Things Review (2025): Features, Pricing, Pros & Cons
Things is a beautifully designed, award-winning task manager created exclusively for Apple users. Built by Cultured Code, a small German software studio, Things blends elegance with functionality, offering a minimalist approach to managing tasks, goals, and projects across macOS, iPadOS, and iOS devices.
At its core, Things solves a common problem: how to organize your day-to-day tasks and long-term goals without being overwhelmed by cluttered interfaces or unnecessary features.
With its clean design and structured workflow, Things appeals to users who value simplicity, clarity, and a seamless Apple-native experience.
Who Is Things For?
Things is perfect for:
- Apple enthusiasts who want native macOS and iOS integration
- Freelancers and professionals managing personal and professional goals
- Creatives and students who need structured lists without complexity
- Individuals using GTD (Getting Things Done) or similar productivity frameworks
Company Background
Things is developed by Cultured Code GmbH & Co. KG, a small independent software company based in Stuttgart, Germany. The company was founded by Werner Jainek and has remained intentionally small and private, focusing exclusively on the Things product since its early beta in 2007.
Unlike many productivity tools that chase broad market share, Cultured Code has taken a different route: delivering thoughtful updates, maintaining premium software quality, and embracing a no-subscription model. Their philosophy is simple—build the best task manager for Apple devices, and do it exceptionally well.
Official website: https://culturedcode.com/things/
Key Features
Things prioritizes user clarity and structured task flow over complexity. Here’s a look at its most important features:
Task Management
- Today View: Automatically collects tasks due today and those manually scheduled for the day.
- Upcoming View: Shows what’s coming tomorrow and beyond in a clean timeline format.
- Inbox: Capture tasks quickly for later sorting.
- Projects: Organize larger goals with nested tasks and headings.
- Tags: Filter tasks by context, priority, or custom workflows.
Workflow and Planning
- Areas of Responsibility: Group projects and tasks under broader life categories (e.g., Work, Personal, Health).
- Headings within Projects: Break projects into sections for better clarity and hierarchy.
- Checklists: Add subtasks inside tasks—ideal for groceries, packing, or multi-step actions.
- Repeating Tasks: Set tasks to recur daily, weekly, monthly, or on custom schedules.
- Quick Entry: Use keyboard shortcuts to add tasks on Mac from anywhere.
Integrations and Syncing
- Calendar Integration: View events from Apple Calendar alongside your tasks.
- Mail to Things: Email tasks directly to your Things inbox.
- Things Cloud: Automatic sync across Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
- Shortcuts Support: Full compatibility with Siri Shortcuts for automation workflows.
Design and Focus
- Distraction-Free Interface: No side panels or complex menus—just your tasks, clearly displayed.
- Magic Plus Button: Tap or click anywhere to quickly create a task exactly where you want it.
- Markdown Support: Add formatted notes, checklists, and links within task descriptions.
User Interface and Experience (UI/UX)
Things sets the standard for user-friendly, native Apple software. The interface is clean, calm, and meticulously optimized for every screen size.
- macOS App: A seamless blend of Apple design language and unique UX choices. Fast animations and keyboard shortcuts make productivity fluid.
- iPad App: Full support for multitasking, keyboard navigation, and gestures. Excellent for planning or reviewing.
- iPhone App: Quick-add, swipe-to-complete, and Haptic Touch create an intuitive mobile experience.
- Apple Watch App: Add and check off tasks from your wrist.
- Dark Mode: Available on all devices, with beautiful transitions and custom animations.
Onboarding is minimal—because you don’t need it. Things is intuitive enough for anyone to dive in without guidance, but powerful enough for advanced users to craft personal workflows.
