Things 3 alternative

Things 3 alternative for Windows & Android

Things 3 is the most beautiful task manager ever made. Two Apple Design Awards. A calm Today view that feels like a clean desk. “When” dates that hide tasks until they're actionable. If you're on Apple, it's hard to beat. If you're not — you're out of luck.

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What you lose (honestly)

Cultured Code, the makers of Things 3, have been explicit: Things is Apple-only by design. Their support page states that Things will NOT work “on the Internet (through a web browser).” No Windows app. No Android app. No web interface. Not planned, not coming.

This is a deliberate choice, and there's a good argument for it — native apps on Apple platforms can be deeply polished in ways that cross-platform apps can't. Things 3 proves this with its animations, haptics, and platform integration.

But if any part of your life involves a non-Apple device, you have a problem:

“Leaving OmniFocus was probably the hardest technological decision I've ever made. I can't afford being in a vendor lock-in with Apple.”OmniFocus power user, Hacker News

Things 3 users rarely say this. The app's simplicity is its accessibility.

What you gain by switching

To find a real alternative, you need to understand what Things users actually value. It's not just a feature list — it's a feeling.

Calm, clean interface

Things doesn't overwhelm. The Today view shows exactly what you need — nothing more. White space is generous. Typography is precise. Every interaction feels intentional. Most task managers look busy; Things looks peaceful.

True “When” dates (defer dates)

Tasks with a future “When” date hibernate in Upcoming and disappear from active views until the date arrives, then automatically move to Today. This is functionally equivalent to true defer dates — tasks are hidden until actionable.

Separate “When” and “Deadline” dates

Things gives you both: when to start and when it's due. Two date fields that most apps still don't offer. This is how GTD is supposed to work — plan when something becomes actionable, separately from when it's due.

Headings inside projects

Projects in Things can be divided by headings, creating logical groupings within a single project. Combined with the “View > Next Action Steps” feature that shows only one task per heading, you get a form of pseudo-sequential behavior.

“I have adult ADHD. I have owned OmniFocus 1, 2 and now 3 Pro, hoping it will help organize my life. And I have basically never used it.”Mac Power Users Forum

Things 3 users rarely say this. The app's simplicity is its accessibility.

What Things 3 is missing

Things 3 is GTD-friendly, but it's not a full GTD implementation. If you follow the methodology strictly, you'll notice gaps:

Things 3 vs SingleFocus

Here's how they compare directly — including where Things wins.

Feature Things 3 SingleFocus
Defer/start dates✓ “When” dates
Separate due date✓ “Deadline”
Sequential projectsHeadings only
Custom perspectives
Weekly review mode
Focus mode
REST API + MCPURL scheme
Windows / Android / Linux
Native iOS/Mac experience✓ ExceptionalPWA
Apple Shortcuts / Siri
Price~$80 one-timeFree*

* Free plan ($0). Pro is $8/month or $72/year. First 30 paying customers lock in $36/year for life as founding members.

The design question: can a web app match Things?

The honest answer: no. Things 3's native Apple experience — the animations, the haptics, the Shortcuts integration — can't be fully replicated in a browser. That's the trade-off Cultured Code chose, and it's a valid one.

What SingleFocus does share with Things is a design philosophy: reduce cognitive load, show less, use gentle language, make the interface feel calm rather than busy. The warm off-white background, generous spacing, and intentional typography come from the same school of thought — your task manager should lower your stress level, not raise it.

The trade-off is clear: Things 3 gives you the most polished native experience on Apple. SingleFocus gives you a calm, structured GTD experience on any device. If you're fully Apple and don't need sequential projects, perspectives, or a review mode — Things 3 is a genuinely great choice. If you need any of those things, or need cross-platform access, SingleFocus fills the gap.

“Most people want a task management solution they can use anytime, anywhere. Unfortunately OmniFocus doesn't provide that unless you are using iOS or Mac devices.”Mike Vardy, Productivityist

The same applies to Things 3.

Who should switch and who shouldn't

Stay with Things 3 if you…

  • Use only Apple devices
  • Value native app polish above all else
  • Don't need sequential projects or custom perspectives
  • Don't need an API or automation beyond Shortcuts

Consider SingleFocus if you…

  • Need your tasks on Windows, Android, or Linux
  • Want sequential projects that show only the next action
  • Need a built-in weekly review workflow
  • Want focus mode and ML-powered task suggestions
  • Need a REST API for automation and AI assistant integration

Calm task management, on every device

SingleFocus has a real Free plan. Defer dates, sequential projects, weekly review, and a design philosophy built around calm — in any browser.

Also see: OmniFocus Alternative · Todoist Alternatives · Best GTD App 2026

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