Todoist vs. Things 3 vs. Planner: A Feature Comparison
Finding the digital planner that actually works for you
1. Todoist — The Powerful All-Rounder
Best For: Power users, GTD enthusiasts, cross-platform teams
Interface Philosophy: Feature-rich, customizable
Platform: All platforms (Web, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Features | Natural language input for quick task entry, Filters and labels for complex sorting, Cross-platform sync, Karma points and productivity trends, Project sections and sub-tasks |
| Strengths | Incredibly powerful for complex project management. Works everywhere. Deep GTD support. |
| Weaknesses | Steep learning curve. Can become a distraction for users who over-optimize. Many features may feel excessive for simple daily planning. |
2. Things 3 — The Beautiful Minimalist
Best For: Apple ecosystem loyalists who value design
Interface Philosophy: Elegant, structured
Platform: Apple-only (iOS, iPadOS, macOS)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Features | Areas and projects for life organization, Beautiful animations and typography, Deadlines and recurring tasks, Checklists and tags |
| Strengths | Stunning, intuitive design. Pleasant to use and open. Clean separation of work and personal life. |
| Weaknesses | Apple-only (no Windows or Android access). Expensive upfront cost. Limited flexibility for users who want a paper-like experience. |
3. Planner: Daily Weekly Diary — The Focused Alternative
Best For: Minimalists who want a paper-like, flexible daily schedule
Interface Philosophy: Classic paper notebook with page-flip experience
Platform: iOS, iPadOS, macOS (Apple Silicon)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Features | Paper-like interface that mimics a traditional notebook, Page-flip experience when navigating weeks, Full week view on one screen for smart scheduling, Separate dated planner and undated notes list, Voice notes and stylus support on tablets, iCloud sync and backup, Text formatting (color, underline, strikethrough, bold, italics), Recurring events for birthdays or workouts, Automatic reminders and checkboxes, Customizable backgrounds, font sizes, colors, Supports 28 languages |
| Strengths | No learning curve — feels like a paper planner. Combines scheduling and note-taking in one app. Highly customizable but not overwhelming. Essential features are free. Great for daily routine planning and habit tracking. |
| Weaknesses | Not designed for complex team project management. Lacks advanced cross-platform collaboration features. Hourly day view and Google Calendar integration are coming soon. |
Summary: Which One Is Right for You?
- Choose Todoist if: You manage complex projects across teams, love deep customization, and work across multiple platforms.
- Choose Things 3 if: You live entirely in the Apple ecosystem, value beautiful design, and prefer a structured one-time purchase tool.
- Choose Planner if: You want a simple, paper-like digital planner that helps you focus on the day without distraction, and you appreciate having both a dated diary and an undated notes list in one app.
This comparison is based on personal experience with each app. Pricing and features are subject to change.
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