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Utilities · head to head

Everything vs Forest

Everything logo

Everything

Utilities

Instant filename search for Windows

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Forest logo

Forest

Productivity

Stay focused, be present

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Everything searches filenames only, not file contents, which is the deliberate trade for its speed; Forest no standalone desktop app; limited to browser extensions
  • They diverge on capability: Everything covers Instant results, Forest covers Focus timer.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Everything and Forest actually diverge.

Attributes where Everything and Forest differ
AttributeEverythingForest
Pricing modelFree; donations acceptedUnknown
PlatformsWindowsiOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox
CategoryUtilitiesProductivity
FoundedUnknown2014

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

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 Everything

  • Instant results
  • MFT-based indexing
  • Tiny footprint
  • Regex and filters

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.

Everything

  • Finding a file by name instantly instead of waiting on Windows Searchnot Forest
  • Locating duplicates and stray files across large drivesnot Forest
  • Navigating a machine with hundreds of thousands of filesnot Forest

Forest

  • Study sessionsnot Everything
  • Work focus timenot Everything
  • Digital detoxnot Everything
  • Pomodoro techniquenot Everything
  • Phone addiction managementnot Everything

Where each one falls short

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

Everything

  • Searches filenames only, not file contents, which is the deliberate trade for its speed
  • Windows and NTFS only: no macOS or Linux build, and non-NTFS volumes fall back to slower indexing
  • Requires administrator rights to read the Master File Table

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

Everything

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Core functionality
    • Personal use

Forest

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Forest review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Everything if

  • You need instant results.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want mft-based indexing.
Everything review

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.
Forest review

Questions people ask

Is Everything or Forest better?
Neither clearly leads. Everything 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, Everything or Forest?
Everything starts at Free and Forest at Free.
Does Everything or Forest run on more platforms?
Everything runs on Windows. Forest runs on iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox.
Can I use Everything for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Everything best used for?
Everything is most often used for finding a file by name instantly instead of waiting on windows search, locating duplicates and stray files across large drives, navigating a machine with hundreds of thousands of files. Of those, finding a file by name instantly instead of waiting on windows search and locating duplicates and stray files across large drives are not what Forest is typically brought in for.
What can Everything do that Forest cannot?
Everything covers Instant results, MFT-based indexing, Tiny footprint, Regex and filters. Forest covers Focus timer, Virtual forest building, Real tree planting partnership, Website/app blocking.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Everything: Is Everything free?

Yes, free to use with donations accepted.

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.

Source
Everything: Why is it so much faster than Windows Search?

It reads the NTFS Master File Table directly instead of crawling the filesystem, so indexing a whole volume takes seconds.

Forest: 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.

Source
Everything: Can it search inside files?

Only in a limited way. It is built for filename search, and full content search is not what it is for.

Forest: 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.

Source
Forest: 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.

Source
Forest: 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.

Source
Forest: 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
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