |
| Ease of Use(scale 1-10) | Very easy(winner) | Moderate |
| Learning Time Investment(hours) | 2-4 hours(winner) | 10-20 hours |
| Platform Support | 3 (Mac, iPhone, iPad) | 5 (Mac, iPhone, iPad, Web, Vision Pro)(winner) |
| Supported Platforms | 3 platforms (iOS, iPadOS, macOS) | — |
| Apple Ecosystem Integration(scale 1-10) | Excellent | Excellent |
| Team Members Supported(users) | Single user only | — |
| AI Features Included | None | — |
| Design Awards(count) | 5+ major design awards | — |
| Data Storage Location(null) | Local device + iCloud (user-controlled) | — |
OmniFocusPros & Cons
11 pros·10 cons across both
Things 3
Pros
- Beautiful, award-winning interface design
- One-time purchase ($49.99) with no ongoing fees
- Simple and intuitive for quick adoption
- Excellent for personal productivity and daily task management
- Seamless integration across Apple ecosystem
Cons
- Limited customization options compared to competitors
- Apple-only availability (no Android, Windows, or web version)
- Lacks advanced project management features
- No native team collaboration capabilities
- Limited reporting and analytics features
OmniFocus
Pros
- Custom Perspectives for personalized workflow views
- Advanced task dependencies and hierarchy management
- Sophisticated filtering and organization options
- SwiftUI integration enabling cross-platform consistency (Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro)
- Web access for remote task management
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Subscription-based pricing ($99.99/year or $9.99/month)
- More complex than necessary for simple task lists
- Limited native team collaboration tools
- Apple ecosystem focus limits cross-platform availability
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Things 3 is exclusive to Apple devices (Mac, iPhone, iPad). OmniFocus also prioritizes Apple platforms but offers web access, though full Android/Windows support is not available for either application.
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