Forest vs Be Focused

Forest8.9Visit Be Focused7.6Visit

Higher score Forest #1 in Study Timer Apps 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 6 features Visit Forest

vs

Be Focused #6 in Study Timer Apps 7.6/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 5 of 6 features Visit Be Focused

• Forest fits best

  Users needing motivation and distraction blocking

• Be Focused fits best

  Apple users who want tasks, reports, and app blocking

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Side by side

Feature	Forest 8.9/10 Visit ↗	Be Focused 7.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.9	7.6
Ranking	#1 in Study Timer Apps	#6 in Study Timer Apps
Best for	Users needing motivation and distraction blocking	Apple users who want tasks, reports, and app blocking
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	—	—
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	7 days
Deployment	Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension	macOS, iOS
Integrations	1 integrations	2 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business
Features Forest 0/6 · Be Focused 5/6
Custom break settings	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Study goals	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Progress statistics	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Distraction blocking	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Subject or task labels	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Calendar integration	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms	Not checked yet	iOS, macOS
Our review
Pros	Deep Focus and scheduled Time Guard blocking Focus analytics, tags, and visual history Web, mobile, Chrome extension, and account sync	Adjustable work intervals, short breaks, and long breaks Tasks, daily interval goals, reports, and CSV export Mac app and website blocking, with iPhone, iPad, and Mac sync
Cons	Advanced analytics require the Plus plan Plus pricing varies by region and platform The tree-growing concept may not suit every workflow	Available only on iOS and macOS App and website blocking is a Mac feature The 7-day trial applies to Yearly Pro
Our verdict	Forest is a Pomodoro-style focus app for students, professionals, and anyone seeking help with digital distractions. Its central mechanic is simple: start a countdown or stopwatch session by planting a virtual tree, then stay on task while… Read the review →	Be Focused structures work and study into timed intervals, with configurable short and long breaks between sessions. It is aimed at people who want a timer tied to their tasks rather than a standalone countdown. Tasks can hold notes and… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Forest — where it wins

  • Deep Focus and scheduled Time Guard blocking
  • Focus analytics, tags, and visual history
  • Web, mobile, Chrome extension, and account sync

  Where it doesn't

  • Advanced analytics require the Plus plan
  • Plus pricing varies by region and platform
  • The tree-growing concept may not suit every workflow

• Be Focused — where it wins

  • Adjustable work intervals, short breaks, and long breaks
  • Tasks, daily interval goals, reports, and CSV export
  • Mac app and website blocking, with iPhone, iPad, and Mac sync

  Where it doesn't

  • Available only on iOS and macOS
  • App and website blocking is a Mac feature
  • The 7-day trial applies to Yearly Pro

• Forest8.9/10 · Free plan

  A motivating focus timer with distraction blocking, analytics, and cross-platform sync.

  Visit ForestFull verdict →
• Be Focused7.6/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

  Be Focused pairs timed work-break cycles with task tracking across Apple devices.

  Visit Be FocusedFull verdict →