AudioPen
Things 3
| Feature | AudioPen | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free / from $99/mo | From $9.99/mo |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.8 / 5 |
| Best For | writers, thinkers, busy-professionals, note-takers | apple-users, gtd-practitioners, individuals, design-lovers |
| Founded | 2023 | 2009 |
| Voice To Text | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ai Rewriting | ✓ | ✗ |
| Multiple Styles | ✓ | ✗ |
| Tag Organization | ✓ | ✗ |
| Sharing | ✓ | ✗ |
| Multilingual | ✓ | ✗ |
| Inbox | ✗ | ✓ |
| Today View | ✗ | ✓ |
| Areas And Projects | ✗ | ✓ |
| Headings | ✗ | ✓ |
| Tags | ✗ | ✓ |
| Quick Entry | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ AudioPen Pros
- Transforms messy voice notes into polished text
- One-time payment (lifetime access)
- Multiple output styles
- Works in 50+ languages
✗ AudioPen Cons
- Limited editing capabilities
- No team features
- Recording length limited on free tier
✓ Things 3 Pros
- One-time purchase (no subscription)
- Stunning Apple-native design
- GTD workflow built in
- Keyboard shortcuts and natural language
✗ Things 3 Cons
- Apple ecosystem only
- No collaboration features
- No web version
The Verdict
AudioPen is built for writers and thinkers, with a focus on voice-to-text and ai-rewriting. Things 3 targets apple users and gtd practitioners and leads with inbox and today-view.
On pricing, Things 3 is the clear winner for budget-conscious users — starting at $9.99/mo compared to $99/mo for AudioPen. That $89.01/mo difference adds up quickly for growing teams.
AudioPen has a free plan, which gives it a meaningful edge for individuals and small teams exploring their options. Things 3 requires a paid subscription from day one.
Bottom line: Things 3 has a slight overall edge — but if transforms messy voice notes into polished text matters most to you, AudioPen may still be the right call.