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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar vs Things 3

TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 4.9★ · Free + IAP 85
Winner TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar
Things 3 4.8★ · $9.99 75

TickTick offers a more feature-rich and cross-platform experience with a free tier, while Things 3 provides a highly polished, Apple-exclusive task manager for those who prefer a simpler, paid-only approach.

Full reviews: TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar · Things 3

TickTick is a versatile task manager with extensive features, cross-platform compatibility, and a free tier, though some users report issues with subscriptions and recent updates. Things 3 is praised for its clean design and intuitive Apple-only experience, but its high cost across devices and lack of certain features like attachments or cross-platform access are frequent complaints.

Head to head

Features & Functionality edge: TickTick:To-Do List & CalendarR4R5R6R8
TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar TickTick is lauded for its comprehensive features, including categories, subcategories, repeating tasks, custom due dates, detailed notes, priority alerts, and a built-in timer for focus R5R8R18. Users appreciate its ability to organize personal, work, and school tasks, track habits, and offer extensive customization R18. It's seen as a powerful alternative to other task managers, offering better repeating task options and calendar views R38. However, some users note missing features like setting a true 'due date' distinct from a start date R6 or creating events that transfer to other calendars R4. There are also requests for more color coding options and better note-taking capabilities .
Things 3 Things 3 is praised for its clean design, intuitive interface, and ability to manage daily goals and multiple projects effectively . Users value its capacity for detailed task notes in markdown and its system for separating work and personal tasks . It's considered a foundational app for managing complex lives . However, significant feature gaps are highlighted, such as the inability to check off recurring tasks early , no undo option for accidental deletions , and a lack of support for attachments or images within tasks R69R81R111R117. Users also desire features like live activity, dynamic island support, and better widget functionality .
Ease of Use & User Experience tieR10R13R17R18
TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar TickTick is generally considered easy to use and intuitive, even for older users . Users appreciate its customizable nature without being overwhelming R18. The streamlined design and logical sorting are also positive points . However, some users find the app 'bloated' or requiring too many clicks for simple actions R13. Recent updates have caused issues like unskippable intro animations R10, broken widgets R17, and font size changes . Accessibility for visually impaired users is also cited as a concern due to unlabeled buttons .
Things 3 Things 3 is frequently praised for its clean, simple, and intuitive design, making it easy to start using and reducing mental clutter . Users find it visually appealing and appreciate its smooth operation R117. However, some find the UI could be more intuitive, particularly for setting up recurring tasks . Recent updates have introduced frustrating changes, such as altering the 'Done' button to 'Clear' and a new 'Glass UI' that some dislike . Issues with the app not automatically refreshing content and keyboard connectivity problems on iPad also detract from the user experience.
Reliability & Performance tieR1R2R5R8
TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar TickTick is generally seen as reliable for managing tasks and reminders R2R5R8. However, several users report significant reliability issues, including not receiving notifications R1, tasks disappearing after being signed out , and the app not working at all . Syncing issues between devices, particularly with snoozing tasks, are also mentioned . Widgets breaking after updates are a recurring complaint R17.
Things 3 Things 3 is often praised for its quality, longevity, and reliability by long-term users . However, recent reviews highlight performance issues, such as the app crashing after opening on iOS 26 and a lack of automatic background refresh for content . Some users report losing data when switching phones if an account wasn't created for cloud sync . Keyboard connectivity issues with the iPad Magic Keyboard are also noted .
Price & Value edge: TickTick:To-Do List & CalendarR1R21R29R33
TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar TickTick offers a free tier, which many users find sufficient for basic needs . However, a significant number of useful features, including calendar views R29R33, task duration R49, and syncing across devices R55, are locked behind a premium subscription R21. There are multiple complaints about unexpected charges for yearly plans R1R37R45, high subscription costs , and the lack of a one-time purchase option . Some feel the app is 'greedy' and 'pay to breathe' R29.
Things 3 Things 3 is a paid-only app, costing $9.99 for the iPhone version, with separate purchases required for iPad ($19.99) and Mac versions R61R78R109. While some users believe it's 'worth every penny' and a 'good bullet journal app' with no subscription , many express frustration over the high cumulative cost across multiple Apple devices R61R78. The lack of a free trial is also a point of contention, leading to immediate regret for some users . The inability to share tasks with family members, given the cost, is also criticized .
Platform Availability & Ecosystem edge: TickTick:To-Do List & CalendarR22R38R43R59
TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar TickTick is praised for its cross-platform compatibility, with users specifically noting its availability on Windows, unlike Things 3 R22. It supports integration with Notion R38 and is now working on Apple Vision Pro R59. However, some users report issues with Apple Watch functionality, where tasks don't transfer from iPhone R43.
Things 3 Things 3 is exclusively an Apple ecosystem app, working on iPhone, iPad, and Mac R61R78. This is a major drawback for users who operate in mixed ecosystems, particularly those who need access on Windows or via a web interface R82R91. The lack of cross-platform access is a 'dealbreaker' for many professionals R82R91. The app also faces criticism for not fully supporting all iOS features like Dynamic Island or Live Activity . Apple Watch integration is also cited as problematic, with list features not working on the watch face .
Pick TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar if

you need a feature-rich, highly customizable task manager that works across multiple platforms including Windows, and you're comfortable with a subscription model for advanced features or the free tier for basic needs R18R22.

