Ulysses 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 Ulysses 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 4.5).
Ulysses vs Things 3: At a Glance
Feature Comparison: Ulysses vs Things 3
| Feature | Ulysses | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Distraction-free writing | ||
| Markdown support | ||
| Syntax highlighting | ||
| Organization with sheets and groups | ||
| iCloud sync | ||
| Dark and light themes | ||
| Full-screen mode | ||
| Search and filter | ||
| Today view | ||
| Projects and areas | ||
| Quick entry | ||
| Tags | ||
| Calendar integration | ||
| Apple Calendar | ||
| Siri | ||
| Shortcuts | ||
| Macos support | ||
| Ios support | ||
| Ipados support | ||
| Watchos support |
Ulysses vs Things 3: Pricing Breakdown
Ulysses Pricing
Model: subscription
- All features
- iCloud sync
- Cross-platform access
- All features
- iCloud sync
- Cross-platform access
- 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
Ulysses
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.5/5)
- Available on 3 platforms (MacOS, IOS, IPadOS)
- Rich feature set with 8+ capabilities
- Strong Distraction-free writing functionality
- Strong Markdown support 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 Ulysses vs Things 3?
Choose Ulysses if you:
- Need Distraction-free writing
- Have a budget of $5.99/month+
- Work primarily on MacOS and IOS
- Value Markdown support
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: Ulysses vs Things 3
Is Ulysses better than Things 3?
It depends on your needs. Ulysses has a 4.5/5 user rating while Things 3 has 4.8/5. Ulysses excels in Distraction-free writing and Markdown support, while Things 3 stands out with Today view and Projects and areas. Consider your budget ($5.99/month vs $9.99/one-time), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, Ulysses or Things 3?
Ulysses starts at $5.99/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 Ulysses 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 Ulysses and Things 3?
The key differences include: pricing model (subscription vs one-time), platform support (MacOS, IOS, IPadOS vs Macos, Ios, Ipados, Watchos), and feature focus. Ulysses emphasizes Distraction-free writing, Markdown support, Syntax highlighting while Things 3 focuses on Today view, Projects and areas, Quick entry. User ratings differ slightly: 4.5 vs 4.8 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both Ulysses and Things 3.