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Software · head to head

Forest App vs Brain.fm

Forest App logo

Forest App

Software

Gamified focus timer and productivity app

From
$1.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Brain.fm logo

Brain.fm

Software

Scientifically-designed music to enhance focus and productivity

From
$14.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

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

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Forest App and Brain.fm differ
AttributeForest AppBrain.fm
Starting price$1.99/one-time$14.99/month
PlatformsiOS, Android, Chrome, FirefoxWeb, iOS, Android, Desktop
Founded20142015

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 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

Only in Brain.fm

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

What people use each for

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

Forest App

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

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

Where each one falls short

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

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

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)

Pricing, plan by plan

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

Brain.fm

$14.99/month

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

Which should you pick?

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

Choose Brain.fm if

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

Questions people ask

Is Forest App or Brain.fm better?
Neither clearly leads. Forest App starts at $1.99/one-time and Brain.fm at $14.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Forest App or Brain.fm?
Forest App starts at $1.99/one-time and Brain.fm at $14.99/month.
Does Forest App or Brain.fm run on more platforms?
Forest App runs on iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox. Brain.fm runs on Web, iOS, Android, Desktop.
What is Forest App best used for?
Forest App is most often used for productivity, collaboration, task management, organization. Of those, productivity and collaboration are not what Brain.fm is typically brought in for.
What can Forest App do that Brain.fm cannot?
Forest App covers Focus timer with gamification, Virtual tree growing system, Forest building and sharing, Focus statistics. Brain.fm covers Neuroscience-designed music, Focus tracks, Relaxation tracks, Sleep tracks.

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

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