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

Things 3 vs Google Tasks

Things 3 4.8★ · $9.99 80
Winner Things 3
Google Tasks 4.8★ · Free + IAP 60

Things 3 offers a more robust and visually appealing task management experience for Apple users, while Google Tasks is a basic, free option best for those deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem.

Full reviews: Things 3 · Google Tasks

Things 3 is a highly-rated, paid task manager praised for its intuitive design and powerful features for individual productivity, despite its multi-device cost and lack of cross-platform support. Google Tasks is a free, simpler alternative, valued for its integration with other Google services but criticized for missing basic features like search and sharing, and frequent bugs.

Head to head

Features & Functionality edge: Things 3R2R3R5R8
Things 3 Things 3 is lauded for its ability to break down tasks, set recurring routines, and capture thoughts in an inbox R2. Users appreciate detailed task notes in markdown R5 and the flexibility to manage work and personal tasks R5. However, some users are frustrated by the inability to check off recurring tasks early R3, lack of attachments for images or files R9R21R51R57, and missing features like natural language processing , month view , or basic sorting options R8. Recent reviews also note a lack of innovation, with no AI integration or proper calendar view .
Google Tasks Google Tasks is praised for its simplicity and effectiveness in organizing daily tasks and future reminders . Its integration with Google Calendar and smart assistants like Gemini is a significant advantage for many users . However, it is widely criticized for lacking a search function R69R73R81R92, the inability to share tasks or lists with others R75R76R83R104, and limited options for reordering lists . Users also desire more advanced features like location-based triggers , habit reminders , and better recurring task management .
Ease of Use & Design edge: Things 3R14R17R20R24
Things 3 Things 3 is frequently praised for its clean, intuitive, and beautiful design R20. Users find it easy to start using and manage tasks, even for complex lives R14R17. The drag-and-drop functionality for reordering tasks is appreciated . However, some users find the UI less intuitive for recurring reminders and recent updates have been criticized for changing familiar buttons R24R37 and a new 'Glass UI' that deviates from its distinctive style .
Google Tasks Google Tasks is generally considered simple and easy to use R81. Its straightforward interface is appreciated by users who want a basic task manager R104. However, some find it too basic and clunky , with a UI that looks old and lacks modern appeal . Specific usability issues include difficulty with quick deletion and problems with subtask hierarchy .
Reliability & Performance edge: Things 3R7R13R25R27
Things 3 Things 3 is generally seen as reliable, with users depending on it for years R41. However, recent reviews mention issues like crashing after opening on iOS 26 R27, the app not automatically refreshing content R25, and a specific bug with the iPad Magic Keyboard interface . There are also critical complaints about the lack of an undo option, leading to accidental deletion of entire lists R7R13.
Google Tasks Google Tasks frequently suffers from crashing issues, with users reporting the app crashes on open or when trying to add tasks . Some users have experienced tasks not saving after updates or even entire lists being deleted without warning . Notifications are also a point of failure, with reminders not appearing on time or badge support being absent .
Price & Value edge: Google TasksR1R4R17R18
Things 3 Things 3 is a paid app, with a one-time purchase model that many users find worth the money R17. However, a significant point of contention is the need to purchase the app separately for each Apple device (iPhone, iPad, Mac), leading to perceived 'scamming' or 'exorbitant costs' by some users R1R4R18R19. The lack of a free trial is also a common complaint .
Google Tasks Google Tasks is free, which is a major draw for users . Its value is primarily in its seamless integration with the broader Google ecosystem . However, some users feel that even for a free app, the lack of basic features and frequent bugs make it less valuable than it could be R76.
Support & Updates edge: Things 3R24R33R37R41
Things 3 Things 3 users generally appreciate the quality and longevity of the software R41. However, some recent reviews express disappointment with the lack of significant new features or UI refreshes in updates . There are also complaints about specific UI changes in updates R24R37 and unaddressed bugs like the iOS Pinyin punctuation issue R33.
Google Tasks Google Tasks users are frustrated by vague release notes and a perceived lack of developer attention to long-standing issues like the absence of a search function R73. The app's frequent crashes and missing features suggest inconsistent support .
Pick Things 3 if

Pick Things 3 if you are an Apple-only user willing to pay for a premium, well-designed, and highly functional task manager that helps organize complex personal and professional lives R14R17R20. It's particularly good for those who appreciate a clean interface, markdown notes, and robust project management R5R20.

