Forest

★ 4.2

Gamified focus timer that plants virtual (and real) trees while you stay off your phone

Last verified: May 2026

Install Forest →
Type
app
Pricing
freemium · iOS $1.99 one-time. Android free (ad-supported) with optional in-app purchases. Browser extension free. Premium subscription ~$2.99/mo adds cross-device sync and deeper stats.
Platforms
ios, android, chrome, firefox, edge
Targets
all

Strengths

  • ✓ Gamification loop is genuinely effective — losing your tree has more psychological pull than a plain timer
  • ✓ 50M+ installs; one of the most battle-tested focus apps on the App Store
  • ✓ Plants real trees via a partnership with Trees for the Future (for premium users)
  • ✓ Browser extension syncs with the mobile app to extend the lock to desktop browsing
  • ✓ Built-in allowlist ('allowed apps') so you can still take calls or use maps while focused
  • ✓ Detailed daily/weekly/monthly forest history to review where your focus hours went

Weaknesses

  • ✕ Does not block websites or apps — it shames you when you leave, it does not prevent it
  • ✕ Android version is free-with-ads; the gap in quality vs iOS is noticeable
  • ✕ Cross-device sync requires the subscription tier — one-time purchase doesn't include it
  • ✕ A determined person can override it in 2 seconds — no Locked Mode equivalent
  • ✕ No scheduling: you must manually start each session

Best for

People who respond to positive reinforcement and want a gentle, low-friction way to build a focus habit — especially students

#focus-timer#gamification#mobile#habit-building#pomodoro

Forest is a focus timer that grows a virtual tree while you stay off your phone — leave the app and the tree dies. It is the most downloaded focus timer on the App Store (50M+ installs) and works best for people who respond to habit streaks and positive reinforcement rather than hard technical blocks.

At a glance

FieldValue
PricingiOS $1.99 one-time; Android free; browser extension free
PlatformsiOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Hard blockNo — shame-based, not technical
Locked modeNo
Last verifiedMay 27, 2026

What Forest does well

  • The gamification loop works. A 25-minute tree you don’t want to kill is a better commitment device than a plain countdown. The streak and forest history create the kind of “don’t break the chain” pull that keeps people coming back.
  • Zero setup friction. Open the app, set a timer, put the phone face-down. That’s it. For people overwhelmed by complex settings, this matters.
  • Real-tree planting. Premium users can spend earned coins to plant an actual tree through Trees for the Future. It’s a feel-good hook, but it’s genuine.
  • Browser extension. Extends the lock to your desktop browser, syncing with the mobile session so you can’t just slide to your laptop mid-focus.

What Forest doesn’t do

  • Hard blocking. Forest is not a blocker — it’s a commitment device. A determined person exits the app in two seconds. If you need something you cannot talk yourself out of, look at Freedom or Cold Turkey.
  • Scheduling. There are no recurring sessions or calendar integrations. You start every session manually.
  • Cross-device sync on the base plan. One-time iOS purchase doesn’t include sync; the subscription does.

Best for

Students and knowledge workers who are building a focus habit from scratch and respond to positive reinforcement. Forest is a great first step. If you find yourself overriding it regularly, graduate to a hard blocker.

Alternatives

  • Freedom — hard cross-device blocker with Locked Mode; no overriding allowed.
  • One Sec — adds a friction delay before specific apps rather than blocking your whole phone.
  • SelfControl — free, unbypassable Mac timer for when you need a harder commitment.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions — click any to expand.

No. Forest is a commitment device, not a hard blocker. It starts a timer and shows a growing tree. If you leave the app, the tree dies. It works on shame and streak psychology, not technical blocking. If you need something you cannot override, try Freedom or Cold Turkey.

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