Task Managers Overview
Task management apps improve how people organize workloads, deadlines, and priorities. Things 3, Todoist, and TickTick each offer distinct approaches to handling tasks and projects. For instance, Things 3, released in 2012 and frequently updated (version 3.17 as of April 2024), emphasizes design and integration with Apple devices. Todoist, founded in 2007, boasts over 30 million users worldwide, spreading across platforms with real-time collaboration features. TickTick launched in 2013, combining task and habit tracking, appeals to users seeking flexible planning with built-in Pomodoro timers.
Each app aims to help users avoid overwhelmed inboxes or missed deadlines by organizing daily to-dos and longer projects effectively. You track meetings, errands, or multi-step workflows.
User Issues Explained
Many misjudge task managers by expecting a one-size-fits-all fix. They load lists endlessly without structuring or fail to use reminders properly. Lack of consistent review leads to abandoned task lists, making the app just another ignored folder. Some assume more features mean greater productivity but get lost in complexity. For example, Todoist's labels, filters, and priorities confuse new users; they stop adding tasks. Or in Things 3, absence of real-time collaboration limits team use, frustrating those needing shared projects.
Consequently, users won’t hit deadlines or lose sight of important tasks. Productivity falls behind without adapting task flows to personal or team habits. Missed work can cascade, affecting partners or clients.
How to Improve Task Use
Choosing based on platform
Pick Things 3 if you use only macOS or iOS—it integrates deeply with system calendars and Siri. Those on Android or mixed devices could opt for Todoist or TickTick, which run smoothly on all popular systems.
Mastering task input
Use quick entry features: Todoist offers natural language input like “tomorrow at 9am,” speeding task capture. TickTick supports voice input and widgets for fast addition. Things 3 focuses on manual input but allows drag-and-drop organization.
Using tags and priorities
Todoist’s labels and priority levels help filter tasks to focus on urgent matters. TickTick includes smart lists that update based on due dates or tags. Things 3 keeps it simpler, using areas and projects but lacking complex tagging, favoring clarity.
Setting reminders and notifications
TickTick lets users set multiple reminders per task, useful for recurring work. Todoist alerts are configurable with push notifications and email digests. Things 3 uses system notifications but no cross-device syncing for alerts, which can cause delays.
Employing project views
Things 3 displays projects in a clean outline with deadlines at a glance. Todoist offers list and board views to switch perspectives; board is useful for Kanban-style workflows. TickTick supports calendar and list toggles within projects, handy for visual planners.
Collaborating effectively
Todoist supports task assignments and comments shared with teams, letting users discuss updates. TickTick also includes shared lists and voice notes, though less polished. Things 3 lacks collaboration features, which limits group projects.
Tracking habits alongside tasks
TickTick integrates habit trackers, useful for personal self-management beyond work tasks. This is unique compared to the other two and encourages consistent routines.
Cost effectiveness
Paying for premium unlocks major perks: Todoist Premium costs roughly $36/year for robust projects. TickTick Premium is $28/yr with timers and tagging. Things 3 charges a one-time $50 per platform, making cost add up if used on Mac and iPhone separately.
Task Solutions in Action
A small marketing agency needed to improve deadline tracking across five team members using different devices. Switching from spreadsheets to Todoist enabled assigning tasks, setting reminders, and tracking completion. Tasks overdue dropped by 40% within two months.
On the other hand, a freelance writer used Things 3 exclusively on Mac and iPhone to manage multiple article deadlines and client meetings. The clean design reduced distraction, pushing focus to deadlines. Productivity rose by adding deadlines for 15+ projects and using tags to separate work and personal tasks.
Task App Features Compared
| Feature | Things 3 | Todoist | TickTick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platforms | macOS, iOS only | All major OS | All major OS |
| Task Input | Manual only | Natural language | Voice, widgets |
| Collaboration | None | Yes, real-time | Shared lists |
| Views | Outline | List, board | Calendar, list |
| Habit Tracking | None | None | Built-in |
| Pricing | $50 one-time | $36/year | $28/year |
Errors to Avoid
Avoid dumping all tasks without sorting or prioritizing. That turns a tool into a cluttered list no one reviews. Skip the timer apps. They add one more thing to manage if you already have reminders and calendars.
Ignore the need to review tasks weekly. That review resets focus and surfaces overdue chores. Try not to overload task titles with unclear abbreviations. They reduce recall and cause repeated lookups.
Clicking on every reminder without setting concrete deadlines leads to constant interruptions but no clear action plan.
FAQ
Which app supports offline work best?
Things 3 has excellent offline capabilities since it stores all data locally on Apple devices. Todoist and TickTick sync online but cache recent tasks offline.
Can these apps handle subtasks?
All three allow subtasks, but Todoist offers nested subtasks up to four levels deep; TickTick also supports multiple levels, while Things 3 permits simple checklists within tasks.
Is there a free version with useful features?
Todoist and TickTick offer free tiers with basic task management. Things 3 has no free version; it requires purchase upfront.
Do these apps integrate with calendars?
Things 3 syncs closely with Apple Calendar. Todoist and TickTick allow two-way syncing with Google Calendar and Outlook.
Which app handles recurring tasks best?
TickTick stands out with flexible recurrence options including custom intervals and conditions. Todoist supports multiple recurrence patterns; Things 3 handles recurring tasks more simply.
Author's Insight
I’ve tested all three on real projects. Things 3 feels polished but limits team use. Todoist’s collaboration often saves time, although its interface overloads casual users. TickTick’s habit tracker made a difference for my daily routines—and the Pomodoro timer, which, frankly, most people skip, worked surprisingly well for me. The choice depends not just on features but how you adapt your workflow to each app.
Key Takeaways
Match your devices and needs carefully. Use Things 3 if you live fully in the Apple ecosystem and want a distraction-minimized interface. Opt for Todoist to manage shared tasks with professional teams and multitask using labels and filters. Pick TickTick if habit tracking or flexible recurring task options appeal. Set a review rhythm, keep lists lean, and pick reminders strategically to stop tasks from piling unabated.
