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Head-to-head · Focus Tools

Freedom vs Forest

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Freedom #1 in Focus Tools 8.9/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Freedom
Forest #3 in Focus Tools 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Forest

Freedom 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 scoreFreedom · 8.9/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Freedom

Freedom scores higher on our rubric for focus tools: 8.9 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

Freedom is the better fit for cross-device blocking across desktop and mobile. Forest is the better fit for gamified focus across mobile, web, and Chrome.

  • Freedom fits best

    Cross-device blocking across desktop and mobile

  • Forest fits best

    Gamified focus across mobile, web, and Chrome

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 Freedom 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Forest 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.5
Ranking #1 in Focus Tools #3 in Focus Tools
Best for Cross-device blocking across desktop and mobile Gamified focus across mobile, web, and Chrome
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $3.33/mo —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 7 days —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension
Support Email, Live chat, Docs Email, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Freedom 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, apps, or the entire internet across devices
  • Syncs sessions and supports recurring schedules and Locked Mode
  • Works across desktop, mobile, web, and major browser extensions
  • 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
  • Advanced scheduling and Locked Mode require a paid plan
  • Monthly Premium costs more than annual billing
  • Free trial requires a card and support is not available 24/7
  • 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

Freedom is a distraction-blocking app for people who want structured focus during work, study, or personal time. It can block selected websites, desktop and mobile apps, or the entire internet, while synchronizing sessions across supported…

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. FreedomFocus Tools 8.9Free plan · 7-day trial
  2. ForestFocus Tools 8.5Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Freedom — where it wins

    • Blocks websites, apps, or the entire internet across devices
    • Syncs sessions and supports recurring schedules and Locked Mode
    • Works across desktop, mobile, web, and major browser extensions

    Where it doesn't

    • Advanced scheduling and Locked Mode require a paid plan
    • Monthly Premium costs more than annual billing
    • Free trial requires a card and support is not available 24/7

  • 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.
  • Freedom8.9/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

    A cross-device blocker with synced sessions, scheduling, and Locked Mode.

    Visit FreedomFull 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