Customer Reviews (500)

WilliamF84 • 2025-03-21T20:28:56-07:00

Easy and fast to use. Keeps my tasks organized

kc! Bradshaw • 2025-03-17T13:56:59-07:00

The best organizer for projects, tasks, and to dos. Don’t hesitate for another second, get Things 3 and be more productive.

9875859 • 2025-03-16T14:49:23-07:00

I waited about 6 months to write this review, because by then I will usually abandon a planner/scheduling app. I am still using this app each day. I tried to use a paper planner in the past, and I still like to have one to see my entire month, but I just don’t carry my planner around everywhere like my phone, and I needed a place to put small tasks I need to accomplish as they come up or as I think of them. I like that I can have repeating tasks for my workouts and writing time, and I also like where I can make a project and keep project to-do’s. Overall this app has helped my productivity and keeps me on top of tasks I need to accomplish. This kind of simple functionality works best for me, and is why I’ve been able to stick with it for six months.

Summary of Key Insights

Things 3 is a highly-regarded task management application praised for its intuitive design, ease of use, and robust feature set. However, users also express several pain points, particularly concerning the lack of collaboration features, file attachment capabilities, and the high cost of using the app across multiple Apple devices. While the overall sentiment is positive, with a significant percentage of 5-star reviews, addressing the highlighted weaknesses could further enhance user satisfaction and attract a wider audience. A notable trend is the consistent request for features that would make the app more versatile and collaborative, suggesting an unmet need in the productivity app market.

Overall Rating: 4.8 stars Score Distribution:

  • 5-star: 57% (285/500)
  • 4-star: 14.4% (72/500)
  • 3-star: 8.2% (41/500)
  • 2-star: 7.4% (37/500)
  • 1-star: 13% (65/500)

Key Strengths:

  • Clean and intuitive design
  • Ease of use
  • Robust feature set for personal task management
  • Excellent Apple ecosystem integration

Key Weaknesses:

  • Lack of collaboration features
  • No file attachment support
  • High cost for multiple devices
  • Limited functionality on Apple Watch
  • No Windows/Web app

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but based on the version number and content, the reviews appear to be a mix of recent and historical feedback. Some mention updates from years ago.
  • Analysis Methods: Manual review and thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns, sentiment, feature requests, and pain points. No automated sentiment analysis tools were used. Keyword extraction was performed manually to determine the frequency of specific terms.

Key User Pain Points

  • Lack of Collaboration Features: This is the most frequently mentioned issue. Users want the ability to share lists, projects, and assign tasks to family members, coworkers, or teams. The absence of this feature limits the app's usefulness for collaborative work and household management.
  • No File Attachment Support: Many users request the ability to attach files, photos, documents, and other media to tasks and projects. This would allow for more comprehensive task management and information storage within the app.
  • High Cost for Multiple Devices: Users frequently complain about having to purchase the app separately for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, making it expensive to use across their Apple devices. This pricing model is seen as a significant barrier to entry and a major disadvantage compared to subscription-based competitors that offer cross-platform access for a single price.
  • Limited Functionality on Apple Watch: Users desire more comprehensive Apple Watch app features, including the ability to view all lists and projects, not just the "Today" list, and more customization options for watch face complications.
  • No Windows/Web App: Users working in mixed environments (Apple at home, Windows at work) express frustration that they cannot access their tasks on Windows PCs or through a web browser. This restricts the app's utility for work-related tasks.
  • Rigid Repeating Task Rules: The inability to complete repeating tasks early is a persistent complaint. Users want the flexibility to mark tasks as done before their scheduled date without disrupting the recurrence schedule.
  • Widget Refresh Issues: Some users report that the widgets don't automatically refresh, defeating their purpose of providing at-a-glance information.
  • Siri Integration Issues: Some users have issues with Siri recognizing the Things app.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Collaboration/Shared Lists: The ability to share tasks and projects with others.
  • File Attachments: Support for attaching files, photos, and documents to tasks.
  • Web/Windows App: Access to Things 3 from Windows PCs or a web browser.
  • Color Coding: Ability to add colors to tasks or fonts for visual organization.
  • Customizable Repeating Reminders: More flexibility in setting up recurring tasks, including options for weekday-only schedules and the ability to complete tasks early.
  • Location-Based Reminders: Native support for location-based reminders without relying on workarounds like Shortcuts.
  • Calendar View: A calendar view within the app for long-term planning.
  • Natural Language Input (iOS): The ability to quickly add tasks and set dates using natural language input on iOS, similar to the Mac version.
  • Multiple Reminders per Task: The ability to set multiple reminders for a single task.
  • Task Duration: Ability to set start and end times for tasks.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Clean and Intuitive Design: Users consistently praise the app's minimalist design and user-friendly interface.
  • Ease of Use: The app is considered easy to learn and use, even for those new to task management.
  • Robust Feature Set: While some features are lacking, users appreciate the existing features, such as Areas, Projects, Tags, and Calendar integration.
  • Apple Ecosystem Integration: The app seamlessly integrates with other Apple apps and services, such as Calendar, Reminders, and Siri.
  • One-Time Purchase: Many users prefer the one-time purchase model over subscription-based alternatives.
  • Reliable Sync: Users generally report that the app syncs reliably across their Apple devices.
  • Customizable: The app provides flexibility to separate and organize tasks.
  • Thoughtful UI: The UI has many thoughtful touches and well-designed UX.
  • Tag Feature: Tag feature to help plan and search for items.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

