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Software · head to head

Azure SQL vs Things 3

Azure SQL logo

Azure SQL

Software

Intelligent, scalable cloud database service from Microsoft

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Things 3 logo

Things 3

Software

The award-winning personal task manager

From
$9.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Azure SQL has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Azure SQL ecosystem lock-in limits flexibility compared to open-source or multi-cloud solutions; Things 3 no team collaboration, task sharing, or task assignment features
  • They diverge on capability: Azure SQL covers Intelligent Performance, Things 3 covers Today view.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Azure SQL and Things 3 actually diverge.

Attributes where Azure SQL and Things 3 differ
AttributeAzure SQLThings 3
Starting priceFree$9.99/one-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsCloud (Microsoft Azure)macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, visionOS
Founded19752004

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Azure SQL

  • Intelligent Performance
  • Advanced Security
  • Hyperscale
  • Serverless Compute
  • Geo-replication
  • Automatic Tuning
  • Built-in AI
  • Power BI

Only in Things 3

  • Today view
  • Projects and areas
  • Quick entry
  • Tags
  • Calendar integration
  • Apple Calendar
  • Siri
  • Shortcuts

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Azure SQL

  • Transaction processingnot Things 3
  • Data storagenot Things 3
  • Application backendnot Things 3
  • Reportingnot Things 3
  • Data analyticsnot Things 3

Things 3

  • Schedulingnot Azure SQL
  • Appointment bookingnot Azure SQL
  • Time trackingnot Azure SQL
  • Resource managementnot Azure SQL
  • Team coordinationnot Azure SQL

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Azure SQL

  • Ecosystem lock-in limits flexibility compared to open-source or multi-cloud solutions
  • Managed service reduces control over database configuration and optimization tuning
  • Pricing complexity with consumption-based model can be unpredictable at scale
  • Less operational depth compared to Amazon RDS for advanced scaling scenarios
  • Azure PostgreSQL is less compelling than dedicated PostgreSQL providers outside Azure ecosystem

Things 3

  • No team collaboration, task sharing, or task assignment features
  • Apple ecosystem only, with no Windows, Android, or web version
  • No third-party app integrations beyond Apple's ecosystem
  • Cannot attach files or images to tasks, only text notes
  • No time blocking or calendar integration for scheduling tasks into specific time slots

Pricing, plan by plan

Azure SQL

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Azure SQL review.

Things 3

$9.99/one-time
  • iPhone/Watch$9.99/one-time
  • iPad$19.99/one-time
  • Mac$49.99/one-time

Which should you pick?

Choose Azure SQL if

  • You need intelligent performance.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Cloud (Microsoft Azure).
  • You also want advanced security.
Azure SQL review

Choose Things 3 if

  • You need today view.
  • You work on macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, visionOS.
  • You also want projects and areas.
Things 3 review

Questions people ask

Is Azure SQL or Things 3 better?
Neither clearly leads. Azure SQL starts at Free and Things 3 at $9.99/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Azure SQL or Things 3?
Azure SQL has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Azure SQL and $9.99/one-time for Things 3.
Does Azure SQL or Things 3 run on more platforms?
Azure SQL runs on Cloud (Microsoft Azure). Things 3 runs on macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, visionOS.
Can I use Azure SQL for free?
Yes. Azure SQL has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Things 3 starts at $9.99/one-time.
What is Azure SQL best used for?
Azure SQL is most often used for transaction processing, data storage, application backend, reporting. Of those, transaction processing and data storage are not what Things 3 is typically brought in for.
What can Azure SQL do that Things 3 cannot?
Azure SQL covers Intelligent Performance, Advanced Security, Hyperscale, Serverless Compute. Things 3 covers Today view, Projects and areas, Quick entry, Tags.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Azure SQL: Does Azure SQL Database offer a free tier?

Yes, Azure SQL Database includes a permanent free tier that provides 100,000 vCore seconds, 32 GB of data storage, and 32 GB of backup storage per month. This free tier is available for the lifetime of any Azure subscription with no expiration.

Source
Things 3: Does Things 3 support team collaboration?

No. Things 3 is designed for individual use only with no task sharing, team workspaces, task assignment, or commenting features.

Source
Azure SQL: What pricing models does Azure SQL Database support?

Azure SQL Database offers consumption-based pricing where you pay for resources used, with no long-term commitments required. Database Savings Plans launched in March 2026 allow committing to a fixed hourly amount and save up to 35% across Azure database services.

Source
Things 3: What platforms does Things 3 run on?

Things 3 is exclusive to Apple devices: macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and visionOS. There is no Windows, Android, or web version.

Source
Azure SQL: Is Azure SQL Database compatible with on-premises SQL Server?

Yes, Azure SQL Database shares the same Database Engine as on-premises SQL Server. Existing databases maintain their compatibility level and continue to work after upgrades. Azure SQL Managed Instance provides even broader SQL Server compatibility dating back to SQL Server 2008.

Source
Things 3: How much does Things 3 cost?

Things 3 uses a one-time purchase model: $9.99 for iPhone/Watch, $19.99 for iPad, and $49.99 for Mac. Total cost for all platforms is approximately $80 with no subscription required.

Source
Azure SQL: What high availability features does Azure SQL Database provide?

Azure SQL Database provides automatic backups, geo-replication for disaster recovery, failover groups for automatic failover, and zone redundancy for enhanced availability. The service maintains a 99.99% availability SLA for Business Critical tier.

Source
Things 3: Does Things 3 sync across devices?

Yes. Things Cloud keeps your to-dos in sync across all your Apple devices automatically. There is no extra cost for cloud synchronization.

Source
Azure SQL: Can I use AI features with Azure SQL Database?

Yes, Azure SQL Database includes Copilot for database tasks, Intelligent Applications support, REST API endpoints for building applications, and GraphQL endpoints for modern app development.

Source
Things 3: Can you attach files or images to tasks in Things 3?

No. Things 3 does not support attachments. You can only add notes (text) to tasks.

Source
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Related pages

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