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Productivity · head to head

Microsoft OneNote vs Forest App

Microsoft OneNote logo

Microsoft OneNote

Productivity

Free digital note-taking application for all devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Forest App logo

Forest App

Productivity

Gamified focus timer and productivity app

From
$1.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Microsoft OneNote has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Microsoft OneNote full-featured OneNote requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription (from $9.99 per month for Personal); the standalone free version is web and mobile only; Forest App requires active user initiation to function, so it is ineffective if users forget to start a session
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft OneNote covers Digital notebook with sections and pages, Forest App covers Focus timer with gamification.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Microsoft OneNote and Forest App actually diverge.

Attributes where Microsoft OneNote and Forest App differ
AttributeMicrosoft OneNoteForest App
Starting priceFree$1.99/one-time
Pricing modelfreesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, IOS, Android, MacOS, WindowsiOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox
CategoryProductivityUnknown
Founded19752014

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

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 Microsoft OneNote

  • Digital notebook with sections and pages
  • Rich text formatting
  • Drawing and handwriting
  • Image and file attachments
  • Web clipper
  • Cross-platform sync
  • Collaboration and sharing
  • Search functionality

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

What people use each for

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

Microsoft OneNote

  • Productivity
  • Collaboration
  • Task management
  • Organization

Forest App

  • Productivity
  • Collaboration
  • Task management
  • Organization

Both are used for productivity, collaboration, task management, organization, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Microsoft OneNote

  • Full-featured OneNote requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription (from $9.99 per month for Personal); the standalone free version is web and mobile only

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

Pricing, plan by plan

Microsoft OneNote

Free
  • OneNoteFree
    • Unlimited free notes
    • Cross-device sync
    • Collaboration

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Microsoft OneNote if

  • You need digital notebook with sections and pages.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android, MacOS, Windows.
  • You also want rich text formatting.
Microsoft OneNote review

Choose Forest App if

  • You need focus timer with gamification.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox.
  • You also want virtual tree growing system.
Forest App review

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft OneNote or Forest App better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft OneNote starts at Free and Forest App at $1.99/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft OneNote or Forest App?
Microsoft OneNote has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Microsoft OneNote and $1.99/one-time for Forest App.
Does Microsoft OneNote or Forest App run on more platforms?
Microsoft OneNote runs on Web, IOS, Android, MacOS, Windows. Forest App runs on iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox.
Can I use Microsoft OneNote for free?
Yes. Microsoft OneNote has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Forest App starts at $1.99/one-time.
What is Microsoft OneNote best used for?
Microsoft OneNote is most often used for productivity, collaboration, task management, organization.
What can Microsoft OneNote do that Forest App cannot?
Microsoft OneNote covers Digital notebook with sections and pages, Rich text formatting, Drawing and handwriting, Image and file attachments. 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.

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
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
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
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Related pages

More on Microsoft OneNote

More on Forest App

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