Nirvana vs Things 3
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Nirvana and Things 3 are credible to do apps tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Nirvana if you want a lower starting price (free – $5/user/mo) and a free plan to start on. GTD-focused task manager for getting things done.
Choose Things 3 if you'd rather have a higher overall rating (4.8/5). The award-winning personal task manager for Apple.
Nirvana vs Things 3: side by side
| Dimension | Nirvana | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $5/user/moWinner | From $9.99 once |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Freemium | One-time |
| Best for | GTD Practitioners, Individuals | Individuals, Apple Users |
| Platforms | Web, Ios, Android | Mac, Ios |
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.8/5Winner |
Nirvana key facts
- Vendor
- Nirvana
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $5/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- GTD Practitioners, Individuals
- Editor rating
- 4.3 / 5
- Founded
- 2010
- Headquarters
- USA
Things 3 key facts
- Vendor
- Cultured Code
- Pricing
- One-time — From $9.99 once
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Mac, Ios
- Best for
- Individuals, Apple Users
- Editor rating
- 4.8 / 5
- Founded
- 2007
- Headquarters
- Stuttgart, Germany
Frequently asked questions
Is Nirvana better than Things 3?
Neither is universally better — Things 3 edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Nirvana or Things 3 cheaper?
Nirvana is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $5/user/mo. Nirvana starts at free – $5/user/mo; Things 3 starts at from $9.99 once.
Can Nirvana replace Things 3?
Yes for most teams — both are to do apps tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.