PriorityIssueRecommendation
HighLack of Collaboration FeaturesImplement shared lists and task assignment capabilities to cater to collaborative workflows.
HighNo File Attachment SupportAdd support for attaching files, photos, and documents to tasks to enhance information management.
HighHigh Cost for Multiple DevicesReconsider the pricing model to offer a more affordable option for users with multiple Apple devices, potentially through a subscription or a family plan.
MediumNo Windows/Web AppExplore developing a web-based version or a Windows app to expand accessibility to users in mixed environments.
MediumRigid Repeating Task RulesAllow users to complete repeating tasks early without affecting the recurrence schedule.
MediumLimited Functionality on Apple WatchEnhance the Apple Watch app with more comprehensive features, including the ability to view all lists and projects and customize watch face complications.
LowWidget Refresh IssuesInvestigate and resolve the widget refresh issues to ensure that users see up-to-date information at a glance.
LowSiri Integration IssuesAddress reported issues with Siri integration for more reliable task creation and management.
LowColor CodingProvide options for color-coding tasks or fonts for improved visual organization.
LowNatural Language Input (iOS)Implement natural language input on iOS for faster task creation.
LowMultiple Reminders per TaskAllow users to set multiple reminders for individual tasks.
LowTask DurationAdd the ability to set start and end times for tasks.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Cross-Platform Collaboration Tool: A task management app with robust collaboration features that works seamlessly across all major platforms (iOS, Android, Windows, Web).
  • Media-Rich Task Manager: A task management app focused on visual organization, with native support for image and file attachments, annotation, and multimedia notes.
  • AI-Powered Task Prioritization: An app that uses AI to analyze task content and user behavior to automatically prioritize tasks and suggest optimal schedules.
  • Customizable Widget Platform: A platform that offers highly customizable widgets for task management and other productivity functions, allowing users to create personalized dashboards.
  • "Things" Companion App: An app that enhances Things3 by providing missing functionalities like team collaboration, custom icons, or a built-in Pomodoro timer.

Trends and Observations

  • Feature Requests Reflect Evolving Needs: The consistent demand for collaboration features suggests that users are increasingly looking for task management solutions that can support teamwork and shared responsibilities.
  • Pricing Model Concerns: The one-time purchase model is appreciated, but the high cost of using the app across multiple devices is a significant deterrent for many users.
  • Importance of Apple Ecosystem Integration: Users value the seamless integration with other Apple apps and services, highlighting the importance of platform-specific features and optimizations.
  • Desire for Simplicity and Power: Users appreciate the app's balance of simplicity and functionality, suggesting that new features should be added carefully to avoid overwhelming the user interface.
  • Consistent Demand Over Time: Many reviews mentioned requests that have been outstanding for years, suggesting a need for more active community engagement and feature prioritization.

Conclusion

Things 3 remains a highly-regarded task management app with a loyal user base. However, to stay competitive and attract new users, the developers should prioritize addressing the key pain points highlighted in this analysis, particularly the lack of collaboration features and the high cost of multi-device usage. By implementing these improvements, Things 3 can solidify its position as a leading task management solution and cater to the evolving needs of its users. The analysis suggests a shift in user needs towards more collaborative and cross-platform solutions.

Overall Recommendation: Address high-priority items and consider feature requests to maintain competitiveness.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/things-3/id904237743?uo=2