Software · head to head
Forest vs Paperpile
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; Paperpile sign-up is Chrome-only: the pricing page states you can only sign up for Paperpile on Chrome
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Forest and Paperpile actually diverge.
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 Paperpile
Nothing recorded that Forest does not also cover.
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Forest
- Study sessionsnot Paperpile
- Work focus timenot Paperpile
- Digital detoxnot Paperpile
- Pomodoro techniquenot Paperpile
- Phone addiction managementnot Paperpile
Paperpile
No use cases recorded yet. See the Paperpile review.
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
Paperpile
- Sign-up is Chrome-only: the pricing page states you can only sign up for Paperpile on Chrome
- All plans are billed annually with no monthly option, and multi-user licenses cannot mix Regular and Expert tiers
Pricing, plan by plan
Forest
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Forest review.
Paperpile
On requestNo published plan breakdown. See the Paperpile 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 Paperpile if
Nothing in the data separates Paperpile from Forest on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.
Questions people ask
- Is Forest or Paperpile better?
- Neither clearly leads. Forest starts at Free and Paperpile at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Forest or Paperpile?
- Forest has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Forest and On request for Paperpile.
- Does Forest or Paperpile run on more platforms?
- Forest runs on iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox. Paperpile runs on Web.
- Can I use Forest for free?
- Yes. Forest has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Paperpile 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 Paperpile is typically brought in for.
- What can Forest do that Paperpile cannot?
- 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.
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
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