Platforms Supported
| Platform | Supported | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| macOS | Yes | macOS 12 Monterey or later |
| iPadOS | Yes | Full-featured, supports multitasking |
| iOS | Yes | Optimized for iPhone, supports Siri |
| Apple Watch | Yes | Basic task viewing and completion |
| Web | No | Not available |
| Android | No | Not supported |
| Windows | No | Not supported |
| Offline Mode | Yes | Fully functional without internet; syncs when online |
Things is an Apple-exclusive tool with native apps across all Apple platforms. It is not available on the web or other operating systems.
Pricing
Things follows a one-time purchase model per platform, with no subscriptions:
| Platform | Price (One-Time) | Included Features |
|---|---|---|
| macOS | $49.99 | Full app with sync, planning views, project tools |
| iOS/iPadOS | $9.99 | Universal app for iPhone and iPad |
| Apple Watch | Included with iOS app | Glanceable tasks, quick completion |
| Free Trial | Yes (Mac only) | 15-day free trial via direct download |
There is no monthly or yearly subscription—pay once per platform, and updates are included for life.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Elegant, Minimalist Interface: Every detail is thoughtfully designed, with zero clutter.
- One-Time Purchase Model: No subscriptions or recurring fees.
- Native Apple Integration: Runs smoothly and beautifully on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS.
- Distraction-Free Productivity: Helps users focus on tasks instead of managing the app itself.
Cons
- Apple-Only Ecosystem: No web, Windows, or Android support.
- No Team Collaboration: Built for individuals, not groups.
- No Rich Integrations or Automations: Limited compared to apps like ClickUp or Notion.
- No Built-In Time Tracking: Requires third-party integrations.
Customer Support and Resources
| Support Channel | Availability |
|---|---|
| Email Support | Yes |
| Help Center | Extensive knowledge base |
| Video Tutorials | Some official walkthroughs |
| Community Forums | Limited (no official forum) |
| Updates & Changelog | Transparent update logs posted on their site |
Support is email-based and often fast and helpful. Cultured Code is known for detailed release notes and polish in every update.
Real-World Use Cases / Ideal Users
Freelancers
Things is perfect for freelancers who want to manage projects, due dates, and personal habits all in one beautifully simple system. No team overhead, just individual clarity.
Students
Plan assignments, reading lists, and study blocks using Areas, Projects, and Upcoming View. Recurring tasks help keep track of weekly submissions or study sessions.
Designers & Creatives
Creative professionals appreciate Things for its clean aesthetic and ability to structure complex ideas into actionable goals without design compromise.
User Reviews and Ratings
| Platform | Rating | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Mac App Store | 4.8/5 | Top-rated productivity app for Mac users |
| iOS App Store | 4.8/5 | Editors’ Choice; praised for elegance and performance |
| G2 | 4.6/5 | Highly rated, but limited due to platform exclusivity |
User Quote (App Store):
“Things is what every task manager should strive to be. It’s simple, beautiful, and a joy to use.” – Caroline R., Designer
Best Alternatives
| Tool | Best For | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Todoist | Cross-platform task management | More versatile, collaborative, and available on all devices |
| TickTick | Personal productivity + habits | Adds Pomodoro timer, habit tracking, and calendar view |
| Microsoft To Do | Windows and Microsoft users | Basic but tightly integrated with Office |
| OmniFocus | Apple users wanting GTD rigor | More complex, better for GTD power users |
| Things 3 | Premium Apple-only productivity | Focused, polished, minimalist—but lacks collaboration |
Summary
Things by Cultured Code remains one of the most refined task managers available—if you live inside the Apple ecosystem. It’s clean, focused, and thoughtfully designed for individuals who want to stay organized without being overwhelmed by clutter or complexity.
Its strengths include a beautiful UI, a distraction-free experience, and a lifetime license model. However, the lack of collaboration features and non-Apple support means it’s not for everyone.
If you’re an Apple user who values design, simplicity, and control over your personal productivity, Things may be the perfect fit.
Explore it further at culturedcode.com/things, or visit usefully.site to compare Things with other top productivity apps.
Media
Things 3 Review: Best Task Management App for iOS & Mac?
