ToDowl vs. Things: web app vs. Mac and iOS only
Things is a native Mac, iPhone and iPad task manager built around GTD-style projects and areas, sold once per platform with no web or Android app. ToDowl runs in any browser on any device, and adds a calendar, notes and a habit tracker that Things does not have.
| Feature |  ToDowl |  Things |  Todoist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Works in any modern browser: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iPhone, no install. | Apple only: Mac, iPhone and iPad. No Windows, Android or web version. | Cross-platform: web, Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone. |
| Task organization | Projects with a Kanban board or list view, priorities and due dates. | Projects and areas with a clean, native GTD-style layout - one of its biggest strengths. | Projects, sections and labels with fast keyboard entry. |
| Calendar view | Weekly and monthly calendar built in, color-coded by project. | Shows your Apple Calendar events next to tasks, but has no calendar view of its own. | No calendar view inside the app. |
| Habit tracker | Monthly grid with streaks. | No habit tracker. | No habit tracker. |
| Price | Free, with an optional paid Pro tier. | One-time purchase, priced separately for Mac and for iPhone/iPad. | Free tier available; paid plans unlock more features. |
Where Things does better
-
A true native Mac and iPhone app
Things is not a web app wrapped in a shell - it opens instantly, works fully offline, and feels the way a well-made native Apple app should. ToDowl runs in a browser and cannot fully match that native feel.
-
One of the most refined GTD-style layouts
Projects and areas, today/upcoming/anytime/someday views - Things is built specifically around Getting Things Done, and if that is your exact method, its layout is more purpose-built than ToDowl's general task board.
FAQ
Moving from Things: the honest differences
Does ToDowl run on Windows and Android, unlike Things?
Yes - that is the main practical reason people look at ToDowl instead of Things. Things is Mac, iPhone and iPad only, with no Windows, Android or web app.
Is ToDowl as fast to open as a native app like Things?
No, not quite. A web app has to load in a browser tab; a native Mac app like Things opens instantly and works offline by design.
Does ToDowl support the GTD areas/projects structure Things is built around?
ToDowl has projects and lists but is not built specifically around GTD terminology like areas, someday or waiting-for. If you follow GTD strictly, Things models it more precisely.
Why would a Things user consider ToDowl at all?
Mainly for the calendar, habit tracker and finance features in the same account, and for using the same device on Windows or Android alongside a Mac or iPhone.
Does ToDowl have Things' one-time-purchase pricing model?
No, ToDowl uses a free plan plus an optional monthly or yearly subscription rather than a one-time purchase per platform.
Other comparisons
ToDowl vs. Notion for daily planning
A feature-by-feature look at ToDowl, Notion and ClickUp for tasks, calendar and habits: what each sets up out of the box versus what you build yourself.
See the full comparisonToDowl vs. Todoist: tasks plus calendar and habits
Todoist and TickTick focus on task capture. ToDowl adds a calendar, notes and habits in the same workspace. Here is how all three compare, feature by feature.
See the full comparisonToDowl vs. TickTick: what each one covers
TickTick already bundles tasks, calendar and habits, more than Todoist offers alone. See where ToDowl matches that and where it adds notes and money tracking.
See the full comparison
