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OmniFocus 3 vs Forest App

OmniFocus 3 logo

OmniFocus 3

Software

Professional task management for complex workflows

From
$39.99/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Forest App logo

Forest App

Software

Gamified focus timer and productivity app

From
$1.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: OmniFocus 3 apple platforms only apart from the web client: macOS 14, iOS or iPadOS 17, watchOS 10 or visionOS 2 and newer are required, with no Windows or Android app; Forest App requires active user initiation to function, so it is ineffective if users forget to start a session
  • They diverge on capability: OmniFocus 3 covers GTD-based task organization, Forest App covers Focus timer with gamification.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which OmniFocus 3 and Forest App actually diverge.

Attributes where OmniFocus 3 and Forest App differ
AttributeOmniFocus 3Forest App
Starting price$39.99/year$1.99/one-time
PlatformsMacOS, IOS, IPadOS, WebiOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox
Founded19932014

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), 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 OmniFocus 3

  • GTD-based task organization
  • Projects and subprojects
  • Contexts and tags
  • Custom perspectives
  • Automation
  • Quick entry
  • Sync across devices
  • Deferred and due dates

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.

OmniFocus 3

  • Getting Things Done style task and project management on Apple devicesnot Forest App
  • Capturing tasks with contexts, defer dates and review cyclesnot Forest App
  • Syncing a personal task database across Mac, iPhone, iPad and Watchnot Forest App

Forest App

  • Productivitynot OmniFocus 3
  • Collaborationnot OmniFocus 3
  • Task managementnot OmniFocus 3
  • Organizationnot OmniFocus 3

Where each one falls short

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

OmniFocus 3

  • Apple platforms only apart from the web client: macOS 14, iOS or iPadOS 17, watchOS 10 or visionOS 2 and newer are required, with no Windows or Android app
  • Web access is not included with a perpetual licence and costs an extra $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year
  • The Pro perpetual licence costs $149.99 against $74.99 for Standard
  • Future major upgrades are a paid discount rather than free for perpetual licence holders
  • The $99.99 per year subscription is the only option that bundles Pro plus web access

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

OmniFocus 3

$39.99/year
  • Standard$39.99/year
    • Mac and iOS apps
    • Cloud sync
    • Core features
  • Pro$99.99/year
    • Everything in Standard
    • Advanced automation
    • Perspective management

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 OmniFocus 3 if

  • You need gtd-based task organization.
  • You work on MacOS, IOS, IPadOS, Web.
  • You also want projects and subprojects.
OmniFocus 3 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 OmniFocus 3 or Forest App better?
Neither clearly leads. OmniFocus 3 starts at $39.99/year 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, OmniFocus 3 or Forest App?
OmniFocus 3 starts at $39.99/year and Forest App at $1.99/one-time.
Does OmniFocus 3 or Forest App run on more platforms?
OmniFocus 3 runs on MacOS, IOS, IPadOS, Web. Forest App runs on iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox.
What is OmniFocus 3 best used for?
OmniFocus 3 is most often used for getting things done style task and project management on apple devices, capturing tasks with contexts, defer dates and review cycles, syncing a personal task database across mac, iphone, ipad and watch. Of those, getting things done style task and project management on apple devices and capturing tasks with contexts, defer dates and review cycles are not what Forest App is typically brought in for.
What can OmniFocus 3 do that Forest App cannot?
OmniFocus 3 covers GTD-based task organization, Projects and subprojects, Contexts and tags, Custom perspectives. 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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