Focusmate vs Things 3
A comprehensive head-to-head comparison of two leading productivity solutions in 2026. Compare features, pricing, ratings, and more to find the right fit.
Quick Verdict
Choose Focusmate if you need 25-minute work sessions and prefer a free starting option. Choose Things 3 if you prioritize Today view and want plans starting at $9.99/one-time. Things 3 has a higher user rating (4.8 vs 4.7).
Focusmate vs Things 3: At a Glance
Feature Comparison: Focusmate vs Things 3
| Feature | Focusmate | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 25-minute work sessions | ||
| Partner matching | ||
| Video co-working | ||
| Goal setting and tracking | ||
| Session history | ||
| Reflection notes | ||
| Weekly sessions | ||
| Mobile-friendly | ||
| Today view | ||
| Projects and areas | ||
| Quick entry | ||
| Tags | ||
| Calendar integration | ||
| Apple Calendar | ||
| Siri | ||
| Shortcuts | ||
| Macos support | ||
| Ios support | ||
| Ipados support | ||
| Watchos support |
Focusmate vs Things 3: Pricing Breakdown
Focusmate Pricing
Model: freemium
- 25-minute sessions
- Limited sessions per week
- Basic matching
- Unlimited sessions
- Priority matching
- Session history
- Notes and reflection
Things 3 Pricing
Model: one-time
- Full iOS app
- Today widget
- Siri integration
- Full iPad app
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Split view
- Full Mac app
- Menu bar quick entry
- Mail to Things
Pros and Cons
Focusmate
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.7/5)
- Free plan available to get started
- Available on 3 platforms (Web, IOS, Android)
- Rich feature set with 8+ capabilities
- Strong 25-minute work sessions functionality
- Strong Partner matching functionality
Cons
- May require time to learn advanced features
Things 3
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.8/5)
- Available on 4 platforms (Macos, Ios, Ipados, Watchos)
- Rich feature set with 13+ capabilities
- Strong Today view functionality
- Strong Projects and areas functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- May require time to learn advanced features
Who Should Use Focusmate vs Things 3?
Choose Focusmate if you:
- Need 25-minute work sessions
- Want to start for free
- Work primarily on Web and IOS
- Value Partner matching
Choose Things 3 if you:
- Need Today view
- Have a budget of $9.99/one-time+
- Work primarily on Macos and Ios
- Value Projects and areas
Frequently Asked Questions: Focusmate vs Things 3
Is Focusmate better than Things 3?
It depends on your needs. Focusmate has a 4.7/5 user rating while Things 3 has 4.8/5. Focusmate excels in 25-minute work sessions and Partner matching, while Things 3 stands out with Today view and Projects and areas. Consider your budget (Free vs $9.99/one-time), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, Focusmate or Things 3?
Focusmate offers a free plan and starts at Free. Things 3 starts at $9.99/one-time. Focusmate has a clear pricing advantage with its free tier.
Can I use Focusmate and Things 3 together?
While both are productivity tools, some teams use complementary software together. Check each product's API and integration capabilities for compatibility. However, most users find that one solution covers their core productivity needs.
What are the main differences between Focusmate and Things 3?
The key differences include: pricing model (freemium vs one-time), platform support (Web, IOS, Android vs Macos, Ios, Ipados, Watchos), and feature focus. Focusmate emphasizes 25-minute work sessions, Partner matching, Video co-working while Things 3 focuses on Today view, Projects and areas, Quick entry. User ratings differ slightly: 4.7 vs 4.8 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both Focusmate and Things 3.