Software Alternatives & Startups

Things VS Online Notes

Compare Things VS Online Notes and see what are their differences

Things

Things is an easy to use task manager.

Rating
0 reviews
Online Notes

Take online notes instantly—free, secure, and no sign-up. Create, edit, and manage plain text right from your browser with our simple online notepad.

Rating
0 reviews

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 23

Base details

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

Things
Online Notes
Website culturedcode.com online-notes.com
Pricing —
Company Startup from Germany Startup from Canada · 1 - 9 employees · 2025
Listed in

About Things and Online Notes

In their own words, as submitted to SaaSHub.

Things
Online Notes

No description of Things yet.

Online Notes is an online notepad that lets you take notes instantly—no sign-up or installation needed. Write, edit, and manage plain text directly from your browser in a clean, distraction-free space. Notes are saved automatically in your browser’s local storage, so your data stays private and...

Read more about Online Notes

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Things 7 features
Online Notes 3 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.
  • No Sign-Up Required
    Start typing immediately—no registration, no account.
  • Auto-Save in Real Time
    Notes are saved instantly using your browser’s local storage.
  • Fully Private
    Your data stays on your device—nothing is stored on our servers.

Analysis

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

Things
Online Notes

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

  • Online Notes appears to be a functional, lightweight tool for jotting down and organizing notes online, offering convenience for users who need quick access to their notes across devices. However, without verified details on its security, reliability, and feature depth, it is best regarded as a decent option for casual note-taking rather than a comprehensive solution.

Why this product is good

  • Provides cloud-based access to notes from any device with an internet connection
  • Simple and easy-to-use interface suited for quick note-taking
  • Eliminates the need to install dedicated software
  • Can be useful for syncing and sharing notes across platforms

Recommended for

  • Casual users who need a simple place to store quick notes
  • Students taking lecture or study notes
  • People who want cross-device access without installing apps
  • Users looking for a free or low-cost lightweight note-taking tool

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Things 3 videos + Add
Online Notes 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 Online Notes 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
Online Notes
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing Things and Online Notes.

What's the story behind your product?

Online Notes's answer:

Online Notes was born from frustration. Too many note apps were slow, overloaded with features, or forced users to sign up and sync data to the cloud. We wanted a digital version of a sticky note: instant, disposable, and private. So we built it—lightweight, minimalist, and accessible in seconds.

Which are the primary technologies used for building your product?

Online Notes's answer:

Online Notes is built using modern web technologies: Frontend: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript Storage: Browser-based local storage (no backend database) Frameworks: Vanilla JS (or optionally lightweight libraries like Alpine.js if needed) Design: Responsive and mobile-first, built with simplicity in mind

Who are some of the biggest customers of your product?

Online Notes's answer:

As a free, anonymous tool, we don’t track users or collect data—but we’ve seen strong adoption among students, startup teams, bloggers, and professionals in fast-paced industries who need a no-friction note-taking tool. Our users come from over 50+ countries and trust Online Notes for its speed and simplicity.

What makes your product unique?

Online Notes's answer:

Online Notes is built for speed, simplicity, and privacy. Unlike many note-taking tools that require sign-ups, store your data on the cloud, or overwhelm you with features, Online Notes lets you start writing instantly—no login, no distractions, and no tracking. Everything is saved automatically in your browser, so your notes stay private and local.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

Online Notes's answer:

Because it just works. No barriers, no setup—just a clean, fast notepad you can access anytime. If you need a quick, secure place to jot down thoughts, ideas, or reminders without the bloat of apps like Evernote, Google Keep, or Notion, Online Notes is the lightweight solution. It's free, fully private, and accessible from any browser.

How would you describe the primary audience of your product?

Online Notes's answer:

Our users are busy people who value simplicity—students, writers, developers, remote workers, and anyone who needs a fast and reliable space to take notes. They don’t want to create an account or download software—they just want to write and go.

User comments

Share your experience with using Things and Online Notes. 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
Online Notes no reviews yet
  • 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...

  • 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 Online Notes 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
Online Notes 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 Online Notes since May 2025.

Alternatives to Things and Online Notes

When comparing Things and Online Notes, you can also consider the following products.