Softwr

Software · head to head

Forest vs ProtoPie

Forest logo

Forest

Software

Stay focused, be present

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
ProtoPie logo

ProtoPie

Software

Create advanced interactive prototypes

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Forest no standalone desktop app; limited to browser extensions; ProtoPie the free plan allows 2 prototypes, 8 scenes per prototype and 50MB of cloud storage
  • They diverge on capability: Forest covers Focus timer, ProtoPie covers Interactive prototyping.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Forest and ProtoPie actually diverge.

Attributes where Forest and ProtoPie differ
AttributeForestProtoPie
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
PlatformsiOS, Android, Chrome, FirefoxWindows, Macos, Web, Ios, Android
Founded20142013

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 ProtoPie

  • Interactive prototyping
  • Data binding
  • Advanced interactions
  • Animation
  • Collaboration
  • Cloud sharing
  • Device testing
  • Code export

Both cover

  • Mobile deployment

What people use each for

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

Forest

  • Study sessionsnot ProtoPie
  • Work focus timenot ProtoPie
  • Digital detoxnot ProtoPie
  • Pomodoro techniquenot ProtoPie
  • Phone addiction managementnot ProtoPie

ProtoPie

  • Building high fidelity interactive prototypes without codenot Forest
  • Prototyping multi device and hardware interactionsnot Forest
  • Sharing prototypes with stakeholders for testingnot 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

ProtoPie

  • The free plan allows 2 prototypes, 8 scenes per prototype and 50MB of cloud storage
  • Free prototypes carry a watermark and shareable links require the Basic plan
  • Saving prototypes locally requires the Pro plan
  • Team libraries and handoff recordings require the Pro plan
  • Basic caps storage at 500MB and prototypes at 20
  • Single sign on, private servers, custom fonts and custom hardware integrations are Enterprise only
  • Enterprise requires a minimum of 3 seats and is priced by quote
  • Connect Core is a paid add on at $20 per user per month

Pricing, plan by plan

Forest

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Forest review.

ProtoPie

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Limited prototypes
    • Cloud storage
    • Basic sharing
  • Professional$25/month
    • Unlimited prototypes
    • Advanced interactions
    • Collaboration
  • Enterprise$75/month
    • Everything in Professional
    • Team features
    • Advanced security

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.
Forest review

Choose ProtoPie if

  • You need interactive prototyping.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want data binding.
ProtoPie review

Questions people ask

Is Forest or ProtoPie better?
Neither clearly leads. Forest starts at Free and ProtoPie at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Forest or ProtoPie?
Forest starts at Free and ProtoPie at Free.
Does Forest or ProtoPie run on more platforms?
Forest runs on iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox. ProtoPie runs on Windows, Macos, Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use Forest for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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 ProtoPie is typically brought in for.
What can Forest do that ProtoPie cannot?
Forest covers Focus timer, Virtual forest building, Real tree planting partnership, Website/app blocking. ProtoPie covers Interactive prototyping, Data binding, Advanced interactions, Animation. Both handle Mobile deployment.

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.

Source
Forest: 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.

Source
Forest: 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.

Source
Forest: 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.

Source
Forest: 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.

Source
Forest: 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.

Source
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