Software · head to head
Forest vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Software
Enterprise endpoint security built into Microsoft 365
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Forest has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Forest no standalone desktop app; limited to browser extensions; Microsoft Defender for Endpoint pricing not published on public websites; quote required from Microsoft sales
- They diverge on capability: Forest covers Focus timer, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint covers Threat & vulnerability management.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Forest and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint actually diverge.
| Attribute | Forest | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | On request |
| Pricing model | Unknown | quote |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Founded | 2014 | 1975 |
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
- Focus timer
- Virtual forest building
- Real tree planting partnership
- Website/app blocking
- Statistics tracking
- Achievements & rewards
- Social features
- Custom tree species
Only in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Threat & vulnerability management
- Attack surface reduction
- Next-gen protection
- EDR
- Auto investigation
- Microsoft Threat Experts
- Threat analytics
- Secure score
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Forest
- Study sessionsnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Work focus timenot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Digital detoxnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Pomodoro techniquenot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Phone addiction managementnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Enterprise endpoint security across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS via Plans 1 or 2not Forest
- Small and medium-sized businesses using Microsoft Defender for Business as alternativenot Forest
- Organisations using Microsoft 365 E5 which includes Defender for Endpoint Plan 2not Forest
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Pricing not published on public websites; quote required from Microsoft sales
- Defender for Endpoint Plan 1 and Plan 2 do not include server licenses; additional licensing required for server protection
- Specific feature differences between Plan 1 and Plan 2 require consulting Microsoft documentation
Pricing, plan by plan
Forest
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Forest review.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
On requestNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint review.
Which should you pick?
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.
Choose Microsoft Defender for Endpoint if
- You need threat & vulnerability management.
- You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
- You also want attack surface reduction.
Questions people ask
- Is Forest or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint better?
- Neither clearly leads. Forest starts at Free and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Forest or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?
- Forest has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Forest and On request for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
- Does Forest or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint run on more platforms?
- Forest runs on iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
- Can I use Forest for free?
- Yes. Forest has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint starts at On request.
- What is Forest best used for?
- Forest is most often used for study sessions, work focus time, digital detox, pomodoro technique. Of those, study sessions and work focus time are not what Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is typically brought in for.
- What can Forest do that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint cannot?
- Forest covers Focus timer, Virtual forest building, Real tree planting partnership, Website/app blocking. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint covers Threat & vulnerability management, Attack surface reduction, Next-gen protection, EDR.
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.
SourceForest: 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.
SourceForest: 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.
SourceForest: 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.
SourceForest: 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.
SourceForest: 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.
SourceRelated pages
More on Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
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