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Things VS Fast Reader

Compare Things VS Fast Reader and see what are their differences

Things

Things is an easy to use task manager.

Rating
0 reviews
Alternatives Is it good?
Fast Reader

Reading one word at a time. Contribute to Quantum-mutnauQ/Fast_Reader_GTK development by creating an account on GitHub.

Rating
0 reviews
Alternatives Is it good?
PrivacyNotes
Zero-knowledge encrypted notes, tasks, journals, files, and passwords in one app. Your keys never leave your device. One-time price, no subscription. Hosted in Switzerland. sponsored

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Things seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 58 times since March 2021.

social mentions
58 vs 0
Task Management popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 21

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Things
Fast Reader
Website culturedcode.com github.com
Pricing
Official pricing
—
Company Startup from Germany —
Listed in
Project Management Task Management Todos Productivity +1
AI Tool Productivity Group Chat & Notifications +1

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Things 7 features
Fast Reader 4 features
  • 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

  • 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.
  • Open Source
    Fast Reader is available on GitHub, allowing users to view, modify, and contribute to the source code, fostering community collaboration and transparency.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Being built with GTK, Fast Reader can run on various operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
  • Active Development
    The project is actively maintained, which means users can expect regular updates and ongoing support for new features and bug fixes.
  • Speed Optimization
    Fast Reader is designed to enhance reading speed, providing users with tools and functionalities that can help improve reading efficiency.

Possible disadvantages

  • Technical Complexity
    As an open-source project, users who wish to customize or contribute may need a certain level of technical expertise, which could be a barrier for non-technical users.
  • Limited User Interface Customization
    While functional, the user interface may not offer extensive customization options compared to commercial applications, potentially limiting user experience.
  • Potential Stability Issues
    Like many open-source projects, Fast Reader might experience occasional bugs or crashes, especially on less common system configurations.
  • Community-Dependent Support
    Support is primarily community-driven, which might result in slower response times for troubleshooting and assistance compared to professional or commercial software solutions.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Things
Fast Reader

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.

Overall verdict

  • Fast Reader appears to be a useful open-source speed-reading tool that presents text one word (or chunk) at a time to help increase reading speed, though as with many GitHub projects its quality depends on active maintenance and community support.

Why this product is good

  • It is open source, meaning you can inspect the code, contribute, and self-host without licensing costs
  • Speed-reading tools using RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) can help some users read faster and improve focus
  • Being on GitHub allows transparency, issue tracking, and community-driven improvements
  • Typically lightweight and free to use compared to commercial speed-reading apps

Recommended for

  • Developers and technical users comfortable with GitHub projects
  • People wanting to experiment with speed-reading techniques for free
  • Students and professionals who read large volumes of text and want to boost reading speed
  • Users who prefer open-source, self-hostable, and privacy-friendly tools

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Things 3 videos + Add
Fast Reader 0 videos + Add

Brandon's Cult Movie Reviews: THINGS

More videos

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

No Fast Reader videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Things
Fast Reader
100% 100%
Task Management
0% 0%
97% 97%
Productivity
3% 3%
100% 100%
Project Management
0% 0%
0% 0%
AI
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using Things and Fast Reader. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Things no reviews yet
Fast Reader no reviews yet
  • 11 Ayanza Alternatives
    www.justalternativeto.com · Oct 2023

    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...

  • Five of the Best To-Do Apps for iOS
    www.macrumors.com · Feb 2020

    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.

We have no reviews of Fast Reader yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Things 58 mentions
Fast Reader 0 mentions
  • 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... - 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

View more

Tracking Fast Reader since Jan 2026.

Alternatives to Things and Fast Reader

When comparing Things and Fast Reader, you can also consider the following products.

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