Pick Google Tasks if

Pick Google Tasks if you need a free, simple task manager that integrates seamlessly with your existing Google ecosystem, especially Google Calendar and smart assistants . It's suitable for basic to-do lists and for users who prioritize cost over advanced features or a polished user experience R104.

Evidence note: Things 3 has a higher number of detailed reviews, both positive and negative, allowing for a more nuanced comparison. Google Tasks reviews are often shorter and more focused on critical missing features or bugs. The free nature of Google Tasks likely contributes to a higher volume of users, some of whom may have lower expectations for a free product.

Frequently asked

Can I use Things 3 on all my devices with one purchase?
No, Things 3 requires separate purchases for each Apple operating system (iPhone, iPad, Mac), which can amount to a significant total cost R1R4R18R19.
Does Google Tasks allow sharing of lists or tasks?
No, Google Tasks currently lacks the ability to share tasks or lists with other accounts, making it unsuitable for collaborative use R75R76R83R104.
Does Things 3 support attachments or images in tasks?
No, Things 3 does not support adding photos, files, or links as attachments to tasks, which is a significant drawback for some users R9R21R51R57.
Does Google Tasks have a search function?
No, the Google Tasks mobile app for iPhone does not have a built-in search feature, requiring users to manually scroll through lists to find specific tasks R69R73R81R92.

