Forest
A focus timer that grows a virtual tree while you leave your phone alone, and kills it if you don't
by SEEKRTECH CO., LTD. · listed Oct 21, 2026
Quick verdict
Forest is a well-made, low-pressure focus timer that works best if a bit of guilt motivates you. If you need hard blocks you cannot bypass, look at a stricter app.
Best for Students and workers who want a light, game-like push to keep their phone down while they focus
Reviewed by AppsPicks on Oct 21, 2026. How we review
Forest review
Forest turns staying off your phone into a small game. You start a focus session, a seed gets planted, and a tree grows for as long as you resist opening other apps. Quit early and the tree dies, leaving a visible record of the slip. It suits students, remote workers and anyone who reaches for their phone out of habit and wants a gentle nudge rather than a strict lockdown.
Day to day, it is quick: pick a duration, choose a tree, and put the phone down. Over time your sessions build up into a forest you can look back on, and focus time earns coins that unlock new species and background sounds. You can plant together with friends so everyone's tree is at stake, set allow lists for apps you still need, and on newer versions schedule blocked windows. Coins can also go toward real tree planting through the developer's partner, Trees for the Future.
Why we picked it: The penalty is purely emotional, yet seeing a dead tree in your history works better than many stricter blockers.
Watch out for: It relies on your own willpower; you can simply give up the tree, and some features sit behind in-app purchases.
What we like
- Simple loop of planting and protecting a tree makes focus sessions feel rewarding
- Group planting adds friendly accountability with friends or classmates
- Allow lists and scheduled blocking for apps you still need or want to avoid
- History view shows how your focus time adds up over days and weeks
- Option to put earned coins toward planting real trees
What could be better
- Easy to override if you decide to sacrifice the tree
- Some extras and upgrades require in-app purchases
- Gamification may feel thin once the novelty of new trees wears off
- App blocking on iPhone depends on iOS 16 or later
Questions about Forest
Is Forest free?
Both store listings show it as free to download, with optional in-app purchases for extras. Check the current listing on your device, since Forest's pricing has changed over the years.
Does it work on both iPhone and Android?
Yes, Forest is available on the App Store and Google Play, and there is also a browser extension for desktop.
Does Forest actually block apps?
It lets you set an allow list during sessions and schedule blocked windows, but the main mechanism is the threat of losing your tree. You can still leave a session if you choose.
Are the real trees genuine?
Forest partners with Trees for the Future, and users can spend in-app coins to fund real tree planting.
What are some alternatives?
Flora offers a similar tree-growing timer, while apps like Opal or one sec take a stricter blocking approach.
From the developer: how Forest describes itself
**Stay off your phone and a tree grows. Leave early and it withers. That's Forest, the focus timer used by 60 million people worldwide.**
Top productivity app in 136 countries. Recommended by The New York Times and Business Insider.
"Forest works well, and if your goal is to be more in the moment, ignore your phone and actually talk to your friends when you are with them, this is the app for you." — The New York Times
Together, our community has planted over 2 million real trees on Earth through our partnership with Trees for the Future.
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STAY FOCUSED
Forest helps you overcome phone addiction, reduce distractions, and build deep work habits. Whether you are studying for exams, working from home, or simply trying to be more present, Forest gives you a reason to stay on task.
- A gamified focus timer that turns screen-free time into a growing virtual forest - Create personalized Allow Lists to block distracting apps during focus sessions (iOS 16 or above) - Track your daily phone usage and screen time
GET MOTIVATED
- Unlock tree species and soundscapes as you reach focus milestones - Co-plant trees with friends and family during shared focus sessions - Compete with users around the world and share your forest - Unlock achievements and earn extra rewards - Plant real trees on Earth through our partnership with Trees for the Future
TIME GUARD: BLOCK DISTRACTIONS ON SCHEDULE
Time Guard helps you set phone-free windows throughout your day. Block distracting apps on a schedule, limit when you can access them, and track how much time you spend on your phone.
Text from the app store listing, quoted for reference. Our own take is above.
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