Software · head to head
Apollo.io vs Forest
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Apollo.io everything is metered in credits, and the free Starter plan runs on them too, so prospecting volume is capped rather than the feature set; Forest no standalone desktop app; limited to browser extensions
- They diverge on capability: Apollo.io covers Contact database, Forest covers Focus timer.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Apollo.io and Forest actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Apollo.io
- Contact database
- Email finder
- Lead search
- Automation
- Engagement tracking
- Reporting
- Salesforce
- HubSpot
Only in Forest
- Focus timer
- Virtual forest building
- Real tree planting partnership
- Website/app blocking
- Statistics tracking
- Achievements & rewards
- Social features
- Custom tree species
Both cover
- English language support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Apollo.io
- Lead generationnot Forest
- Prospect researchnot Forest
- Sales automationnot Forest
Forest
- Study sessionsnot Apollo.io
- Work focus timenot Apollo.io
- Digital detoxnot Apollo.io
- Pomodoro techniquenot Apollo.io
- Phone addiction managementnot Apollo.io
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Apollo.io
- Everything is metered in credits, and the free Starter plan runs on them too, so prospecting volume is capped rather than the feature set
- Plans described as unlimited are capped in the fair use policy at 10,000 credits a month for non-paying accounts
- Connecting a mailbox that is not Gmail or Microsoft requires a paid plan
- How many records can be selected at once varies by tier
- Running out of credits means buying more rather than waiting for a reset
Forest
- No standalone desktop app; limited to browser extensions
- Mobile app pricing varies by platform; iOS one-time purchase vs. Android different model
- Forest Plus features required for advanced analytics and custom tag tracking
Pricing, plan by plan
Apollo.io
Free- FreeFree
- Basic contact search
- Limited searches
- Starter$49/month
- Everything in Free
- Advanced search
- Email finder
- Professional$149/month
- Everything in Starter
- Automation
- Advanced analytics
Forest
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Forest review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Apollo.io if
- You need contact database.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want email finder.
Choose Forest if
- You need focus timer.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox.
- You also want virtual forest building.
Questions people ask
- Is Apollo.io or Forest better?
- Neither clearly leads. Apollo.io starts at Free and Forest at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Apollo.io or Forest?
- Apollo.io starts at Free and Forest at Free.
- Does Apollo.io or Forest run on more platforms?
- Apollo.io runs on Web. Forest runs on iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox.
- Can I use Apollo.io for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Apollo.io best used for?
- Apollo.io is most often used for lead generation, prospect research, sales automation. Of those, lead generation and prospect research are not what Forest is typically brought in for.
- What can Apollo.io do that Forest cannot?
- Apollo.io covers Contact database, Email finder, Lead search, Automation. Forest covers Focus timer, Virtual forest building, Real tree planting partnership, Website/app blocking. Both handle English language support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Forest: How much does Forest cost?
Forest has a free version with core features (timer, app blocking, group focus). Forest Plus subscription costs $3.33/month when billed annually at $39.99, with pricing varying by region and platform.
SourceForest: What platforms does Forest support?
Forest is available on iOS (one-time purchase $3.99), Android (free with ads, or $1.99 one-time for ad-free), and as a browser extension for Chrome and Firefox.
SourceForest: What is Forest's tree planting program?
Forest has partnered with Trees for the Future to plant real trees. Users can spend earned focus coins to fund tree planting in Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, and Cameroon. Over 2.1 million real trees have been planted.
SourceForest: Does Forest work offline?
Yes. Forest's core focus experience including the timer, tree growth, and stats works completely offline. This allows use on airplanes, subways, and areas without internet connectivity.
SourceForest: Is there a Forest desktop app?
No. Forest does not have an official standalone desktop application. Desktop access is available through browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox only. Some users run the mobile app via emulators like BlueStacks.
SourceForest: What features are in Forest Plus?
Forest Plus includes all Mindful Space soundscapes, custom app allowlists, advanced analytics with custom tags, exclusive tree species, 3x coin boost, and the ability to plant up to 5 real trees annually.
SourceRelated pages
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