Forest vs Tomato Timer

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.

Tomato Timer is a focus timer for the browser and macOS, with a task list alongside timed work sessions. Its pattern alternates focused work with short breaks, then takes a longer break after four rounds. The browser timer includes a todo list for connecting sessions to tasks and lets users set custom focus durations; it runs without a download or signup. Browser data stays locally on the device. The native Mac app places its countdown in the menu bar and includes a todo list. It works offline, storing todos and timer history locally; the app's privacy policy says task, timer, and settings data are encrypted and not sent to external servers or third parties. The Mac app requires macOS 12.2 or later and supports Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. The web timer is free. The macOS app costs $3.99, paid once, with no subscription. Listed platforms are Linux, macOS, web, and Windows.