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Head-to-head · Focus Tools

Forest vs Opal

  • 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
Opal #7 in Focus Tools 7.9/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Opal

Forest leads on 0 checks, Opal 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 scoreForest · 8.5/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Opal

Forest scores higher on our rubric for focus tools: 8.5 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.

Forest is the better fit for gamified focus across mobile, web, and Chrome. Opal is the better fit for apple users who want hard-to-exit sessions.

  • Forest fits best

    Gamified focus across mobile, web, and Chrome

  • Opal fits best

    Apple users who want hard-to-exit sessions

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Side by side

Feature Forest 8.5/10 Visit ↗ Opal 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.5 7.9
Ranking #3 in Focus Tools #7 in Focus Tools
Best for Gamified focus across mobile, web, and Chrome Apple users who want hard-to-exit sessions
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — $8.29/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 7 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension macOS, iOS, Android
Support Email, Docs Email, Live chat, Community, Docs
Integrations 1 integrations 2 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Forest 0/4 · Opal 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.
  • Blocks distracting apps and websites across Mac, iPhone and Android
  • Hard Mode prevents ending sessions early
  • Apple Shortcuts and Focus Filters integrations
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.
  • Free plan allows only one rule
  • Pro costs $19.99 monthly or $8.29/month billed annually
  • Lifetime Pro costs $399 upfront
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 →

Opal is a distraction-blocking and digital-wellbeing app for people who want to reduce screen time across Mac, iPhone and Android. It blocks selected apps and websites, with scheduled sessions, time limits and open limits. Its Apple…

Read the review →
  1. ForestFocus Tools 8.5Free plan
  2. OpalFocus Tools 7.9Free plan · 7-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.

  • Opal — where it wins

    • Blocks distracting apps and websites across Mac, iPhone and Android
    • Hard Mode prevents ending sessions early
    • Apple Shortcuts and Focus Filters integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • Free plan allows only one rule
    • Pro costs $19.99 monthly or $8.29/month billed annually
    • Lifetime Pro costs $399 upfront
  • Forest8.5/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit ForestFull verdict →
  • Opal7.9/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

    App and website blocking with schedules, limits and hard-to-exit sessions.

    Visit OpalFull 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