Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Things 3 · ✅ tasks
Things 3 vs Microsoft To Do
A polished free task manager, paid for with a Microsoft account rather than money Here is how Microsoft To Do ($0/mo free) stacks up against Things 3 (paid subscription) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Microsoft To Do
$0.00/mo · proprietary, free
Things 3 vs Microsoft To Do Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-10
| Dimension | Things 3 (Paid) | Microsoft To Do (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | Paid tier | $0 / mo |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | free proprietary, free |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Hosted (their cloud) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopmobilewebthey host it |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ $0 forever |
Deep Dive: Switching from Things 3 to Microsoft To Do
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Microsoft To Do lacks Things’ refined Areas-and-project hierarchy, headings, start-versus-deadline distinction, and Apple-native interaction polish.
How to deploy Microsoft To Do
Install the Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android app, or use the web app, and sign in with a Microsoft account
What it takes to run
Requires a Microsoft account
Where your data lives
Tasks are stored as structured records on Microsoft's Exchange Online servers and surface in Outlook Tasks across synchronized clients
Why fork Microsoft To Do instead of vibe-coding a Things 3 clone?
The core loop is small enough for a capable coding agent to produce a useful local version in one sitting. For Things 3, build a polished personal task manager with areas, projects, tags, deadlines, and a today view. The hard boundary is exceptional native design, apple-device sync, shortcuts, and long-term maintenance, plus cross-device reliability and workflow polish.
Things 3 vs Microsoft To Do FAQ
Is Microsoft To Do a good free alternative to Things 3?+
Yes. Microsoft To Do is a verified free replacement for Things 3. A polished free task manager, paid for with a Microsoft account rather than money
What is the catch when switching from Things 3 to Microsoft To Do?+
Microsoft To Do lacks Things’ refined Areas-and-project hierarchy, headings, start-versus-deadline distinction, and Apple-native interaction polish.
How do I install or self-host Microsoft To Do instead of Things 3?+
Install: Install the Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android app, or use the web app, and sign in with a Microsoft account. Setup: Requires a Microsoft account
