Forest vs StudiesTimer

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.

StudiesTimer is a study and productivity platform with a free Pomodoro timer, session tracking, habit tools and study groups. The timer lets users set focus durations, take automatic breaks or switch to stopwatch mode; sessions save automatically. Subject labels help organize study time, and charts, graphs and trends show progress. Groups include real-time chat, with a searchable global leaderboard and a live count of active students. AI quizzes, flashcards and PDFs use monthly AI credits. The web timer works in desktop, mobile and tablet browsers and does not require an account. Free access includes three labels, one weekly goal, up to three groups, 10 monthly AI credits, one five-item to-do list and 14 days of visible session history. Older sessions are retained but require Premium for full-history access. Premium costs $47.99 per year after a seven-day free trial. The maker says its iPhone and iPad app is available for pre-order and Android app is coming soon.