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Software · head to head

Forest App vs Todoist

Forest App logo

Forest App

Software

Gamified focus timer and productivity app

From
$1.99/one-time
Rated
-
Todoist logo

Todoist

Software

The world's #1 task manager and to-do list app

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only Todoist 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; Todoist no built-in time tracking for tasks; requires third-party integration like Toggl
  • They diverge on capability: Forest App covers Focus timer with gamification, Todoist covers Natural language input.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Forest App and Todoist actually diverge.

Attributes where Forest App and Todoist differ
AttributeForest AppTodoist
Starting price$1.99/one-timeFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsiOS, Android, Chrome, FirefoxWeb, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows
Founded20142007

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 Todoist

  • Natural language input
  • Recurring tasks
  • Projects and sub-tasks
  • Labels and filters
  • Priority levels
  • Productivity tracking
  • Templates
  • Notifications

What people use each for

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

Forest App

  • Productivitynot Todoist
  • Collaborationnot Todoist
  • Task managementnot Todoist
  • Organizationnot Todoist

Todoist

  • Personal task managementnot Forest App
  • Team project coordinationnot Forest App
  • Goal trackingnot Forest App
  • Habit buildingnot Forest App
  • Daily planningnot 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

Todoist

  • No built-in time tracking for tasks; requires third-party integration like Toggl
  • Free plan limited to 5 personal projects only
  • No Gantt charts, resource allocation, or advanced project management features for large enterprises
  • Phone support not available; email and help center only
  • Calendar view and advanced filtering only available 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

Todoist

Free
  • BeginnerFree
    • 5 personal projects
    • Smart Quick Add
    • Task reminders
  • Pro$5/month
    • 300 personal projects
    • Calendar layout
    • Custom task reminders
  • Business$8/month
    • Everything in Pro
    • Shared team workspace
    • Up to 500 team projects

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.

Choose Todoist if

  • You need natural language input.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows.
  • You also want recurring tasks.

Questions people ask

Is Forest App or Todoist better?
Neither clearly leads. Forest App starts at $1.99/one-time and Todoist at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Forest App or Todoist?
Todoist has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $1.99/one-time for Forest App and Free for Todoist.
Does Forest App or Todoist run on more platforms?
Forest App runs on iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox. Todoist runs on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows.
Can I use Todoist for free?
Yes. Todoist 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 Todoist is typically brought in for.
What can Forest App do that Todoist cannot?
Forest App covers Focus timer with gamification, Virtual tree growing system, Forest building and sharing, Focus statistics. Todoist covers Natural language input, Recurring tasks, Projects and sub-tasks, Labels and filters.

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
Todoist: Does Todoist work offline?

Basic editing and task management work offline, but advanced features like syncing reminders and shared updates require internet connectivity.

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
Todoist: Does Todoist have a free plan and what does it include?

Yes, Todoist offers a free Beginner plan with 5 personal projects, Smart Quick Add, task reminders, flexible layouts, 3 filter views, and 1 week activity history. More advanced features require the Pro or Business plans.

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
Todoist: Can I use Todoist on mobile devices?

Yes, Todoist offers native apps for both iOS and Android with over 30 million downloads. Mobile apps provide full task management functionality across devices.

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
Todoist: What integrations does Todoist support?

Todoist integrates with over 100 apps including Slack, Google Calendar, Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Gmail, and Toggl Track. Additional integrations are available through Zapier, Make, and IFTTT automation platforms.

Source
Todoist: How much does Todoist cost?

Free plan is $0. Pro plan costs $5/month (billed annually) or $7/month (monthly billing). Business plan costs $8/month per user (annual) or $10/month per user (monthly), as of December 2025.

Source

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