Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Things 3 · ✅ tasks
Things 3 vs Super Productivity
A local task manager with timeboxing, Pomodoro, and no account begging to be created Here is how Super Productivity ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Things 3 (paid subscription) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Super Productivity
$0.00/mo · MIT
Things 3 vs Super Productivity Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-10
| Dimension | Things 3 (Paid) | Super Productivity (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | Paid tier | $0 / mo |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source MIT |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local (on your machine) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopmobilewebone-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 21k (active aug 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Things 3 to Super Productivity
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Super Productivity is busier and more time-tracking-oriented than Things and lacks its exceptionally polished native Apple quick-capture and planning flow.
How to deploy Super Productivity
Use the browser/PWA or install a packaged desktop or mobile build
Where your data lives
Tasks, projects, time records, and settings are local-first in browser or app storage; optional synchronization and backups use the user's chosen WebDAV or Dropbox account
Why fork Super Productivity 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 Super Productivity FAQ
Is Super Productivity a good free alternative to Things 3?+
Yes. Super Productivity is a verified open-source (MIT) replacement for Things 3. A local task manager with timeboxing, Pomodoro, and no account begging to be created
What is the catch when switching from Things 3 to Super Productivity?+
Super Productivity is busier and more time-tracking-oriented than Things and lacks its exceptionally polished native Apple quick-capture and planning flow.
How do I install or self-host Super Productivity instead of Things 3?+
Install: Use the browser/PWA or install a packaged desktop or mobile build.