Pick Things 3 if

you are deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, prioritize a clean, simple, and intuitive user interface over extensive features like attachments, and are willing to pay a premium for a highly polished, subscription-free experience on each device .

Evidence note: TickTick's recent reviews show a negative skew due to subscription issues and widget problems, which contrasts with its higher lifetime rating. Things 3's reviews, while generally positive, frequently highlight its Apple-only limitation and high multi-device cost as significant drawbacks.

Frequently asked

Does TickTick offer a free version?
Yes, TickTick offers a free version, but many useful features like advanced calendar views, task duration, and syncing across all devices are behind a premium paywall R21R29R49R55.
Can Things 3 be used on Windows?
No, Things 3 is exclusive to the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, Mac) and does not offer a Windows version or a web interface, which is a significant drawback for users in mixed environments R82R91.
Are there any hidden costs with Things 3?
Things 3 requires separate purchases for each Apple device; for example, the iPhone version costs $9.99, and the iPad version costs $19.99, leading to a high cumulative cost if you use multiple devices R61R78R109.
Does TickTick have issues with subscriptions?
Yes, some TickTick users have reported issues with unexpected charges for yearly plans and subscription renewals that don't appear in Apple's list of subscribed apps R1R37R45.
Can I add attachments to tasks in Things 3?
No, a common complaint from Things 3 users is the inability to add attachments, photos, files, or links directly to tasks, which limits its utility for complex projects R69R81R111R117.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R4] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 2/5 · US Missing key feature: Great app potential, but you must rely on third party apps or native calendar app to create an event. If you try to create an event in this app, it becomes a reminder, so it does not transfer to other calendars as an event. I asked the developers in-app for an explanation for why I cannot schedule an event in a *calendar* app and they said they’d consider that feature in the f
  2. [R5] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 5/5 · US Great time management tool: Great product to keep you on track and focused on the task at hand, and to monitor non-priority tasks. That function alone is worth it. The bonus is the focus and built-in timer to track your focus time on a task. I would highly recommend this app to anyone looking for time-management tools.
  3. [R6] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 3/5 · US Still lacks a due date: Pretty nice, comprehensive, and smooth UX. But you can’t set a due date for a task. You can set a start date but that is not at all the same thing. Amazing how many todo apps do t have that feature. Also, projects are just folders and can’t contain any information describing them, they’re just a list of tasks. I don’t need a project manager but it would be nice to save t
  4. [R8] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 5/5 · US Love this app: Fabulous task manager. Allows for categories and subcategories, repeating, custom due dates, detailed notes. Priority and timing alerts. Sorts logically. Allows manual sort. Lots of shortcuts if that’s your thing. I use it to manage work tasks (over 1000 repeating annually) and it keeps me on track, sorted and focused on the priorities. I tried To Do once my org moved to that. Not
  5. [R10] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 2/5 · US Annoying intro animation: Extremely annoying animation when you install the app. No way to skip you’re just forced to watch their intro slop
  6. [R13] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 1/5 · US Bloated apps: I would not recommend, bloated operations. I just want to add my lists and organize. I don’t want a tool that consumes too much management time. An easy drag in other apps requires too many clicks
  7. [R17] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 1/5 · US Widget broken after new update: The home screen widget no longer works which was my whole time with this app
  8. [R18] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 5/5 · US 10/10!: I have been looking for a planning app for what feels like ages. None of them had everything I needed until now. I’ve been using this app for about a month and it’s been game changing. It’s customizable, but not overwhelming. I am a full time student and full time office manager. This app has helped me organize school work, plan todos, track habits, set timers for studying, plan for my hob
  9. [R1] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 1/5 · US bad: i love the app and its features but when i had gotten a free prescription it canceled a week later as planned. I haven’t been getting notifications from the app and I haven’t really been minding because I didn’t really think the app suits Me, but it’s been a few weeks since I had gotten my free subscription and two days ago I had barely noticed that they charged me for the yearly plan, which
  10. [R2] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 5/5 · US Best App: Best App to keep reminders for
  11. [R21] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 1/5 · US Every useful feature behind a paywall: Just when I thought I found the perfect app for social media planning….literally every useful feature is behind a paywall. Without the annual subscription you’re better off just using your notes app
