All industries · head to head
TickTick vs Forest
The short version
- Each has a real cost: TickTick recurring task options are limited compared to dedicated project management tools; Forest no standalone desktop app; limited to browser extensions
- They diverge on capability: TickTick covers Task management, Forest covers Focus timer.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which TickTick and Forest actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (Unknown), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (All industries).
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 TickTick
- Task management
- Calendar integration
- Pomodoro timer
- Habit tracking
- Natural language input
- Collaboration
- Voice input
- Location reminders
Only in Forest
- Focus timer
- Virtual forest building
- Real tree planting partnership
- Website/app blocking
- Statistics tracking
- Achievements & rewards
- Social features
- Custom tree species
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
TickTick
- Personal task managementnot Forest
- Team collaborationnot Forest
- Project planningnot Forest
- Habit trackingnot Forest
- Time managementnot Forest
Forest
- Study sessionsnot TickTick
- Work focus timenot TickTick
- Digital detoxnot TickTick
- Pomodoro techniquenot TickTick
- Phone addiction managementnot TickTick
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
TickTick
- Recurring task options are limited compared to dedicated project management tools
- Reporting and analytics are minimal, providing little productivity trend visibility
- Calendar sync can be slow and unreliable, sometimes causing sync issues across devices
- API capabilities are basic, limiting direct integrations beyond Zapier and IFTTT
- Habit tracking becomes less useful once routines are well-established
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
Pricing, plan by plan
TickTick
Free- FreeFree
- Up to 9 lists
- Up to 99 tasks per list
- Basic reminders
- Premium$35.99/year
- Up to 299 lists
- Up to 999 tasks per list
- Advanced collaboration for up to 30 members
Forest
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Forest review.
Which should you pick?
Choose TickTick if
- You need task management.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Mac, iOS, iPad, Android, Apple Watch, Windows.
- You also want calendar integration.
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.
Questions people ask
- Is TickTick or Forest better?
- Neither clearly leads. TickTick starts at Free and Forest at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, TickTick or Forest?
- TickTick starts at Free and Forest at Free.
- Does TickTick or Forest run on more platforms?
- TickTick runs on Web, Mac, iOS, iPad, Android, Apple Watch, Windows. Forest runs on iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox.
- Can I use TickTick for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is TickTick best used for?
- TickTick is most often used for personal task management, team collaboration, project planning, habit tracking. Of those, personal task management and team collaboration are not what Forest is typically brought in for.
- What can TickTick do that Forest cannot?
- TickTick covers Task management, Calendar integration, Pomodoro timer, Habit tracking. Forest covers Focus timer, Virtual forest building, Real tree planting partnership, Website/app blocking.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
TickTick: What is TickTick?
TickTick is a cross-platform task management and productivity app that combines to-do lists, calendar views, habit tracking, reminders, and a Pomodoro timer. It helps users organize personal and work tasks across 10+ platforms including Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, and web.
SourceForest: 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.
SourceTickTick: What are TickTick's pricing options?
TickTick offers a permanent free plan and a premium plan at $35.99/year (listed price $49.99, currently discounted). The free plan includes up to 9 lists and basic features, while premium unlocks up to 299 lists, advanced collaboration for up to 30 members, and calendar subscriptions.
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.
SourceTickTick: Does TickTick have team features?
TickTick does not offer a dedicated team or family plan. Each user needs their own premium subscription. Premium users can share lists with up to 30 members for collaboration.
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.
SourceTickTick: What integrations does TickTick support?
TickTick supports integrations with 2,000+ apps through third-party platforms like Zapier, Make, n8n, and Integrately. It also supports calendar subscriptions with Google Calendar and Outlook, and has a basic OAuth API for developers.
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.
SourceTickTick: Is TickTick available offline?
TickTick requires an internet connection for syncing across devices. Offline functionality depends on the platform, with some mobile apps offering limited offline access but requiring connectivity for full features.
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.
Source