Software · head to head
Basecamp vs Forest
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Basecamp the free tier allows one project and 1 GB of storage; Forest no standalone desktop app; limited to browser extensions
- They diverge on capability: Basecamp covers Message boards, Forest covers Focus timer.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Basecamp 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 Basecamp
- Message boards
- To-do lists
- Schedules
- Documents & files
- Group chat
- Check-in questions
- Hill Charts
- Email forwards
Only in Forest
- Focus timer
- Virtual forest building
- Real tree planting partnership
- Website/app blocking
- Statistics tracking
- Achievements & rewards
- Social features
- Custom tree species
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Basecamp
- Project management for a small team in one placenot Forest
- Message boards and chat alongside to-dosnot Forest
- Client collaboration, since guests are not chargednot Forest
- Flat-rate project management for a larger team on Pro Unlimitednot Forest
Forest
- Study sessionsnot Basecamp
- Work focus timenot Basecamp
- Digital detoxnot Basecamp
- Pomodoro techniquenot Basecamp
- Phone addiction managementnot Basecamp
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Basecamp
- The free tier allows one project and 1 GB of storage
- Pro is $15 per user per month, so cost scales with headcount unlike the flat Pro Unlimited at $299 a month billed annually
- Storage beyond the plan costs $50 a month per additional terabyte
- Timesheet and the Admin Pro Pack are paid upgrades on Pro and only bundled with Pro Unlimited
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
Basecamp
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Basecamp review.
Forest
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Forest review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Basecamp if
- You need message boards.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want to-do lists.
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 Basecamp or Forest better?
- Neither clearly leads. Basecamp 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, Basecamp or Forest?
- Basecamp starts at Free and Forest at Free.
- Does Basecamp or Forest run on more platforms?
- Basecamp runs on Web. Forest runs on iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox.
- Can I use Basecamp for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Basecamp best used for?
- Basecamp is most often used for project management for a small team in one place, message boards and chat alongside to-dos, client collaboration, since guests are not charged, flat-rate project management for a larger team on pro unlimited. Of those, project management for a small team in one place and message boards and chat alongside to-dos are not what Forest is typically brought in for.
- What can Basecamp do that Forest cannot?
- Basecamp covers Message boards, To-do lists, Schedules, Documents & files. Forest covers Focus timer, Virtual forest building, Real tree planting partnership, Website/app blocking.
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.
Source