Notion vs Todoist vs Things 3: Which Productivity App Wins?

These three apps solve the same problem in opposite ways. Notion wins if you want an all-in-one workspace for notes, docs, and tasks. Todoist wins if you want a fast, dependable to-do list that runs everywhere. Things 3 wins if you are an Apple-only user who wants the most beautifully designed planner available. There is no single champion, only the best match for your setup.

We ran all three side by side for weeks, moving the same projects between them to see where each one shined and where it strained. Below is how they compare on the things that actually matter day to day.

The quick comparison

App	Best For	Platforms	Price	Rating
Notion	An all-in-one workspace	iOS, Android, Web, macOS	Free with an optional subscription	9.0
Todoist	Cross-platform task management	iOS, Android, Web, macOS	Free with an optional subscription	8.5
Things 3	Design-focused Apple users	iOS, iPadOS, macOS	Subscription-based	8.0

Philosophy: workspace vs list vs planner

Notion is a workspace. It wants to hold everything, your tasks alongside your notes, wikis, and databases, in one flexible canvas you shape yourself. Todoist is a list. It is laser-focused on capturing and completing tasks fast, everywhere, with as little friction as possible. Things 3 is a planner. It is a task manager too, but its real gift is helping you calmly decide what to do today and this week, wrapped in exceptional design.

Understanding that difference resolves most of the decision. If your problem is "my information is scattered across ten apps," you want Notion. If your problem is "things keep slipping through the cracks," you want Todoist. If your problem is "I have the tasks but planning feels stressful," you want Things 3.

Capture speed and daily use

Todoist is the fastest for capture. Its natural-language input lets you type "call the dentist Monday 10am" and it files the task correctly, and quick-add is available almost instantly from any device. Things 3 is nearly as fast on Apple hardware, with a smooth quick-entry panel and satisfying interactions. Notion is the slowest here by design; opening a database and adding a row is more deliberate than tapping a plus button in a list app.

Cross-platform coverage

This is where the decision gets simple for some people. Notion and Todoist both run on iOS, Android, the web, and macOS, so they fit any mix of devices. Things 3 is Apple-only. If you carry an Android phone or use Windows at work, Things 3 is out, full stop, no matter how much you admire it. For a household or team on mixed platforms, Notion or Todoist is the safer choice.

Depth vs focus

Notion goes deepest. You can build project trackers, wikis, and reference libraries that no plain to-do app can match. Todoist stays focused but offers real structure through projects, labels, filters, and priorities, enough to run a serious system without ever feeling heavy. Things 3 sits in between: more structured than a basic list thanks to its Areas and Projects, but deliberately restrained so planning stays calm rather than complex.

Design and feel

Things 3 is the clear winner on craft. Every animation and margin feels considered, and using it is genuinely pleasant. Todoist is clean and efficient without being showy. Notion is attractive and highly customizable, but because you build the pages, the polish depends partly on you. If a beautiful, distraction-free experience motivates you, Things 3 has an edge.

So which one wins?

Pick Notion if you want to consolidate scattered notes, docs, and tasks into one system and enjoy building it. Its best-for line: an all-in-one workspace for people who like to design their own setup. Pick Todoist if you want a fast, reliable list on every device; best for cross-platform task management that never lets you down. Pick Things 3 if you live on Apple devices and want the most elegant planner made; best for design-focused Apple users.

Frequently asked questions

Is Notion better than Todoist?

It depends on your goal. Notion is better if you want an all-in-one workspace for notes, docs, and tasks. Todoist is better if you want a fast, focused to-do list that syncs flawlessly across every platform.

Can Things 3 be used on Android or Windows?

No. Things 3 is exclusive to Apple devices, so it works only on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. If you need Android or Windows support, Todoist or Notion is the better fit.

Which app is best for teams?

Notion is the strongest for teams because it doubles as a shared wiki and knowledge base with real-time collaboration. Todoist supports shared projects too, while Things 3 is designed for individual use.

Which is easiest to start with?

Todoist is the easiest to pick up because it works like a simple list from the first minute. Things 3 is also approachable on Apple devices, while Notion asks for more setup before it pays off.

We compared these apps throughout 2026, and we revisit and update this comparison as each one evolves, so check back before you commit.

Bottom line: Notion wins for all-in-one workspaces, Todoist for cross-platform task management, and Things 3 for Apple users who value design. Choose based on the problem you are actually trying to solve.