Things 3 alternative
Beautiful design shouldn't be restricted to a Mac.
Things 3 is the gold standard for task management UI. It is gorgeous, fast, and native. But the moment you need to work on a Windows PC or an Android phone, you are completely out of luck.
Owldo was built for people who appreciate the stark, minimalist beauty and local-first speed of Things, but require a tool that crosses ecosystem boundaries seamlessly.
Our Philosophy
“Tasks are RAM, Notes are ROM.”
Execution is where actual value is created. A perfect productivity system forces you to spend the majority of your time executing (RAM) rather than endlessly organizing (ROM). Owldo is designed to artificially constrain your focus to drive sheer execution.
What you get
- Cross-platform: Native apps for Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android
- Deep integration of Markdown notes (which Things lacks)
- Built-in Pomodoro focus timer
- Local-first architecture for the same zero-latency feel
Escaping the Apple Ecosystem
There is a specific kind of frustration that comes with using a beautiful Mac-only app, and then having to switch to a clunky corporate Windows machine for your day job. Your productivity system breaks down because your tools can't follow you.
Owldo solves this by providing a unified, premium experience across all platforms. We didn't build a lazy web wrapper; we built highly optimized, visually stunning desktop applications for both Mac and Windows, ensuring your workflow remains uninterrupted regardless of your hardware.
Adding Context to Tasks
Things 3 is a pure task manager. It allows for small text notes attached to tasks, but it is not designed for long-form writing or project documentation. This forces you to use a second app for your actual notes.
Owldo bridges this gap. It provides the clean, task-oriented workflow you expect, but introduces first-class Markdown notes within the same interface. You get the beauty of a minimalist task manager combined with the power of a dedicated writing app.
Tools for Execution
A beautiful list is still just a list. To actually get work done, you need tools for execution. While Things 3 helps you organize brilliantly, Owldo includes a deeply integrated Pomodoro timer and a unified daily schedule view to help you artificially constrain your time and execute the work.
See Owldo in action
Frequently asked questions
Does Owldo sync across devices?
Yes. While it is local-first, Owldo provides robust background sync across Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.
Is Owldo a one-time purchase like Things?
Owldo is completely free for local, single-device use. Cross-platform sync and publishing are part of an inexpensive $3/month subscription.
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