iA Writer 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 iA Writer if you need Distraction-free writing and prefer comprehensive paid features. 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 4.4).
iA Writer vs Things 3: At a Glance
Feature Comparison: iA Writer vs Things 3
| Feature | iA Writer | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Distraction-free writing | ||
| Markdown editing | ||
| Syntax highlighting | ||
| Dark and light themes | ||
| Cross-platform sync | ||
| Typewriter mode | ||
| Focus mode | ||
| Statistics | ||
| Today view | ||
| Projects and areas | ||
| Quick entry | ||
| Tags | ||
| Calendar integration | ||
| Apple Calendar | ||
| Siri | ||
| Shortcuts | ||
| Macos support | ||
| Ios support | ||
| Ipados support | ||
| Watchos support |
iA Writer vs Things 3: Pricing Breakdown
iA Writer Pricing
Model: paid
- All platforms
- Sync
- All features
- All platforms
- Sync
- All features
- Discounted price
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
iA Writer
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.4/5)
- Available on 5 platforms (MacOS, IOS, IPadOS, Android, Web)
- Rich feature set with 8+ capabilities
- Strong Distraction-free writing functionality
- Strong Markdown editing functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- 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 iA Writer vs Things 3?
Choose iA Writer if you:
- Need Distraction-free writing
- Have a budget of $4.99/month+
- Work primarily on MacOS and IOS
- Value Markdown editing
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: iA Writer vs Things 3
Is iA Writer better than Things 3?
It depends on your needs. iA Writer has a 4.4/5 user rating while Things 3 has 4.8/5. iA Writer excels in Distraction-free writing and Markdown editing, while Things 3 stands out with Today view and Projects and areas. Consider your budget ($4.99/month vs $9.99/one-time), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, iA Writer or Things 3?
iA Writer starts at $4.99/month. Things 3 starts at $9.99/one-time. Compare the specific plan features to determine the best value for your use case.
Can I use iA Writer 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 iA Writer and Things 3?
The key differences include: pricing model (paid vs one-time), platform support (MacOS, IOS, IPadOS, Android, Web vs Macos, Ios, Ipados, Watchos), and feature focus. iA Writer emphasizes Distraction-free writing, Markdown editing, Syntax highlighting while Things 3 focuses on Today view, Projects and areas, Quick entry. User ratings differ slightly: 4.4 vs 4.8 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both iA Writer and Things 3.