Notion Databases
Things 3
| Feature | Notion Databases | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free / from $10/mo | From $9.99/mo |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.8 / 5 |
| Best For | startups, small-teams, project-managers, content-teams | apple-users, gtd-practitioners, individuals, design-lovers |
| Founded | 2016 | 2009 |
| Tables | ✓ | ✗ |
| Boards | ✓ | ✗ |
| Timelines | ✓ | ✗ |
| Galleries | ✓ | ✗ |
| Filters | ✓ | ✗ |
| Relations | ✓ | ✗ |
| Inbox | ✗ | ✓ |
| Today View | ✗ | ✓ |
| Areas And Projects | ✗ | ✓ |
| Headings | ✗ | ✓ |
| Tags | ✗ | ✓ |
| Quick Entry | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ Notion Databases Pros
- Flexible views
- Relations
- Formulas
- Templates
✗ Notion Databases Cons
- Not a real database
- Slow at scale
- Limited querying
✓ 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
Notion Databases is built for startups and small teams, with a focus on tables and boards. Things 3 targets apple users and gtd practitioners and leads with inbox and today-view.
Both tools come in at similar price points ($10/mo for Notion Databases, $9.99/mo for Things 3), so pricing won't make the decision for you.
Notion Databases 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 flexible views matters most to you, Notion Databases may still be the right call.