Software · head to head
Forest App vs Microsoft 365
Forest App
Software
Gamified focus timer and productivity app
- From
- $1.99/one-time
- Rated
- -
Microsoft 365
Software
Productivity apps with built-in AI, security and cloud storage in one plan
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Microsoft 365 has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Forest App requires active user initiation to function, so it is ineffective if users forget to start a session; Microsoft 365 free web tier caps storage at 5GB; Basic tier is $1.99/month for only 100GB
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Forest App and Microsoft 365 actually diverge.
| Attribute | Forest App | Microsoft 365 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $1.99/one-time | Free |
| Pricing model | subscription | freemium |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox | Web |
| Founded | 2014 | Unknown |
Identical on both: 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 Microsoft 365
Nothing recorded that Forest App does not also cover.
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Forest App
- Productivitynot Microsoft 365
- Collaborationnot Microsoft 365
- Task managementnot Microsoft 365
- Organizationnot Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365
No use cases recorded yet. See the Microsoft 365 review.
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
Microsoft 365
- Free web tier caps storage at 5GB; Basic tier is $1.99/month for only 100GB
- Family plan tops out at 6 people and AI features cannot be shared across family members even on paid plans
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
Microsoft 365
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft 365 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.
Questions people ask
- Is Forest App or Microsoft 365 better?
- Neither clearly leads. Forest App starts at $1.99/one-time and Microsoft 365 at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Forest App or Microsoft 365?
- Microsoft 365 has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $1.99/one-time for Forest App and Free for Microsoft 365.
- Does Forest App or Microsoft 365 run on more platforms?
- Forest App runs on iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox. Microsoft 365 runs on Web.
- Can I use Microsoft 365 for free?
- Yes. Microsoft 365 has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Forest App starts at $1.99/one-time.
- 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 Microsoft 365 is typically brought in for.
- What can Forest App do that Microsoft 365 cannot?
- 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.
SourceForest 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.
SourceForest 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.
SourceForest 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.
SourceRelated pages
More on Microsoft 365
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