GTD App Comparison
NextThing vs OmniFocus
OmniFocus is the gold standard for GTD power users on Apple devices. But if you use Android, Windows, or Linux — or want guided inbox processing — here's why NextThing might be the better fit.
The short version
OmniFocus 4 is the deepest GTD app available, with Custom Perspectives, Omni Automation, and a built-in Review perspective. But it's Apple-only (no native Android, Windows, or Linux apps), starts at $74.99, and has a steep learning curve. NextThing brings the full GTD workflow to every platform with guided inbox processing that OmniFocus doesn't have — at a fraction of the price.
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Feature | NextThing | OmniFocus |
|---|---|---|
| Guided inbox processing | ||
| Full GTD workflow | ||
| Sequential projects | ||
| Parallel projects | ||
| Contexts / Tags | ||
| Waiting For with contacts | Tags only | |
| Energy filtering | Via tags | |
| Time estimates | ||
| Someday / Maybe | Via On Hold | |
| Weekly review | ||
| Custom perspectives | Pro only | |
| Native iOS app | ||
| Native Android app | ||
| Native macOS app | ||
| Native Windows app | ||
| Native Linux app | ||
| Offline-first sync | ||
| Free tier | 14-day trial |
Where OmniFocus shines
OmniFocus is the most powerful GTD app on the market, period. Custom Perspectives let you build complex views combining project, tag, status, and date criteria — like "show everything tagged High Energy in my Work folder." No other app matches this depth.
The built-in Review perspective with configurable review intervals is a genuine GTD feature most competitors skip. Omni Automation provides cross-platform JavaScript scripting for template projects and complex workflows.
OmniFocus 4 (current version) has a modernized UI, supports Apple Watch as a standalone app, integrates with the system calendar in its Forecast view, and offers end-to-end encrypted sync. It's a mature product with 15+ years of development behind it.
Pricing options include a $74.99 one-time Standard license, $149.99 for Pro, or $99.99/year subscription that includes all platforms, Web access, and Pro features.
Where OmniFocus falls short
The biggest limitation is platform lock-in. OmniFocus has no native Android, Windows, or Linux apps. There is a web app, but it lacks Review, Custom Perspectives, Focus Mode, Nearby Map, and calendar integration. If you use any non-Apple device, you're getting a reduced experience.
There's no guided inbox processing. The Inbox is a manual list where you assign projects, tags, and dates yourself. OmniFocus gives you the tools but not the guidance.
Waiting For requires a tag workaround — there's no dedicated delegation tracking with contacts. Someday/Maybe uses the "On Hold" project status rather than a first-class concept. Areas of Focus are approximated with folders.
The learning curve is steep. OmniFocus is designed for power users, and new users often find it overwhelming. At $74.99–$149.99 one-time or $99.99/year, it's also the most expensive GTD app available.
Why people switch from OmniFocus to NextThing
The most common reason is cross-platform support. If you have an Android phone and a Mac, or a Windows PC at work, OmniFocus can't follow you everywhere. NextThing runs natively on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Guided inbox processing is the second reason. NextThing walks you through clarifying and organizing every inbox item, step by step. For people who find OmniFocus's manual inbox processing daunting, this makes GTD actually click.
NextThing also has energy filtering and Waiting For with contacts as first-class features — not tag workarounds. And the free tier lets you try the full GTD workflow before committing, unlike OmniFocus's 14-day trial.
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