OneNote vs Things: What are the differences?

Key Differences between OneNote and Things

OneNote and Things are two popular productivity tools that help users stay organized and manage tasks efficiently. While both offer features for note-taking and task management, there are several key differences between the two:

1. Note-Taking vs. Task Management: OneNote is primarily a note-taking application, designed to capture and organize all types of information. It provides a flexible canvas for creating and organizing notes, with features like text formatting, multimedia support, and collaboration options. On the other hand, Things is focused on task management, helping users create and organize to-do lists, set deadlines, and prioritize tasks.

2. Platform: OneNote is a highly cross-platform application, available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. It seamlessly syncs across devices, allowing users to access their notes from anywhere. Things, on the other hand, is primarily designed for macOS and iOS devices, with a limited presence on other platforms like Windows.

3. User Interface: OneNote provides a more versatile and flexible user interface, resembling a traditional notebook with sections and pages. Users can freely organize their notes, create sections, and customize the layout to suit their preferences. Things, on the other hand, adopts a simpler and more focused user interface, with a clean and intuitive layout that emphasizes task management.

4. Collaboration Capabilities: OneNote offers robust collaboration features, allowing multiple users to simultaneously work on the same notebook and edit notes together. It also supports real-time collaboration and sharing via links. Things, however, is primarily designed for individual use and does not offer extensive collaboration capabilities. It focuses more on personal task management and organizing individual workflows.

5. Integration with other Apps: OneNote integrates well with other Microsoft apps like Outlook, allowing users to seamlessly merge notes with tasks and appointments. It also supports integration with third-party apps, enabling users to complement their note-taking workflow with other productivity tools. Things, on the other hand, offers integration with popular macOS and iOS apps, providing a seamless experience within the Apple ecosystem.

6. Pricing: OneNote is available for free across platforms, making it accessible to users without any additional cost. Things, however, is a paid application, with separate pricing for macOS and iOS versions. While it offers a free trial, users need to purchase the app to unlock its full features and functionality.

In summary, OneNote is a versatile note-taking tool with extensive collaboration capabilities, while Things is a focused task management app with a simpler user interface. OneNote offers cross-platform compatibility and a wide range of integration options, whereas Things provides a seamless experience within the Apple ecosystem. OneNote is free, while Things requires a one-time payment.