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Head-to-head · Focus Tools

Cold Turkey Blocker vs Forest

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Cold Turkey Blocker #2 in Focus Tools 8.8/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Cold Turkey
Forest #3 in Focus Tools 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Forest

Cold Turkey Blocker leads on 0 checks, Forest on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreCold Turkey Blocker · 8.8/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Cold Turkey Blocker

Cold Turkey Blocker scores higher on our rubric for focus tools: 8.8 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

Cold Turkey Blocker is the better fit for locked-down focus on Windows and Mac. Forest is the better fit for gamified focus across mobile, web, and Chrome.

  • Cold Turkey Blocker fits best

    Locked-down focus on Windows and Mac

  • Forest fits best

    Gamified focus across mobile, web, and Chrome

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Side by side

Feature Cold Turkey Blocker 8.8/10 Visit ↗ Forest 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.5
Ranking #2 in Focus Tools #3 in Focus Tools
Best for Locked-down focus on Windows and Mac Gamified focus across mobile, web, and Chrome
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 7 days —
Deployment Desktop, Browser extension Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms Windows, macOS, Chrome extension Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension
Support Email Email, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Cold Turkey Blocker 0/4 · Forest 0/4
Website blocking Not checked yet Not checked yet
App blocking Not checked yet Not checked yet
Focus timer Not checked yet Not checked yet
Session reports Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Blocks websites, applications, games, searches, and computer access
  • Recurring schedules, timed allowances, exceptions, and locked sessions
  • Usage statistics plus computer lock, logoff, or shutdown controls
  • Combines timed focus sessions with Deep Focus and scheduled blocking.
  • Syncs focus history across web, iOS, Android, and Chrome.
  • Adds shared rooms, analytics, sounds, and virtual-tree rewards.
Cons
  • No mobile apps or Linux support
  • Application blocking and advanced locks require Blocker Pro
  • Support is provided through email
  • Its timed, game-based approach may not suit people seeking strict device-wide blocking.
  • Plus pricing varies by region and platform; buyers must check their app store.
  • Free includes only one app or site in Time Guard; Plus adds multiple.
Our verdict

Cold Turkey Blocker is a Windows and macOS desktop application for restricting distracting websites, URLs, applications, games, searches, and computer access. It suits solo users and small teams that want scheduled focus sessions on…

Read the review →

Forest turns focus sessions into a tree-growing game: users plant a virtual tree and keep it alive by staying on task. Its Pomodoro timer offers countdown and stopwatch modes, while Deep Focus can block apps during sessions and Time Guard…

Read the review →
  1. Cold Turkey BlockerFocus Tools 8.8Free plan · 7-day trial
  2. ForestFocus Tools 8.5Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Cold Turkey Blocker — where it wins

    • Blocks websites, applications, games, searches, and computer access
    • Recurring schedules, timed allowances, exceptions, and locked sessions
    • Usage statistics plus computer lock, logoff, or shutdown controls

    Where it doesn't

    • No mobile apps or Linux support
    • Application blocking and advanced locks require Blocker Pro
    • Support is provided through email

  • Forest — where it wins

    • Combines timed focus sessions with Deep Focus and scheduled blocking.
    • Syncs focus history across web, iOS, Android, and Chrome.
    • Adds shared rooms, analytics, sounds, and virtual-tree rewards.

    Where it doesn't

    • Its timed, game-based approach may not suit people seeking strict device-wide blocking.
    • Plus pricing varies by region and platform; buyers must check their app store.
    • Free includes only one app or site in Time Guard; Plus adds multiple.
  • Cold Turkey Blocker8.8/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

    A focused Windows and macOS blocker with schedules, locks, statistics, and app controls.

    Visit Cold TurkeyFull verdict →
  • Forest8.5/10 · Free plan

    A gamified focus timer with app blocking, tracking, and shared sessions across devices.

    Visit ForestFull verdict →

More comparisons

All focus tools comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update