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Software · head to head

Brain.fm vs Forest App

Brain.fm logo

Brain.fm

Software

Scientifically-designed music to enhance focus and productivity

From
$14.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Forest App logo

Forest App

Software

Gamified focus timer and productivity app

From
$1.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Brain.fm monthly plan at $14.99/month significantly more expensive per unit than annual plan ($8.33/month equivalent); Forest App requires active user initiation to function, so it is ineffective if users forget to start a session
  • They diverge on capability: Brain.fm covers Neuroscience-designed music, Forest App covers Focus timer with gamification.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Brain.fm and Forest App actually diverge.

Attributes where Brain.fm and Forest App differ
AttributeBrain.fmForest App
Starting price$14.99/month$1.99/one-time
PlatformsWeb, iOS, Android, DesktopiOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox
Founded20152014

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), 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 Brain.fm

  • Neuroscience-designed music
  • Focus tracks
  • Relaxation tracks
  • Sleep tracks
  • Offline mode
  • Multiple genres
  • Cross-platform access
  • Ad-free experience

Only in Forest App

  • Focus timer with gamification
  • Virtual tree growing system
  • Forest building and sharing
  • Focus statistics
  • Real tree planting partnership
  • Distraction tracking
  • Themes and customization
  • Cloud sync

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Brain.fm

  • Knowledge workers requiring focus audio for deep work blocksnot Forest App
  • ADHD individuals seeking neurologically-optimised audio for concentrationnot Forest App
  • Students preparing for exams with learning and meditation supportnot Forest App

Forest App

  • Productivitynot Brain.fm
  • Collaborationnot Brain.fm
  • Task managementnot Brain.fm
  • Organizationnot Brain.fm

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Brain.fm

  • Monthly plan at $14.99/month significantly more expensive per unit than annual plan ($8.33/month equivalent)
  • ADHD mode available only with active subscription; no trial access to specialised features
  • No offline mode documented; requires internet connectivity for audio delivery
  • Content library composition not published (proprietary vs. licensed music distinction unclear)

Forest App

  • Requires active user initiation to function, so it is ineffective if users forget to start a session
  • Virtual coin awards are limited without additional in-app purchases for unlocking new content
  • Apple Watch app is very limited, allowing only viewing of the current day's forest
  • Website blocklist feature has poor discoverability

Pricing, plan by plan

Brain.fm

$14.99/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Brain.fm review.

Forest App

$1.99/one-time
  • Lite$1.99/one-time
    • Basic forest building
    • Focus timer
    • Statistics
  • Pro Subscription$4.99/month
    • All Lite features
    • Advanced themes
    • Real tree planting partnership

Which should you pick?

Choose Brain.fm if

  • You need neuroscience-designed music.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, Desktop.
  • You also want focus tracks.
Brain.fm review

Choose Forest App if

  • You need focus timer with gamification.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox.
  • You also want virtual tree growing system.
Forest App review

Questions people ask

Is Brain.fm or Forest App better?
Neither clearly leads. Brain.fm starts at $14.99/month and Forest App at $1.99/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Brain.fm or Forest App?
Brain.fm starts at $14.99/month and Forest App at $1.99/one-time.
Does Brain.fm or Forest App run on more platforms?
Brain.fm runs on Web, iOS, Android, Desktop. Forest App runs on iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox.
What is Brain.fm best used for?
Brain.fm is most often used for knowledge workers requiring focus audio for deep work blocks, adhd individuals seeking neurologically-optimised audio for concentration, students preparing for exams with learning and meditation support. Of those, knowledge workers requiring focus audio for deep work blocks and adhd individuals seeking neurologically-optimised audio for concentration are not what Forest App is typically brought in for.
What can Brain.fm do that Forest App cannot?
Brain.fm covers Neuroscience-designed music, Focus tracks, Relaxation tracks, Sleep tracks. Forest App covers Focus timer with gamification, Virtual tree growing system, Forest building and sharing, Focus statistics.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Forest App: Is Forest available on multiple platforms?

Yes. Forest is available on iOS, Android, Chrome browser extension, and Firefox browser extension with cross-platform account sync.

Source
Forest App: Does Forest have a free version?

Yes. Forest offers a free tier that includes the core timer, app blocking, group focus sessions, basic soundscape, and focus tracking with no credit card required.

Source
Forest App: What does Forest Plus subscription include?

Forest Plus subscription offers exclusive and seasonal tree species, full soundscape library, custom app allowlists, advanced analytics, 3x coin boost, and the ability to plant up to 5 real trees.

Source
Forest App: Can I use Forest to block distracting apps during work sessions?

Yes. Forest includes Deep Focus mode that blocks distracting apps during sessions, and Time Guard that schedules app blocks throughout the day.

Source
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Related pages

More on Brain.fm

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