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Software · head to head

Focus@Will vs Forest

Focus@Will logo

Focus@Will

Software

Music and sounds designed to enhance focus and productivity

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Forest logo

Forest

Software

Stay focused, be present

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Focus@Will the App Store listing (seller Dulcetta Inc) states the free trial is limited to 7 days, after which a paid subscription is required to continue using the music and features; Forest no standalone desktop app; limited to browser extensions
  • They diverge on capability: Focus@Will covers Curated focus music, Forest covers Focus timer.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Focus@Will and Forest actually diverge.

Attributes where Focus@Will and Forest differ
AttributeFocus@WillForest
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWeb, IOS, Android, MacOS, WindowsiOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox
Founded20112014

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 Focus@Will

  • Curated focus music
  • Multiple music channels
  • Built-in focus timer
  • Focus statistics
  • Different music genres
  • Offline access
  • Cross-platform sync
  • Volume control

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.

Focus@Will

  • Productivitynot Forest
  • Collaborationnot Forest
  • Task managementnot Forest
  • Organizationnot Forest

Forest

  • Study sessionsnot Focus@Will
  • Work focus timenot Focus@Will
  • Digital detoxnot Focus@Will
  • Pomodoro techniquenot Focus@Will
  • Phone addiction managementnot Focus@Will

Where each one falls short

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

Focus@Will

  • The App Store listing (seller Dulcetta Inc) states the free trial is limited to 7 days, after which a paid subscription is required to continue using the music and features
  • The same listing states a 30 day money-back guarantee applies to the subscription, implying no refund is available after that window

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

Focus@Will

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Limited access to music
    • Basic 25-min timer
    • Ads
  • Basic$4.95/month
    • Unlimited music access
    • Custom timers
    • No ads
  • Pro$9.95/month
    • Everything in Basic
    • Advanced analytics
    • Priority support

Forest

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Forest review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Focus@Will if

  • You need curated focus music.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android, MacOS, Windows.
  • You also want multiple music channels.
Focus@Will 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 Focus@Will or Forest better?
Neither clearly leads. Focus@Will 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, Focus@Will or Forest?
Focus@Will starts at Free and Forest at Free.
Does Focus@Will or Forest run on more platforms?
Focus@Will runs on Web, IOS, Android, MacOS, Windows. Forest runs on iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox.
Can I use Focus@Will for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Focus@Will best used for?
Focus@Will is most often used for productivity, collaboration, task management, organization. Of those, productivity and collaboration are not what Forest is typically brought in for.
What can Focus@Will do that Forest cannot?
Focus@Will covers Curated focus music, Multiple music channels, Built-in focus timer, Focus statistics. 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.

Source
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
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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Related pages

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