Forest review
A motivating Pomodoro app with distraction controls, analytics, and shared focus rooms.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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 digital distractions. The core experience includes countdown and stopwatch modes, Deep Focus app blocking, focus tracking, scheduled distraction blocking through Time Guard, ambient sounds, breathing exercises, mindful breaks, and shared focus rooms. Virtual trees, achievements, rewards, and real-tree planting through Trees for the Future add a motivational layer beyond a basic timer.
The free plan is substantial. At $0, Free includes the focus timer, Deep Focus app blocking, focus tracking, Plant Together group focus, and One Time Guard for an app or site. Forest Plus adds advanced focus analytics, a custom app allowlist, multiple Time Guard apps or sites, all Mindful Space soundscapes, a 3× coin boost, and real-tree planting. Plus pricing varies by region and platform, with current local pricing provided through the App Store or Google Play. Existing Forest Pro users retain their prior status, while Pro is no longer sold to new users.
Forest fits users who want motivation, distraction controls, and a visible record of their focus habits across web, iOS, Android, and Chrome extension. Focus history synchronizes across platforms, and Apple Health is listed as an integration. Its feature set reaches beyond timing into analytics, tags, social focus rooms, and scheduled blocking, making it a strong choice for structured routines. Users who want the simplest possible timer, deeper integration coverage, or advanced controls without moving to Plus may prefer a narrower alternative. Forest is the better fit when the virtual forest and reward system help make sustained focus easier to maintain.
Forest pros and cons
- 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
Forest fact sheet, pricing and score →
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.
Last updated · How we research and update