The difference in shape
Things is built around areas, projects, headings, Today, Upcoming and anytime/someday planning. It is excellent for people who like a complete personal task system.
Cadence removes most of that structure. You see the week. You add tasks to days. You move them when reality changes.
Why a weekly board can help
A weekly board exposes overload quickly. If Wednesday is impossible, you can see it before Wednesday happens. If Monday failed, the task is still there and can be dragged forward without shame or ceremony.
Choose Things for
Projects, areas, polished GTD review, rich Apple ecosystem support and long-term task organisation.
Choose Cadence for
Freelance weeks, visible workload, fast rescheduling and a small native app that avoids system maintenance.
Verdict: Things is the full planner. Cadence is the rhythm board.