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Head-to-head · Focus Tools

Forest vs FocusMe

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Forest #3 in Focus Tools 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Forest
FocusMe #4 in Focus Tools 7.9/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit FocusMe

Forest leads on 1 check, FocusMe 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 FocusMe

Forest scores higher on our rubric for focus tools: 8.5 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #4.

Forest offers free plan; FocusMe doesn't.

Forest is the better fit for gamified focus across mobile, web, and Chrome. FocusMe is the better fit for people who want configurable blocking that is hard to bypass.

  • Forest fits best

    Gamified focus across mobile, web, and Chrome

  • FocusMe fits best

    People who want configurable blocking that is hard to bypass

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Forest 8.5/10 Visit ↗ FocusMe 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.5 7.9
Ranking #3 in Focus Tools #4 in Focus Tools
Best for Gamified focus across mobile, web, and Chrome People who want configurable blocking that is hard to bypass
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price — $9.95/mo
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — 14 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome extension
Support Email, Docs Email, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Forest 0/4 · FocusMe 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
  • 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.
  • Block sites by URL, keyword, category, page title, or regular expression
  • Schedule blocks and set time or launch limits with enforced breaks
  • Enforced Mode and coverage for desktop, Android, iPhone, and Chrome
Cons
  • 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.
  • Paid plans start at $9.95 a month billed yearly ($17.95 monthly), above free or lower-cost alternatives
  • No free plan; the 14-day trial needs no card
  • The mobile apps are free to download, while the 14-day trial applies to paid plans
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 →

FocusMe is a distraction-blocking application for people who want control over websites, desktop applications, and games across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone, and Chrome. It suits individuals such as professionals, students, and…

Read the review →
  1. ForestFocus Tools 8.5Free plan
  2. FocusMeFocus Tools 7.914-day trial

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.

  • FocusMe — where it wins

    • Block sites by URL, keyword, category, page title, or regular expression
    • Schedule blocks and set time or launch limits with enforced breaks
    • Enforced Mode and coverage for desktop, Android, iPhone, and Chrome

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid plans start at $9.95 a month billed yearly ($17.95 monthly), above free or lower-cost alternatives
    • No free plan; the 14-day trial needs no card
    • The mobile apps are free to download, while the 14-day trial applies to paid plans
  • Forest8.5/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit ForestFull verdict →
  • FocusMe7.9/10 · 14-day trial

    Granular blocking and enforced focus controls, with a 14-day free trial and paid plans.

    Visit FocusMeFull 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