Raycast
Things 3
| Feature | Raycast | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free / from $8/mo | From $9.99/mo |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Rating | 4.8 / 5 | 4.8 / 5 |
| Best For | mac-developers, power-users, productivity-enthusiasts, keyboard-driven-workflows | apple-users, gtd-practitioners, individuals, design-lovers |
| Founded | 2020 | 2009 |
| Launcher | ✓ | ✗ |
| Extensions | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ai Chat | ✓ | ✗ |
| Window Management | ✓ | ✗ |
| Clipboard History | ✓ | ✗ |
| Snippets | ✓ | ✗ |
| Quicklinks | ✓ | ✗ |
| Inbox | ✗ | ✓ |
| Today View | ✗ | ✓ |
| Areas And Projects | ✗ | ✓ |
| Headings | ✗ | ✓ |
| Tags | ✗ | ✓ |
| Quick Entry | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ Raycast Pros
- Incredibly fast keyboard-driven launcher
- Rich extension store with 1000+ community extensions
- Built-in AI chat with multiple models (GPT-4, Claude)
- Window management and clipboard history included
✗ Raycast Cons
- macOS only (no Windows or Linux support)
- AI features require Pro subscription
- Some extensions less polished than native apps
✓ 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
Raycast is built for mac developers and power users, with a focus on launcher and extensions. Things 3 targets apple users and gtd practitioners and leads with inbox and today-view.
Pricing is close: Raycast starts at $8/mo versus $9.99/mo for Things 3 — not a deciding factor on its own.
Raycast 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.
Feature-wise, Raycast offers broader built-in capabilities (7 features vs 6), while Things 3 takes a more focused approach — which can mean a simpler, faster onboarding experience.
This is a genuinely close comparison. If you can, sign up for both free trials (where available) and run a one-week test with your actual team tasks before deciding.