Session vs Forest

Session9.0Visit Forest8.5Visit

Higher score Session #3 in Pomodoro Timer Apps 9.0/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Session

vs

Forest #6 in Pomodoro Timer Apps 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 5 features Visit Forest

• Session fits best

  Apple users needing automation and calendars

• Forest fits best

  Motivational focus with blocking and tracking

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Side by side

Feature	Session 9.0/10 Visit ↗	Forest 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.0	8.5
Ranking	#3 in Pomodoro Timer Apps	#6 in Pomodoro Timer Apps
Best for	Apple users needing automation and calendars	Motivational focus with blocking and tracking
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	$39.99/yr	—
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	7 days	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension	Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms	macOS, iOS, Chrome extension	Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension
Support	Email, Community, Docs	Email, Docs
Integrations	10 integrations	1 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business
Features Session 4/5 · Forest 2/5
Custom intervals	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Auto-start breaks	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Focus statistics	✓	✓
Built-in task list	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Calendar integration	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Specs
Platform coverage	Cross-platform	Cross-platform
Our review
Pros	Custom focus and break durations with full session history Website and app blocking on Mac Apple Calendar, Shortcuts, Slack, and task-tool integrations	Free plan includes focus timing, app blocking, tracking, and group focus Works across web, iOS, Android, and Chrome extension Combines analytics, scheduled blocking, sounds, and shared rooms
Cons	Several advanced features require a paid plan Blocking is listed for Mac rather than all platforms Daily To Do remains in early preview	Advanced analytics and custom allowlists require Plus Apple Health is the only listed integration Tree-based rewards may not suit users wanting a minimal timer
Our verdict	Session is a Pomodoro-style focus timer for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, with a Chrome extension. It is designed for people who want structured focus and rest sessions alongside productivity analytics, distraction blocking, and calendar… Read the review →	Forest turns Pomodoro-style work sessions into a visual growing activity: users plant virtual trees that grow while they stay focused and can wither when they leave. It is designed for students, professionals, and anyone seeking help with… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Session — where it wins

  • Custom focus and break durations with full session history
  • Website and app blocking on Mac
  • Apple Calendar, Shortcuts, Slack, and task-tool integrations

  Where it doesn't

  • Several advanced features require a paid plan
  • Blocking is listed for Mac rather than all platforms
  • Daily To Do remains in early preview

• Forest — where it wins

  • Free plan includes focus timing, app blocking, tracking, and group focus
  • Works across web, iOS, Android, and Chrome extension
  • Combines analytics, scheduled blocking, sounds, and shared rooms

  Where it doesn't

  • Advanced analytics and custom allowlists require Plus
  • Apple Health is the only listed integration
  • Tree-based rewards may not suit users wanting a minimal timer

• Session9.0/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

  A focused Apple timer with calendars, blocking, analytics, and automation.

  Visit SessionFull verdict →
• Forest8.5/10 · Free plan

  A motivating Pomodoro app with distraction controls, analytics, and shared focus rooms.

  Visit ForestFull verdict →