Forest vs Goodtime

Forest is a focus timer that makes a virtual tree grow during a session and die if the user leaves or breaks the session. Deep Focus can block or redirect attempts to open other apps, including on the free tier. Time Guard schedules recurring app or site blocks; Free covers one app or site, while Plus supports multiple. Plant Together synchronizes a session among friends, and the group’s trees die if anyone gives up. Mindful Space offers guided breathing and soundscapes, and Focus Analytics reports focus patterns and hours by day, week, or month. Plus adds analytics and custom tags. Forest says focus-earned coins can fund real trees through its partnership with Trees for the Future, up to five per account on eligible plans. The timer, tree growth, and local focus data work offline, but group focus, challenges, the shop, seasonal events, and real-tree planting require internet. Forest works on iPhone, iPad, Android, and as a Chrome or Firefox extension; account and focus history can sync across platforms. Forest describes it as a behavioral tool, not an ADHD medical treatment.

Goodtime is a mobile productivity timer for Android and iOS, combining Pomodoro countdowns with open-ended count-up sessions for flow work. A built-in task list, colored labels, and custom intervals help organise sessions. The app records focus statistics and notes, and allows manual logging when sessions were completed offline. Timer controls include size, immersive mode, indicators, autostart, and notification styles. Do Not Disturb can silence notifications while a timer runs. Goodtime creates automatic local backups and supports manual CSV or JSON import and export. Optional synchronization uses Google Drive on Android or iCloud on iOS; the maker says it cannot access synced data. Personal data is said to remain on the device unless cloud sync is enabled, and not to be collected, stored, or sold. Goodtime is open-source under GPL-3.0. The free plan provides basic functionality, with optional one-time purchases through Google Play, the App Store, and RevenueCat. Some Android vendors may stop background work, so battery optimization may need disabling for accurate alarms.