Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Abstract VS Things

Compare Abstract VS Things and see what are their differences

Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Abstract logo Abstract

A secure, version-controlled hub for your design files

Things logo Things

Things is an easy to use task manager.
  • Abstract Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-04-11
  • Things Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-17

Abstract features and specs

  • Version Control
    Abstract allows designers to manage design files with version control, similar to how developers manage code. This makes it easy to track changes and revert to previous versions if needed.
  • Collaboration
    Abstract facilitates collaboration by enabling multiple team members to work on the same project simultaneously. Team members can leave comments, suggest changes, and review designs in real-time.
  • Integration
    Abstract integrates with popular design tools like Sketch and Adobe XD, allowing for a seamless workflow between design and version control.
  • Centralized Storage
    All design assets are stored in a centralized location, making it easy for team members to access files and reduce the risk of losing important design documents.
  • Branching and Merging
    Designers can create branches to work on new features or revisions without affecting the main project. Once changes are approved, they can be merged back into the main project.

Possible disadvantages of Abstract

  • Learning Curve
    New users may find Abstractโ€™s feature set somewhat complex and may require time to get accustomed to the platform, especially if they are not familiar with version control concepts.
  • Cost
    Abstract is a subscription-based service, and the cost can be a deterrent for smaller teams or individual designers who may have a limited budget.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users have reported performance issues when dealing with larger projects, which can slow down the workflow and reduce productivity.
  • Limited Tool Support
    While Abstract supports popular tools like Sketch and Adobe XD, it may not support all design tools, thereby limiting its usefulness for designers using other software.
  • Dependency on Cloud
    Abstract relies on cloud storage for managing and sharing design files, which means that an internet connection is necessary to access and work on projects. This can be a limitation in environments with poor connectivity.

Things features and specs

  • User Experience
    Things is known for its clean, intuitive, and beautifully designed user interface, making it easy to use.
  • Integration with Apple Ecosystem
    Seamlessly integrates with macOS and iOS devices, offering features like Handoff and deep Apple Calendar integration.
  • Powerful Task Management
    Supports projects, areas, headings, and tags, providing a robust system for managing complex tasks and workflows.
  • Quick Entry
    Provides a quick entry function allowing users to capture tasks efficiently, which can later be categorized and detailed.
  • Updates and Support
    Regularly updated with new features and enhancements, backed by reliable customer support.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts
    Offers extensive keyboard shortcuts for power users to navigate and manage tasks quickly.
  • Natural Language Processing
    Allows users to input tasks using natural language, which is then intelligently parsed and scheduled.

Possible disadvantages of Things

  • Cost
    Things requires a one-time purchase for each platform (macOS, iOS), making it relatively expensive compared to some subscription-based competitors.
  • Platform Limitation
    Only available on Apple devices (macOS and iOS), making it inaccessible for users on Windows, Android, or other platforms.
  • No Collaboration Features
    Lacks built-in collaboration tools, which can be a drawback for teams looking to share and manage tasks collectively.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic interface is user-friendly, fully utilizing advanced features can require time and a deeper understanding.
  • Limited Automation
    Offers fewer automation options and integrations compared to some competitors like Todoist or Microsoft To Do.

Analysis of Things

Overall verdict

  • Things is widely regarded as an excellent productivity tool, especially for Apple ecosystem users. It combines elegance with functionality, making it a top choice for those who prefer a minimalist but powerful task manager.

Why this product is good

  • Things by Cultured Code is highly acclaimed for its clean, intuitive design and effective task management features. It provides a seamless user experience with its natural language input, powerful integration with macOS and iOS, and features like projects, areas, deadlines, and reminders that help users organize their tasks efficiently. The app is particularly praised for its focus on simplicity and ease of use, which allows users to focus on their tasks without being overwhelmed by features.

Recommended for

    Things is ideal for individuals who are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem and appreciate a minimalist design approach. It's perfect for users who prefer a straightforward, no-frills task management system that emphasizes ease of use, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal.

Abstract videos

Adventure Time Review: S9E10 - Abstract

More videos:

  • Review - Abstract Part 3 | Reviews, Collections, and Merging
  • Review - ABSTRACT REASONING TESTS Questions, Tips and Tricks!

Things videos

Brandon's Cult Movie Reviews: THINGS

More videos:

  • Review - Things 3: Full Review (2019)
  • Review - OmniFocus vs. Things 3 review: which is best for you?

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Abstract and Things)
Design Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Task Management
0 0%
100% 100
Grammar Checker
100 100%
0% 0
Project Management
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Abstract and Things

Abstract Reviews

Top 10 Free Adobe XD Alternatives in 2021
Abstract focuses heavily on the collaborative aspects of the design process with features like always-updated links, on-the-go documentation, version control, artboard merging, and so on. It allows different designs to be compared and finalized, then merged into the master file, with a full virtual paper trail of who made what changes and when. The benefit is that it offers...

Things Reviews

11 Ayanza Alternatives
Things 3 is a multi-award-winning personal task manager that assists you in keeping track of your tasks. The environment of the application is attractive with a fresh new look, delightful integrations, and powerful features. It has been completely effective to boost efficiency with easy to use and is attractive to the eye. The themes are a creative and powerful feature that...
Five of the Best To-Do Apps for iOS
Things 3 is one of the few to-do apps that's not subscription based, and it costs $9.99 to purchase. Things 3 is also available for Mac and iPad, though each app must be purchased individually.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Things seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 58 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Abstract mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Abstract yet. Tracking of Abstract recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Things mentions (58)

  • We don't need startups, we need Digital-Mittelstand
    Correct: https://culturedcode.com/things/ Looks like the different apps (desktop, mobile, iPad) have different prices, but all are one-time payments of $10-$50. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Essential Software for Mac Users: Three Recommended Efficient Tools
    Things 3is an award-winning task management application known for its clean, elegant interface and intuitive usability. It employs a minimalist design style, allowing users to easily add, organize, and view tasks, helping individuals efficiently manage daily affairs. While Things 3 does not support team collaboration features, it provides a smooth user experience on macOS as a personal task management tool. - Source: dev.to / almost 2 years ago
  • Show HN: I built a task manager that separates "Do" & "Due" dates
    How badly do Twos want to SEO rank on searches for Things? https://culturedcode.com/things/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • Ask HN: What macOS apps/programs do you use daily and recommend?
    Alfred - Productivity App for macOS [1] iTerm2 - macOS Terminal Replacement [2] Dropshare App - upload anything anywhere on macOS [3] Mimestream - A native macOS email client for Gmail [4] Things - To-Do List for Mac & iOS [5] [1] https://www.alfredapp.com [2] https://iterm2.com [3] https://dropshare.app [4] https://mimestream.com [5] https://culturedcode.com/things. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
  • Ready to advance from Evernote, looking at Obsidian
    Currently, I use Things (https://culturedcode.com/things/) for tasks and Evernote for notes, and experimented with Freeform (I love the visual aspect and simplicity). At work, I've used Notion, Mural, Miro, LucidChart, Quip, and many other collaboration-based knowledge systems. I never researched the best of personal knowledge systems until now. Source: almost 3 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Abstract and Things, you can also consider the following products

Zeplin - Collaboration app for UI designers & frontend developers

Todoist - Todoist is a to-do list that helps you get organized, at work and in life.

Mightytext - Send & Receive SMS Text Messages from your computer. Sync'd with your Android #

TickTick - TickTickis a cross-platform to-do list app & task manager helps you to get all things done and make life well organized.

ActiveWords - Auto correct on steroids

Remember The Milk - Remember The Milk is a task and time management application for mobile devices.