eM Client
Things 3
| Feature | eM Client | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free / from $49.95/mo | From $9.99/mo |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Rating | 4.3 / 5 | 4.8 / 5 |
| Best For | professionals, windows-users, outlook-alternatives, small-businesses | apple-users, gtd-practitioners, individuals, design-lovers |
| Founded | 2007 | 2009 |
| ✓ | ✗ | |
| Calendar | ✓ | ✗ |
| Contacts | ✓ | ✗ |
| Tasks | ✓ | ✗ |
| Chat | ✓ | ✗ |
| Pgp Encryption | ✓ | ✗ |
| Inbox | ✗ | ✓ |
| Today View | ✗ | ✓ |
| Areas And Projects | ✗ | ✓ |
| Headings | ✗ | ✓ |
| Tags | ✗ | ✓ |
| Quick Entry | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ eM Client Pros
- One-time purchase
- Feature-rich
- Good Exchange support
- Modern UI
✗ eM Client Cons
- Desktop only
- Free limited to 2 accounts
- Occasional sync issues
✓ 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
eM Client is built for professionals and windows users, with a focus on email and calendar. 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 $49.95/mo for eM Client. That $39.96/mo difference adds up quickly for growing teams.
eM Client 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.
Things 3 edges out on user ratings (4.8 vs 4.3). While both are well-regarded, that gap reflects real differences in user satisfaction worth considering.
Bottom line: Things 3 has a slight overall edge — but if one-time purchase matters most to you, eM Client may still be the right call.