Forest
A focus app that grows a virtual tree while you stay off your phone.
Forest Referral Code & Link
No referral code or link is currently available for Forest.
Quick Summary
Forest is a focus app built around a simple mechanic — plant a virtual tree that grows while you stay off your phone, and dies if you leave the app to check social media or messages. Its gamified, gentle-guilt approach has made it one of the most popular focus apps.
Forest at a Glance
| Category | Focus & Pomodoro Apps |
|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid |
| Starting price | $3.99 |
| Platforms | iOS, Android |
| Launched | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Taipei, Taiwan |
| Best for | A focus app that grows a virtual tree while you stay off your phone. |
| Community votes | 198 |
Pros
- Simple, low-cost one-time purchase rather than a subscription
- Gamified tree-growing mechanic provides gentle accountability without harsh restriction
- Building a virtual forest over time gives a satisfying visual record of focus sessions
- Available on both iOS and Android
Cons
- The "tree dies" mechanic is more guilt-based motivation than some users prefer
- Doesn't block distracting apps outright — relies on self-discipline and willpower
- Limited features compared to apps with deeper analytics or team accountability features
Forest Pricing Plans
Official pricing as published by Forest. Verify current rates before purchasing.
Forest’s gentle gamification — a tree that dies if you check your phone — has proven surprisingly effective for a huge number of users who find harsher app-blockers too restrictive to stick with.
Who Should Use Forest
Anyone wanting a low-cost, gamified nudge to stay off their phone during focused work or study sessions.
Expert Verdict
Forest’s simple mechanic and low one-time cost make it an easy, low-risk way to build focus habits; those needing hard app-blocking should pair it with a stricter tool.
Best Alternatives to Forest
1 alternatives listed. Looking for a Forest alternative? Here are the top options our community recommends, ranked by popularity and editorial score.
Quick comparison: Forest vs Habitica
| Feature | Forest | Habitica |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Paid | Freemium |
| Platforms | iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Community votes | 198 | 167 |
A gamified habit and to-do tracker styled as an RPG, with characters and quests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Forest, answered by our editorial team.
- Is Forest a one-time purchase?
- Yes, it's a single low-cost purchase rather than a subscription, covering unlimited focus sessions.
- Does Forest actually block other apps?
- It primarily relies on the visual/gamified incentive of not killing your tree rather than hard app-blocking, though some versions include stricter blocking options.
- Is Forest good for studying?
- Yes, many students use it specifically to stay off their phone during study sessions, building a visual record of focused time.
Trending Right Now
Popular with readers checking out Forest — across every category, not just Focus & Pomodoro Apps.
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