Forest vs Tomatoid

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.

Tomatoid is a free web app that structures work into timed focus sessions and breaks. Its timer begins with 25 minutes of work followed by a five-minute break, then offers a 30-minute break after four rounds. Users can play, pause or reset the timer at any time. The minimalist design is intended to reduce distractions and keep attention on the session. No account is required, and Tomatoid says it does not collect personal information from timer users. After the page loads, the timer can work offline while the page stays open in the browser. The site says it is optimized for Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari and should work in most modern browsers. It can be used in desktop browsers on Windows, macOS and Linux, and mobile browsers on iOS and Android; users can also add it to a device's home screen. Tomatoid is not offered in the iOS App Store or Google Play Store. Its Free plan costs nothing.