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. [R2] Things 3 5/5 · US The ADHD Tamer: This deceptively simple app reshaped my life; being able to break tasks down into lists and set recurring routines has been magical for me. Being able to jot down a thought and process it later (in your inbox) is a game changer. I’d buy the software again in a heartbeat!
  2. [R3] Things 3 3/5 · US Can’t Check Off Recurring Tasks Early: This app came highly praised and the reviews are almost unreal but this app doesn’t have the one feature that, for me, is the most important: inability to check-off recurring tasks due in the future. Complete waste of money as I got the iPad version too. I’m going back to Apple Reminders to get basic functionality.
  3. [R5] Things 3 5/5 · US Consistency: Thinks app allows me to keep detailed task notes in markdown inside the tasks which helps me find the context and key information quickly. Things app also allows me to set tasks for work during day and also for the end of the day for my personal time, so, it allows me to not think about personal tasks during the day.
  4. [R8] Things 3 4/5 · US Close to perfection: As one of those people who thrives making lists, I love this app! A couple of features I need to bump this up to a 5/5 are ALPHABETIZING and NUMBERING - specifically being able to see how many ✨things🌝 are in a project/list etc. Still really enjoy the way this app looks and functions otherwise
  5. [R14] Things 3 5/5 · US Works great for me: This app has become foundational to my life. I have four rentals three children, several sources of employment and income. It allows me to keep track of all of them seamlessly- at least for the way I think
  6. [R17] Things 3 5/5 · US Only Review I’ve Ever Written: I truly have never considered writing a review for an app. I’m an admin professionally and have spent years testing ways to keep a todo list that didn’t feel like more work. I could never find something easy that somehow cleanly held EVERY todo I have - and here it is! Worth every penny, would buy again and again - my brain has never been happier or less full of junk
  7. [R20] Things 3 5/5 · US Great: After trying multiple planners and task managers, I can confidently say that this one is the best in terms of design and functionality. Clean and not overwhelming, perfect for daily use. I use it as a grad student and it helps me track my daily goals as well as multiple projects.
  8. [R24] Things 3 3/5 · US Changed Done to Clear: ios26 update they changed the Done button to Clear. This is absolutely terrible for those of us that have been using Things 3 since its inception. Who thought this change was a good idea? Fire that person.
  9. [R7] Things 3 1/5 · US No undo option: Deal breaker. Deleted my to do list without warning. Tutorial on app is atrocious-assumes you already know how to use the app. Better options out there.
  10. [R13] Things 3 1/5 · US Terrible App: If you or the app accidentally deletes a to do list theres no undo button
  11. [R25] Things 3 2/5 · US App doesn’t automatically refresh: The app does not refresh content automatically in the background. Updates only appear when you manually open the app, which is frustrating and interrupts workflow. Background refresh is expected in modern apps, this limitation significantly reduces usability and user experience. Please implement automatic background updates so content stays current without constan
  12. [R27] Things 3 3/5 · US Crashes After Opening: I am using iOS26 and whenever I open the app, it crashes. Uninstalled and reinstalled, nothing. Works great on Macbook and iPad tho...
  13. [R1] Things 3 1/5 · US Scamming: Absolute scam having to buy this from all of your devices. Do not waste your money
  14. [R4] Things 3 1/5 · US Confused: For costing 80$ across all 3 operating systems, this app should support ALL OS features. Where are dynamic island, live activity, location, and focus filter support? You can filter widgets to show tasks with tags. Why can I slo have the whole app filter to only show me selected tags when I’m in a focus mode. Why should widgets be filter able, but the app itself not?
  15. [R18] 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.
  16. [R33] Things 3 3/5 · US Can't input punctuation by iOS Pinyin: Can't input any punctuation by iOS Pinyin！！！ This bug has been occurring since some version several weeks ago, please FIX it quickly.
  17. [R37] Things 3 1/5 · US Idiotic update: For some reason, when setting reminders, the developers decided to change the “done” button to a “clear” (cancel) button. So now I set a bunch of reminders that I’ll never get notifications about because my usual pattern (setting the reminder) is now the opposite (clearing the reminder). Idiotic stuff.
  18. [R41] Things 3 5/5 · US Best of the best: Things is probably my favorite app ever made on Mac and iPhone. It’s rare to find software of this quality longevity and reliability and I genuinely base my entire life around it. I hope it’s still here in 30 years from now because I intend to keep using it. I look forward to every update. I’ll be the first line to support the team however I can even after all these years. I kee
  19. [R19] Things 3 2/5 · US Be ready to spend a lot and not be able to share with others: I saw all the great reviews and was super excited to buy this app and organize my life! And yes, it’s a great app to organize projects and tasks however it has some serious shortcomings, especially given the exorbitant costs. First, you can’t share with a family member so having a shared family to do list in one app is impossible with
  20. [R75] Google Tasks 3/5 · US It's ok: Give the ability to share
  21. [R76] Google Tasks 1/5 · US Needs to be able to share tasks with other accounts.: I like that this is integrated with Google suite but unlike calendars and docs etc ya see is are only for you. No shared home grocery lists no project management in your team. This could be so much better instead it’s just irritating.
  22. [R83] Google Tasks 4/5 · US Sharing: Great app. Want to share task as or with others or “family”
  23. [R104] Google Tasks 4/5 · US Useful: First good app for task tracking that keeps it simple. Sharing allowed only Throught joint email account Reordering task list impossible Otherwise great!
  24. [R9] Things 3 3/5 · US Missing images: I bought this 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 its other conveniences. I can't even imagine fully using an app of this kind without the ability to insert images somewhere. · translated
  25. [R21] 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.
  26. [R51] 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..
  27. [R57] 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.
  28. [R69] Google Tasks 3/5 · US No search function: The application would be much more useful if there was the ability to search within the app. The only way to search is to do it in the Google calendar application. If you lose the search capability in Google calendar (which is a known problem that I have not been able to fix), both Google Calendar and Google Tasks lose a major function that I depend upon. I am looking for oth
  29. [R73] Google Tasks 1/5 · US Missing a search function: The Google Tasks mobile app for iPhone does not currently have a built-in search feature for finding specific tasks. To locate items, you must manually scroll through your lists. My lists are long and this is a PITA. Google, please add this simple feature ASAP!
  30. [R81] Google Tasks 3/5 · US Generally good and def helps me keep track of things i need to do (with caveats): Generally good and helps me keep track of things i need to do with a simple interface ! Three things would make it sooo much better- 1) Ability to Search for a task in Google Tasks, 2) Ability to see an aggregate list of tasks in addition to by category (all by sorted by due date for example), 3) More reliable
  31. [R92] Google Tasks 5/5 · US Đề xuất bổ sung tính năng tìm kiếm (Search): Tôi rất hài lòng với ứng dụng vì giao diện đơn giản và dễ sử dụng. Tuy nhiên, hiện tại ứng dụng đang thiếu một tính năng rất quan trọng là tìm kiếm (search). Khi số lượng công việc tăng lên (ví dụ 200+ task), việc tìm lại một công việc cụ thể trở nên rất khó khăn và mất nhiều thời gian. Trong khi đó, các ứng dụng tương tự như “Lời nhắc” trên iPhone đã

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