Head-to-head · Focus Tools
Forest vs Focus
Forest leads on 1 check, Focus on 0, and 0 are 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 scoreForest · 8.5/10
- Free planonly Forest
- Free trialonly Focus
Forest scores higher on our rubric for focus tools: 8.5 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.
Forest offers free plan; Focus doesn't.
Forest is the better fit for gamified focus across mobile, web, and Chrome. Focus is the better fit for mac users wanting strict schedules and profiles.
- Forest fits best
Gamified focus across mobile, web, and Chrome
- Focus fits best
Mac users wanting strict schedules and profiles
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Side by side
| Feature | Forest 8.5/10 Visit ↗ | Focus 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.5 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #3 in Focus Tools | #6 in Focus Tools |
| Best for | Gamified focus across mobile, web, and Chrome | Mac users wanting strict schedules and profiles |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | $29 one-time |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | 7 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension | Desktop, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension | macOS, Chrome extension |
| Support | Email, Docs | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Enterprise |
| Features Forest 0/4 · Focus 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 |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | 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 → |
Focus is a distraction-blocking app for macOS, aimed at students, professionals, creatives, parents and others who want fewer digital interruptions. It blocks websites and applications, and its schedules can repeat on selected days and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
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.
Focus — where it wins
- Blocks both websites and applications on macOS.
- Schedules and locked sessions help enforce chosen focus periods.
- Profiles, Pomodoro timers and productivity statistics support varied routines.
Where it doesn't
- No mobile apps are available.
- The core product is limited to macOS and browser extensions.
- Focus 2 costs $49 one-time; Lifetime is $129 one-time.
- Forest8.5/10 · Free plan
A gamified focus timer with app blocking, tracking, and shared sessions across devices.
Visit ForestFull verdict → - Focus7.9/10 · 7-day trial
Scheduled blocking, locked sessions and profiles for focused work on Mac.
Visit FocusFull verdict →
More comparisons
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- Freedom vs Focus
- Cold Turkey Blocker vs Forest
- Cold Turkey Blocker vs Focus
- Forest vs FocusMe
- Forest vs Digital Habits: Blocker
- Forest vs Opal
- Forest vs AppBlock
All focus tools comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update