  12. [R29] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 1/5 · GB Removes basic functions: Makes you pay to view the calendar in a monthly, weekly or yearly way, like most calendars do for free…. The payment isn’t even one time but monthly. Love me greedy apps
  13. [R33] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 2/5 · GB Okay app but calendar is subscribe based?: A pretty good app but it feels like it’s gamifying my todos. Also the subscription prompts are extremely annoying and behind some very basic functions.
  14. [R22] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 5/5 · US Great Things Alternative: Things but works on Windows too. I can’t believe how dumb the developers of an app have to be to lock you into one ecosystem. I love Apple products but sometimes I can’t choose what ecosystem my employer uses…
  15. [R38] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 5/5 · US TickTick better than Todoist (for me)!: 1. Better repeating task options 2. Better Calendar Views & Integrations 3. Ability to link tasks to each more easily 4. Ability to integrate with Notion more easily 5. Todoist has a nicer UI, is slightly less buggy, and has a slightly nicer quick entry option for tasks 6. But in general, just a lot more little nice power features that make it subst
  16. [R43] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 2/5 · GB Watch problem: I started a subscription because it says it worked on the Apple Watch. Certainly on my watch running iOS26 nothing transfers from the iphone to the watch other than the list titles. So it is useless for me as I often leave my phone at home when I go out and I rely on my watch for all my information.
  17. [R59] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 5/5 · US Now working on Vision Pro!!: Add Long last the latest revision fixed the problem with the crash on the Apple Vision Pro! Thank you development team!
  18. [R49] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 1/5 · GB Paywalling Duration: I can’t fathom putting task duration behind a paywall. Why else would I want to download a planner, if not to organise tasks? And I can’t schedule things unless I pay? Woeful, unfortunately.
  19. [R55] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 4/5 · US Great app, a few features could be added: This app is incredible for ADHDers who need to switch up their task view and break tasks down. You can even choose a sound for when you complete a task, and there’s a GREAT stats section that’s not just based on how many things you’ve done, but how efficiently you’ve done them, which makes it waaaay more rewarding to level up. Quite a few features I’d li
  20. [R82] Things 3 2/5 · US Not Available on Windows: I use Apple products for almost everything except work, where I’m required to use a Windows laptop. Not being able to access Things 3 on Windows or even through a web interface is a major obstacle and dealbreaker. I genuinely love Things 3. It’s one of the best designed task managers available. However, many professionals operate in mixed ecosystems, and the lack of any
  21. [R91] Things 3 1/5 · US Mac ecosystem only GRRRR: A little did I know that purchasing this app was just a waste of my money. There’s not even a web version, and that’s prehistoric in today’s world. This app looks nice, but it’s useless unless you buy Mac products your entire life. No web version? That’s absurd in 2025.
  22. [R61] Things 3 1/5 · US Scamming: Absolute scam having to buy this from all of your devices. Do not waste your money
  23. [R78] Things 3 3/5 · US Can’t use across iPhone and iPad with buying another version: Admittedly haven’t gotten much into the functionality, but a big reason is I had planned to quickly input items with my phone on-the-go and then reference on my iPad later. Well, after paying $9.99 for the iPhone version, turns out I need to also pay $19.99 for the iPad version. Seems excessive, haven’t done it.
  24. [R109] Things 3 1/5 · US Immediate regret: I need REPEATED daily tasks. Pointless app if it doesn’t do that. It’s also ATROCIOUS to find out that if I want it on my laptop I have to pay another $50????? I would really like a refund. I’ll stick to notion.
  25. [R37] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 1/5 · GB Scam: Starts a premium subscription without your permission, took me a few months to clock it.
  26. [R45] TickTick:To-Do List & Calendar 1/5 · GB Subscription renewal cheats: Subscription does not appear in Apple list of subscribed apps but it renews without warning. Very dirty tactics.
  27. [R69] Things 3 3/5 · US Missing images: I bought it hoping for "perfection," and it would be perfect if there was an option to upload images to the task description. Without this feature, for me personally, it's a useless app despite other conveniences. I can't even imagine fully using an app of this kind without the ability to insert images somewhere. · translated
  28. [R81] Things 3 3/5 · US No attachments: This app would be a perfect app if you could add photos, files, links, etc. That is a major issue for me.
  29. [R111] Things 3 3/5 · GB Still no attachments?!: I absolutely loved this app but could never use it since it was impossible to upload attachments. This was the reason I moved to Todoist, which I do really enjoy, but ever year or two I come back and check to see if they’ve ever added this feature to really make this the perfect task management app but alas, still no dice..
  30. [R117] Things 3 3/5 · GB So close to being really great: This is a lovely looking app, with very smooth operation and great UX, however the main disappointment is that you cannot add attachments or links and therefore it just becomes a good “checklist” app but can’t be used for ongoing or complicated tasks/to-do’s.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store